Active filters amplify desired signals while rejecting unwanted frequencies, and can be tailored to meet application-specific requirements in electronics.
Amplifiers boost signal strength, match impedance levels, and are essential in many circuit systems, including audio, broadcasting, and telecommunications.
Batteries store and provide electrical energy, come in various types and sizes for multiple uses, rechargeable or single-use.
Capacitors store electrical charge with metallic plates and a dielectric; types vary and can be combined for specific circuit characteristics.
Chip carriers and sockets provide an interface between components and PCBs, enabling easy replacement or upgrading without soldering.
Circuit protection devices prevent damage from overcurrent flow, including fuses, breakers, surge protectors, and voltage regulators.
Connector accessories and support devices aid connector function and longevity, including backshells, grips, clamps, and ties; must be compatible with connector type.
Connectors join electronic circuits to transfer signals and power, come in various sizes and shapes, and include support accessories.
Converters transform DC input to another voltage level, essential in electronic systems, renewable energy, and automotive electronics.
Crystals and resonators generate and stabilize frequency signals via piezoelectricity. They are used in timing, frequency control, and filters. Crystals are quartz and resonators are ceramic with a built-in capacitor.
Semiconductor diodes control current flow in one direction (uni-directionality) via low resistance. Useful for rectification, voltage regulation, detection, and digital logic.
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Fiber optics use light pulses to transmit data over long distances. They have superior bandwidth capacity, low signal attenuation, and secure physical properties. They are essential in telecommunications networks today.
Filters enhance signal processing by selectively passing desired frequencies while suppressing unwanted ones. Filters can be passive (using capacitors, resistors, and inductors) or active (using transistors or amplifiers).
Flash devices are non-volatile storage solutions that offer fast read and write speeds, making them ideal for applications requiring high-speed data transfer. These devices utilize flash memory technology, providing reliable storage for data-intensive tasks such as gaming, multimedia, and enterprise-level applications.
General purpose ICs consist of multiple individual circuits or components (e.g., logic gates, amplifiers, oscillators, etc.) that are combined onto a single integrated circuit chip for a smaller physical footprint.
I/O and storage controllers are crucial components in computer systems, managing input/output operations and storage devices. These controllers facilitate efficient data transfer between peripherals, storage drives, and the central processing unit (CPU), enhancing system performance and enabling seamless connectivity.
Inductors store energy in magnetic fields, oppose sudden changes in current flow and prevent electrical surges. Common inductor applications include power supplies, signal filters, and oscillators.
Interface ICs allow efficient device connectivity with high-speed data transfer and low power consumption.They can be ASIC or FPGA types, and may perform additional functions such as sensing, storage, and conversion.
Logic ICs can be used for storage, memory, amplification, and multiplexing. They perform fundamental logical operations on digital input signals (1, 0, H, L) to generate a corresponding digital output signal.
Memory modules are essential components in electronic devices, storing data temporarily or permanently for processing and retrieval. From volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) to non-volatile ROM (Read-Only Memory), memory technologies vary in speed, capacity, and functionality, catering to diverse application requirements.
Memory ICs store digital data and retain the information even when the power is turned off. They come in various types, like RAM (Random Access Memory) for fast data access, and ROM (Read-Only Memory) for permanent data storage.
Miscellaneous semiconductor components are a diverse category of electronic components that combines elements from a mix of component devices.
Optoelectronic devices interact with light. This family of devices can emit light, detect light, generate current, and transmit light signals for long-distance communication.
Oscillators generate repetitive waveforms, such as sine, square, or triangle waves. They are commonly used to produce stable and precise frequencies for applications like clocks, signal generation, and communication systems.
Other Function Semiconductor components are a diverse category of semiconductor components that perform a range of specialized functions.
Passive component networks operate without a power source and support data transmission within system by performing filtering, energy storage, and/or signal coupling functions.
Peripheral ICs (Integrated Circuits) are designed to control and manage the peripheral devices connected to a computer or other electronic device.
Programmable Logic ICs are user-programmable devices that allow designers to create custom logic circuits. These cost saving ICs offer real-time data processing and maximum design flexibilty.
RF (Radio Frequency) and microwave devices are used in telecommunications, wireless communications, and electronic systems. These devices include amplifiers, attenuators, filters, mixers, oscillators, and antennas, and a host of other components.
Voltage regulators are used to ensure a constant output voltage despite power fluctuations and load changes. Linear and switching regulators are common types used to maintain voltage stability.
Relays are electromagnetic switches that are used to control the flow of electrical current in an electrical circuit. Relays are a safe means of providing isolation between a controlling circuit and a controlled circuit.
