CPLDs

[linxh]

Recently,we has procured 3 lots  of devices.Device is XC95288-15HQ208I.

We suspect that the three parts are not genuine Xilinx.

Is there something strange about the device markings?

Image attached.

[linxh]

Recently,we has procured 3 lots  of devices.Device is XC95288-15HQ208I.

We suspect that the three parts are not genuine Xilinx.

Is there something strange about the device markings?

Image attached.

[gszakacs]

The third part is missing the serifs on the "I" for the device temperature grade.  I seem

to recall another recent thread where this was mentioned (I believe that thread referred to

the serifs as "bars").

The problem with counterfeit parts is that the counterfeiters are usually quite good at

imitating part markings.  Usually you need to electrically test the parts to tell if they

are good.  Even then, you may have parts that have been re-marked for a different

speed and/or temperature grade, which may make them fail in your system.

The only way to avoid this is to buy parts from a franchised Xilinx distributor.

For parts that are past end-of-life, there are testing services which perfom a variety

of functions including electrical tests, X-Ray examination, and die examination

(the last being destructive).  For parts that are still available through normal distribution

it is much better to avoid this.

-- Gabor

[linxh]

One more related query please - can you look for the LOT code?

[eteam00]

One more related query please - can you look for the LOT code?

Probably not.

Why would Xilinx want to publish -- in a public forum -- advice for counterfeiters (e.g.  which font mistakes to correct, which lot codes to avoid, etc.) ?

Neither Gabor nor I are Xilinx employees, as far as I know.

-- Bob Elkind

[ayang]

The first two parts could be good, the 3rd one definitely is not. 

/Arthur

[barriet]

A valid lot code doesn't prove much. You would think package remarkers would at least use a valid existing lot code, but they apparently sometimes don't. There are other issues such as remarked temp, speed grade, device - even manufacturer. Not to mention outright fakes - possible issues with ESD damage, poor rework, etc.

There are multiple threads here on counterfeit  or reworked parts.

The simple answer is to buy your devices from an authorized distributor.

http://www.xilinx.com/company/contact/auth-disti-table.htm

http://www.xilinx.com/support/answers/33557.htm (XC4000 - Are the devices real or fake? Are the devices counterfeit?)

bt

[jheslip · Accepted solution]

Here is the official answer to this http://www.xilinx.com/support/answers/33557.htm basically the only way to guarantee that the parts are genuine is to purchase them from an authorised distributor. If they are purchased on the "grey" market there is no way to know if they are genuine and even if they are they may have being handled etc..incorrectly causing damage.