For Immediate Release
APRIL 28, 2009

XTREME SEMICONDUCTOR TO SPEAK ON COUNTERFEIT SEMICONDUCTORS AT INDUSTRY CONFERENCES

LEANDER, TX - XTREME Semiconductor announced today that it has accepted speaking engagements at the Components for Military and Space Electronics Conference (CMSE) being held in San Diego, California and at the Aging Aircraft Show being held in Kansas City, Missouri in May.

The topic of XTREME Semiconductors presentations will be "Avoiding Counterfeit Components". The influx of counterfeit semiconductor product entering the supply chain through the "broker market" has created a serious risk to the quality and reliability of products and systems manufactured by companies who purchase these products. Counterfeit semiconductor products, largely coming from China, have made their way into almost every segment of the industry, from high reliability products used by the military, to commercial grade consumer products. Products sold through the broker market no longer carry the Original Component Manufacturers (OCM) warranty. Nor do they have a Certification of Conformance (C of C), an industry recognized document of "authenticity", providing traceability back to the OCM. XTREME Semiconductor Senior Partner Paul Hilfer adds, "Companies buying products without a C of C, providing traceability back to the original OCM, run a high risk of receiving counterfeit products in today's market".

XTREME Semiconductor, a company recognized for its creative solutions to industry problems, has developed a process called Certified End-of-Life (EOL) Product. This process helps customers mitigate the risks associated with receiving counterfeit semiconductor products. "All Certified EOL Product go through a multi-faceted product validation plan prior to actually accepting the product from the broker" says Marty Lanning, XTREME Semiconductor's other senior partner.  

"The price associated with combating this industry problem may be considered by some to be high, but the price of inaction can be catastrophic", says Lanning. Companies buying product in the broker market risk bearing the financial burden of receiving counterfeit product, which can amount to many times the original purchase price. "Without taking action to mitigate their risk, they are jeopardizing their own quality reputation should any counterfeit product make its way into their finished assemblies or systems" adds Hilfer.

XTREME Semiconductor collects data on all lots processed through their Certified EOL Product process. "The data confirms that the process works in identifying and weeding out counterfeit product", adds Lanning. During 2007 and 2008, XTREME Semiconductor identified and rejected Sixty-nine (69) lots of material as counterfeit. On average, 30-35 percent of the lots processed through the Certified EOL Product process were rejected. An additional 10-20 percent of the lots were rejected during the quoting process, where photos of product markings are examined for authenticity and a visual inspection is performed. Typical reasons for a lot rejection is visual anomalies, date code issues or because the product is determined to be used or refurbished. Doing your research prior to making any purchase from the broker market is a must. "Always request pictures, confirm lot date code and product marking information", adds Hilfer "and, if possible, try to determine the End-of Life (EOL) date of product prior to making your purchase". Gathering this information prior to making your purchase can save you time and money.

XTREME Semiconductor specializes in providing solutions for customers who are experiencing problems with the procurement of hard-to-find (DMS), obsolete and end-of-life (EOL) high reliability microelectronics components. For more information on XTREME Semiconductor, access our web site at: www.xtremesemi.com

XTREME Semiconductor recently moved to their new facility is located at 12908 Trails End Road, Suite E, Leander TX 78641; (512) 255-5401, Fax (512) 388-4046.

Contacts:

XTREME Semiconductor
Marty Lanning - 619-255-7755
Paul Hilfer - 512-255-5401

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