Resistors control the flow of electrical current in a circuit by introducing a set resistance. These passive components reduce current flow, adjust signal levels, and bias active elements in circuits.
Transducers convert energy from one form to another and are crucial in sensing, audio and control systems. They transform physical measures like temperature, pressure, or sound into electrical signals for circuits.
Storage drives are hardware devices used to store and retrieve digital data in computers and electronic devices. These drives come in various forms, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and hybrid drives, offering different levels of capacity, speed, and durability to suit specific storage needs.
Storage media encompass physical or digital mediums used for storing and preserving digital data. From optical discs and magnetic tapes to USB flash drives and memory cards, storage media come in diverse formats and capacities, offering flexibility and reliability for data storage and archival purposes.
Storage systems comprise hardware and software components designed to manage and store digital data efficiently. These systems range from simple standalone devices to complex network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area network (SAN) solutions, providing scalable storage capacity and data protection features for businesses and enterprises.
Switches control electrical current flow by making or breaking connections. These devices vary in design and application, from basic on/off switches to complex industrial automation systems.
Telecom integrated circuits (ICs) are specialized electronics for telecommunications, tailored to high data rates, low power use, and reliable long-distance transmission. These devices include amplifiers, filters, ADCs, DACs, and more-- and they are often integrated on one chip for specific telecom tasks.
Terminal blocks, or connection terminals, are modular blocks that bring together multiple electrical wires at one connection point. They offer a reliable, organized way to terminate cables.
Thermal management devices control heat in electronic systems, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Examples include heat sinks, fans, and thermal interface materials that dissipate or transfer heat away from components.
Transformers are devices that alter electrical voltage levels between circuits through electromagnetic induction. They are vital in power distribution, converting high-voltage electricity for transmission and lower voltage for safe usage.
Transistors are 3-layer semiconductor devices that regulate the flow of electrical current. They function as amplifiers, boosting weak signals, and as switches, controlling the flow of current between terminals.
Triggering devices initiate electronic processes or events in response to specific conditions. These devices support many automated tasks such as activating switches and signals, or turning on lights when motion is detected.
Video cards, also known as graphics cards or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), are essential components in computers, responsible for rendering graphics and images on display devices. These cards feature dedicated processors and memory, delivering smooth and immersive visual experiences for gaming, multimedia, and professional applications.
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Manufacturers, like Texas Instruments (TI), strongly encourage their customers to purchase electronic components through their authorized sources. And this is for good reason. The risk of receiving poor-functioning, low-quality, and of course counterfeit electronic components increases once the parts are sold out on the open market. In fact, most manufacturers (including TI) do not provide warranty coverage or customer support for parts purchased outside of their authorized channels. But—you’re here because we know that in practice, this is not always possible. We’ve developed this guide to help buyers, quality control teams, test technician teams, and everyday consumers develop a reasonable eye for evaluating parts by Texas Instruments should they be faced with the prospect of ordering outside of authorized/franchised distribution channels. We are making this guide available in our efforts to advance the understanding of electronic components, unauthorized counterfeiting, and other issues under fair use. A visual examination of the label can serve as an initial means to detect potential counterfeit parts. By comparing the label details of a specific component with its printed markings and corresponding datasheet specifications, we can get one step closer to making an educated decision about the product’s authenticity.
Once you’ve received your components from your supplier, your initial component evaluation should always begin with a review of the datasheet. This will familiarize you and your team with the device and help you understand any special markings or label information. Then, a visual examination of the device’s labels is an essential step for detecting potentially counterfeit parts. Exterior packaging labels on boxes, bags, and reels generally provide more information about components than individual markings on the body of the device because of size constraints. As we push for smaller and smaller individual components, identification becomes more challenging. When space allows, standard device markings for TI parts can include a TI logo, part number, lot trace code information, and environmental designations. But with smaller packages, you may only have a 4-character string and binary code marks to work with.
Larger TI labels provide key information about the part and expected characteristics, often including the TI Part Number (MPN), date/lot code, Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL), terminal plating details, Country of Origin (COO), and more. A typical label from Texas Instruments will look something like this:
The Texas Instruments emblem will be displayed on every product label. TI's logo is an outline of the U.S. State of Texas. Within that shape, you’ll find the lowercase letters "t” and “i" superimposed at a gentle slant. Generally, you will find the word "Texas" to the right side of the logo and the word "Instruments" under the word "Texas." In some versions, the entire word "Texas Instruments" falls to the right side of the Texas logo shape.
When space permits, additional logos and emblems can be found on the packaging label.
