The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and Rochester Electronics have teamed to create a global directory of companies authorized by original semiconductor manufacturers to distribute their products. Meant to help minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit or substandard parts, the directory provides two quick and easy worldwide search tool options to help buyers find authorized distributors: They can search by semiconductor manufacturer or by part number. A link to the directory is provided below.
According to George Karalias, Director of Marketing and Communications at Rochester Electronics, "Just this month, two Florida individuals were indicted for conspiracy, trafficking in counterfeit goods, and mail fraud. In two years, the accused generated over $15.8 million in gross receipts selling counterfeit components they acquired from China and Hong Kong. Some of these components, falsely marked as military grade,' went to the US Navy and defense contractors. This is the reason we created The Authorized Directory."