Fake microchipsAPDN helps prevent government use of fake microchips

Applied DNA Sciences Inc. (APDN), recently announced that it is working with the U.S. government to prevent the use of counterfeit microchips in mission-critical hardware that can lead to potential life-threatening equipment failures.

The New York based firm specializes in the development of plant based DNA markers that can be safely inserted into any material to ensure its authenticity. So far its DNA markers have been successfully placed in cash, casino chips, and even textile fibers to safeguard against counterfeiters.

Now the company is launching a pilot program in conjunction with the government that is designed to ensure that phony microchips do not enter critical supply chains.

With the growth of outsourcing and global production chains, pirated microchips have begun appearing in everything from cell phones to fighter jets.

For instance, crews at a U.S. Navy air base recently discovered a counterfeit microchip in a night-attack Marine Corps fighter jet.

Robert P. Ernst, the head of the Naval Air Systems Command anti-counterfeiting team, investigated the issue and found that the chip, which was used in the jet’s night control systems, did not contain lead in its solder joints and could therefore cause the chip to fail and disrupt the plane’s controls.

After calling the chip’s suppliers, Ernst’s teams were quickly able to determine that the military had been duped into purchasing fake chips.

“At the supposed company offices, I heard children chattering.” Ernst says. ”It was the ‘Aha’ moment for me on counterfeit parts.”

Ernst explains that the supplier was a small business operated by two people from their home, making them easy targets for large counterfeiting operations who frequently sell to these types of companies who lack the training or equipment to verify their goods.

It is estimated that 15 percent of all microchips sold to the U.S. military are fake and the problem is on the rise. From 2007 to 2010, U.S. officials seized more than 5.6 million pirated components that were destined to be used in both commercial and military applications.

To combat this growing problem, APDN is tagging microchips with unique strands of DNA that cannot be replicated.

“DNA marking is the premiere forensic anti-counterfeiting platform, and by implementing this program the U.S. Government is taking a major step toward adding a powerful tool for future counterfeit detection and prevention and reducing the risk of procuring sub-standard parts,” said Dr. James Hayward, the CEO and president of APDN.

He went on to say, “DNA marking has been validated and proven to be logistically easy to implement in the commercial semiconductor industry and APDN is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the government to showcase its versatility in support of the War Fighters.”

APDN’s markers can safely be placed in all electronic components including semiconductors, printed circuit boards, and resistors.

“We intend to draw a line in the sand, to stop the progress of this problem today,” said Dr. Hayward.