Since TI follows JEDEC J-STD 609 and China and EU RoHS requirements, you’ll find labeling that is compliant with those standards. Standardized lead-free finish categories tell us about the part’s terminal finish material, body material, and/or the solder type used in board assembly. TI adopted J-STD-609 labeling for lead-free products in June 2004—so parts with date codes prior to 2004 may have a different labeling style or designation for lead-free parts. As of this writing, the current lead-free finish category labels are:
e0
contains intentionally added lead (Pb)
e1
tin-silver-copper (SnAgCu) with silver content greater than 1.5% and no other intentionally added elements
e2
tin (Sn) alloys with no bismuth (Bi) or zinc (Zn), excluding tin-silver-copper (SnAgCu) alloys in e1 and e8
e3
tin (Sn)
e4
precious metal (e.g., silver (Ag), gold (Au), nickel-palladium (NiPd), nickel-palladium-gold (NiPdAu) (no tin (Sn))
e5
tin-zinc (SnZn), tin-zinc-other (SnZnX) (all other alloys containing tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn) and not containing bismuth (Bi))
e6
contains bismuth (Bi)
e7
low temperature solder (≤ 150 ºC) containing indium (In) [no bismuth (Bi)]
e8
tin-silver-copper (SnAgCu) with silver content less than or equal to 1.5%, with or without intentionally added alloying elements. This category does not include any alloys described by e1 and e2 or containing bismuth or zinc in any quantity.
e9
symbol – unassigned
Texas Instruments also employs its very own “Green Standard” marking nomenclature known as TI Green. The TI Green labeling nomenclature is used for parts that meet the J-STD-609 lead requirements AND also meet TI’s own designated “Green” requirements. As of this writing, TI applies the green labeling to components that are manufactured with ‘Green’ molding compounds ( i.e, Bromine (Br) and Antimony (Sb) free) per the TI-defined limits. When green molds are used, the “eCat-code” of one level simply becomes a “G-code” of that same level. For example, a part that was previously marked e2 would become G2 if that part now also meets TI’s green requirements as well. You can find the requirements for TI-Green status in TI’s “Low Halogen” statement and check the status of green compliance at ti.com/productcontent.
Additionally, you can easily tell the difference between standard non-RoHS parts, lead-free, and lead-free “green” packages by simply looking at the TI part number. The lead-free eCat or G-code is added to the tail end of the regular part number. See for example:
Standard Part Number:
SN74LS07NSR
Part Number with RoHS/Green Suffix
SN74LS07NSRG4
TI parts that meet the requirements for RoHS will have labels that contain a lead-free (Pb-free) symbol. This symbol will appear above the “eCat-code” or” G-code” (Green) designation (See Figure 3) that TI assigns.
In 2007, Texas Instruments added updated symbols to its labels to meet China’s RoHS requirements. This symbol appears on the labels seen above as 2 chasing arrows with an “e” in the middle. For parts that exceed any China RoHS thresholds, the “e” is usually replaced by the number fifty “50” which tells us the Environmentally Friendly (safe use) Period (or EFUP) for the product. In this case, a 50 means that for this product, it will be “50 years” before any substance is likely to leak out into the environment with normal use. Texas Instruments has based this value of “50” on the time period generally assigned to lead (Pb). The EFUP value or number of years may differ depending on the product make-up.
When there is space, E-cat codes and G-codes are printed on both labels and individual devices. When they appear as device markings, both codes will be underscored and will appear in a font size that is smaller than the part number.
Additionally, if the part is registered to CSA (Canadian Standards Association ) or UL (Underwriter Laboratories), you will see these designators on the label. (See Figure 6 and 7)
The label below is a replica that represents a fictional TI device. It has been modified for teaching purposes.
When reading TI product labels, it is important that all label details and part markings “tell the same story,” and the label details match what is provided in TI’s datasheet. For example, if the Moisture Sensitivity Level or terminal plating designator deviates from the specifications designated for the part, the label would be regarded as suspicious. Or, if the bag seal date on the label precedes the date of manufacture (a physically implausible scenario), the material would need to be further scrutinized.
By comparing the label details of a specific component with the corresponding specifications outlined in its official datasheet, we can identify any inconsistencies or discrepancies that may arise.
Like most manufacturers, Texas Instruments tracks all products from the raw materials phase through to final production and shipment to an end customer. This traceability includes the assignment of a unique Ship Track Code (STC) for every container bag, box, or reel that represents the tracking number for the shipping container used to move your parts.
Many Texas Instruments parts can be identified using Ship Track Codes (STC) and/or the Lot Trace Codes printed on TI’s standard 2D label. The STC, in particular, can be used to verify authenticity when you still have the original TI packaging. The code on your exterior packaging and boxes should match the code on the intermediate packaging (bag/reel) of the parts you have on hand. However, if you no longer have the original TI packaging, the Lot Trace Code (LTC) must be used to cross-check.
Lot Trace Codes are seven digits long, and can appear on devices as single or double lines. These codes vary based on manufacturing volumes. Lot Trace Codes can be found printed on the top of TI devices. Several different lot trace codes may be produced each month.
It is also often the case that date codes on TI labels are representative of nearby date codes. Please note that per Texas Instruments’ general quality guidelines (Rev. 0), when Texas Instruments packs a shipment, up to four (4) date codes may be combined into one intermediate manufacturing pack (bag/box/reel). In an original TI-packed order, these date codes will not be more than 52 weeks apart. This time is calculated using the oldest Lot Trace Code and the newest Lot Trace Code in the batch, not an official 52-week calendar year.
For example, labels and component devices that read 8B (November 2018), 8C (December 2018), 91 (January 2019), and 92 (February 2019) for example—could be packaged together.
The appearance of Lot Trace Codes and other markings may vary based on the package size of the device. Sometimes there simply is not enough real estate on the face of the device to provide a deeper level of marking detail. In fact, many small package devices will not feature a Lot Trace Code on the body of the part at all. In some cases, traceability for that part comes down to the basic month and year that device type was produced.
A grade marking may also be applied on the top left-hand side of a device package. This is often difficult to see unless the device is held at an angle in the light.
Technology has pushed the limits on how small electronic components can go. Some device packages are so small that they can fit just a handful of markings if any. For the smallest of components, often a Binary Number system or “Base 2” is used. This is the simplest known numbering system, and it only uses 2 digits—ones (1s) and zeros (0s)! By contrast, most of us are familiar with “Base 10” which is the 0 -9 numbering system.
Here is a basic TI part that features the binary coding system:
In the example we have here, the device bears the painted marking “VBGI” and has 4 notches or slots above and below the main marking. The top row of slots tells us the year code, and the bottom row of slots gives us the month code. We have also illustrated the slot placement of this same device in the graphic. (Figure 8)
When a slot is empty, it is given the value zero (0). If a line exists in the slot—it is given a value of one (1). If we look at the upper 4 slots of our example device, we get a pattern of “empty, line, line, line” or “0, 1, 1, 1.”
Once we’ve determined the binary code configuration, we can use a table to derive the Base 10 number value.
If we convert the top row binary code in our example (0111) to Base 10, we get the number 7 for the year. When we perform the same operation for the bottom binary code slots, we get “empty, line, empty, empty” or “0, 1, 0, 0”. We can convert this to Base 10 as well and we get the number 4 for the month. Together, these upper and lower-slotted binary codes tell us that we have a date code of “74” (in YM format) or April 2017.*
Always remember that the device’s datasheet will likely have all the information you need to know about how to read the date code for that device. Always consult your datasheet!
*Binary Challenges When the date code is given in YM format, it can be difficult (or next to impossible) to accurately determine the true date code without the help of a label. For TI devices (and possibly other manufacturers), the years 2007, 2017, and 2027 would all be marked using the binary code 0111, or the number 7. This is a limitation of the binary system and could add confusion in some instances. You would need to refer to the device’s boxes and other labeling to confirm the exact “7-ending” year (e.g., 1997, 2007, 2017, 2027, etc.).
As another example, consider the device below that bears a date code marked as "31" in YM format. Without a corresponding label, these parts could potentially be misrepresented as having a date code of 2023 or later, while in reality, they might have a date code of 2013 or even 2003.
However, when we consider the device along with its accompanying label, the story is clearer. The device’s date code checks out as 2023. The reel’s labeling confirms to us that this device is part of a mixed reel (multiple date codes). The oldest possible date code in this batch would be October 2022, and the newest would be from the second week of 2023 (January). The shipment/reel packaging was sealed on February 14, 2023.
In yet another example, we see a device with a “2B” date code marking (November 2022) that matches up with its accompanying label which gives a date code of “2244” (44th week of 2022), or November 2022. The bag seal date also checks out as November 2022. Together, these factors increase our confidence that these parts are genuine based on the labeling review.
In this example, we find a situation where the device date code does not completely match the labeling details. The two “Year-Month” (YM) digits found in the ITEM field on the label (July 2022) did not correspond to the date code on the device (June 2022)—and there was no labeling indication that the reel would contain mixed date codes (via an entry in the 2DC box). The date code on the label also gives us “2226” (indicating the 26th week of 2022). (Now, this happens to be a split week where June 2022 ends and July 2022 begins—which may explain the marking discrepancy between the label and device.) However, subsequent device testing uncovered the presence of blacktopping on the parts, indicating that the original part marking could have been altered or tampered with. In this case, the parts must be deemed suspect counterfeit and the nonconformance noted.
In this example, we find another situation where the device date code does not completely match the labeling details. The device in this case bears the Year-Month binary marking "74" (April 2017), but the label indicates "84" (April 2018), and the reel does not indicate that there should be mixed date codes included. Additionally, this date code combination pushes at the very limit of the 52-week quality guideline that TI provides for date code mixing. Upon further inspection, we also find an error in the peak temperature stated on the label. According to the device’s datasheet and technical specifications, this temperature should read 260°C instead of 206°C as shown on the label here. These inconsistencies strongly suggest that the label is counterfeit and/or the devices were repackaged carelessly.
Here, the date code indicated on the label is "18" (in YM format, highlighted in red). However, the date code marked on the parts is "4C" (in YM format, also outlined in red). It is important to note that the date code marking follows the YMS format, where "Y" represents the last digit of the manufacturing year, "M" denotes the month of manufacture, and "S" signifies the assembly site code. The parts contained in the reel do not correspond to the date code provided on this label.
In this case, the bag seal date, as highlighted in red on the label, precedes the date of manufacture, presenting a physically implausible scenario. The date of manufacture is denoted as 1852 (52nd week of 2018), while the bag seal date of 12/19/18 is situated in the 51st week of 2018. This inconsistency renders the label suspect for counterfeiting. Additionally, the date code on the label reads "8A" (representing the 10th month of 2018 in YM format), while the date code on the part displays "8C" (indicating the 12th month of 2018 in YM binary format). Such discrepancies further suggest that the label is likely counterfeit.
Texas Instrument’s qualified military product follows marking standards required by MIL-PRF-38535. This MIL-standard requires that the lot date code be formatted as year-year-week-week (YYWW). The date code may include an optional suffix to help determine between multiple lots of the same device that are assembled in the same week. All other TI product will follow TI’s standard guidelines.
Most issues with counterfeiting arise when electronic components become end-of-life or obsolete. Being aware of the production status of the material you’re looking for is very important. If the parts are outside of current production, you’ll need to pay close attention to the quality of material coming in from your supply chain.
Texas Instruments’ official End-of-Life (EOL) notice will communicate all last buy and final delivery dates. For most obsolete products, Texas Instruments allows customers a buffer or window of 12 months for the last order and an additional 6 months for customers to take final delivery of the parts.
Very often, product purchased on the open market or from independent distributors may arrive with labels that do not provide a clear traceability picture. The example image of a reel below is quite common.
Labels may be redacted, scratched off, or blacked out by supply chain partners to hide the Ship Track Code and Lot Trace Codes. This is typically done when parts have been removed from authorized distribution channels at some point, and diverters wish to conceal which facility has participated in the “leak.” Without these tracking codes available to trace, end users and manufacturers are not able to trace the “escapes” back to a specific facility. There is a chance that these parts are still authentic, but the risk increases significantly for counterfeiting when the traceability is not clear. Further testing would be required to rule out counterfeit risk.
Always be diligent and use your common sense. The aforementioned measures, while valuable as initial steps, may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the part's authenticity. For critical components, you should consider may using specialized testing laboratories to learn more about the component you’ve purchased. These facilities are equipped with advanced equipment to conduct more in-depth analyses of electronic components.
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Nye, L. (2006). Environmentally Friendly Solutions to Meet Your Semiconductor Packaging Needs. Texas Instruments. https://www.ti.com/pdfs/logic/Environmentally_Friendly_Solutions.pdf
Rath, R. (2023, February 23). TI Low Halogen (Green) Statement. https://www.ti.com/lit/ml/szzq077g/szzq077g.pdf
Texas Instruments. (2007). PCN #: 20070518001: Texas Instruments Incorporated Enterprise Notification: Addition of RoHS Designation Symbols to Semiconductor Product Labels. At TI.com. Texas Instruments. https://www.ti.com/lit/cr/szzq089/szzq089.pdf
Texas Instruments. (2023a). Logo product labeling | Environmental information (Eco-info) | Quality & reliability | TI.com. www.ti.com; Texas Instruments. https://www.ti.com/support-quality/environmental-info/logo-product-labeling.html
Texas Instruments. (2023b). Packaging Part Marking Lookup | Texas Instruments. www.ti.com; Texas Instruments. https://www.ti.com/packaging/docs/partlookup.tsp
Texas Instruments General Quality Guidelines, Rev.0. (2021). At TI.com. Texas Instruments. https://www.ti.com/lit/ml/szzq076o/szzq076o.pdf
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