Categories
Electronic Components

Counterfeit electronic component detection

How to benchmark your suppliers' counterfeit mitigation process

When you work in the electronic components industry, it is inevitable at some point you will come face-to-face with counterfeit electronic components. It is a veritable stone in the shoe of the electronic component industry, worth hundreds of billions of dollars. 

No matter where you are purchasing your parts from, having a good understanding of the steps and processes that your electronic components supplier follows for mitigating the risk of counterfeit parts is critical to protecting your supply chain and long-term reputation.  

With over 30 years of experience in the electronics industry, specialising in hard to find and obsolete components, at Cyclops Electronics we have a lot of knowledge when it comes to identifying and avoiding counterfeit electronic components. Our team of highly qualified inspectors have accumulated almost a century of experience between them, and we take pride in how vigilantly we deal with this supply chain havoc-wreaker. 

In this post we would like to share some of our know-how on how to detect counterfeit electronics and our testing and processes for electronic components counterfeit mitigation. It will arm you with the information you need to make informed, wise decisions about which brokers to work with and who works to the highest standards. 

What are counterfeit electronic components?

To make sure we are all on the same page, it is probably best that we define what a counterfeit electronic component is.  

A counterfeit, or ‘suspect’ electronic component is any component that is deliberately misrepresented in its production. Often counterfeit components are used to copy and profit off more high-quality, reliable electronic component manufacturers.  

There is a chance that the counterfeit components would work with the same function as their original counterpart. The issue arises when they do not have the longevity, or integrity, of the original. Buyers can end up spending a fortune on parts that will not work or will damage their circuitry, and there will be no one to hold to account. This is why it is so vital to have trusted brokers in your supply chain, so the risk to you is minimised.  

There are countries that are more infamous for the amount of counterfeit electronics produced there, but they can come from anywhere. Professionals at every stage of the supply chain have to be vigilant to mitigate the risk of counterfeit components to their customers.  

As long as there has been chip shortages, there has been a counterfeit industry, with new prolific methods accompanying each decade. In the 90s, among other things, it was counterfeit SRAM during the shortage. Then the 2000s began with counterfeit tantalum capacitors during the component’s allocation period.  

What do counterfeit electronic parts look like?

Most of the inspections undertaken within Cyclops Electronics facilities – or in vetted test houses we work with – are undertaken with highly specialised equipment.  

Here are some relatively common electronics counterfeit giveaways to look out for when you are inspecting electronic components: 

Evidence of packaging tampering

If you receive your components and the packaging looks damaged, this is the first sign to suspect they are counterfeit electronics. The packaging may look damaged beyond reasonable transportation wear and tear, or the tape may look tampered with.  

Key indicators of this include: 

  • Water damage 
  • Puncture marks 
  • Packaging does not match previous deliveries 

If this is the case, there is a chance that the electronic components have been tampered with or switched. It is worth notifying the vendor and the courier to make them aware of this issue, whether counterfeit is detected or not. 

A box with a DHL shipping label on it. The tape sealing the box reads 'repacked'
An industry example of goods that have been repackaged

Verify all included information

A white box with 'Vishay General Semiconductor written across it, however 'general' has been misspelled with an 'I' instead of an 'L'
An industry example of counterfeit packaging with spelling errors

All electronic components should come with packaging documentation and product datasheets are available online.  

Check the following information: 

  • Date code 
  • Part number 
  • Sealing date 
  • All other displayed information 
  • Packing date was after the date of manufacture.  
  • Spelling mistakes. Just like with spam emails, this is sometimes the easiest way to detect a counterfeit electronic component. 

The importance of the ‘golden sample’ 

In electronic component counterfeit detection, the ‘golden sample’ is an electronic component, reel or tray that has come directly from the manufacturer or from a franchised distributor. It is good practice to compare all, or at least any suspect incoming goods, to a golden sample. If there are discrepancies, it is a good indicator of potential counterfeit. 

Something unique and specialist that Cyclops can offer above its competitors is our cross-database checks. Thanks to our years of experience in the industry we have built a huge database of electronic component images. We can compare incoming goods to these industry standards where other providers don’t have the same resource.

Count and consistency

Usually when you buy electronic components they will be in trays, reels or cut tap. You may even get bags of components delivered to you. So, count them. There will often be partial factory quantity, so make sure you have the correct count ordered. 

More than just the outer packaging of the components, the quality of the inner packaging can be indicative too. If a reel is discoloured or warped, it can indicate damage or tampering, and the same applies to the orientation of parts on a tray or reel. Parts may have been removed and replaced if they are not all oriented in the same direction.  

Electronic counterfeit detection methods

A lot of the ways to detect counterfeit electronic components mentioned above are included under the banner of visual inspection. It is often the first line of defence when avoiding counterfeit electronic parts. There are more advanced, accurate tests that often need to be used to minimise the risk of counterfeit components 

Decapsulation and delidding

Decapsulation involves the corrosion of the top layer of a component to check the internal die wafer and wafer bonds. Cyclops uses an acid-free DPA System, instead of the traditional wet chemical process. This method is much cleaner than the wet chemical alternative, and means our staff are not at risk of inhaling any harmful chemicals. 

Decapping is commonly used for devices with plastic packaging. Once the package cavity is exposed the internal die wafer can be checked. It should match the golden sample in layout and structure. It is a form of destructive testing – once this test is performed, the part cannot be used.  

X-ray testing and XRF

X-ray testing shows defects through the electronic component without having to damage the die wafer inside. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing takes this a step further and can tell you the material composition of the component.  

In XRF an x-ray beam is directed at the component’s surface, then the atoms in the component produce a fluorescent x-ray beam that is processed by a detector. The differences between the energy of the original and x-ray beam correspond to different elements, which shows the elements used in manufacturing. Usually counterfeit components will have a slightly different material composition to parts directly from the manufacturer. 

Resurfacing, acetone and scrape testing

There are other effective forms of testing for avoiding counterfeit electronic components. 

Similar to decapping, remarking and resurfacing testing use solvents to corrode the top layers of a component. This, however, isn’t trying to get all the way to the wafer inside. It instead detects if the identification information on the component has been altered or remarked. It is not a destructive test since the wafer inside is left undamaged. 

The process counterfeiters often use is called ‘blacktopping’. The original chip markings are sanded off and a polymer coating is painted over to cover up the sanding markings 

Scrape testing is a similar, manual way of removing the top layers of a component. This shows if a component has had a clear coat applied to it, which is acetone-resistant and lowers the chances of counterfeit being revealed by remarking or decapsulation testing. 

The datasheet shows the discrepancies between the original and counterfeit component

The process counterfeiters often use is called ‘blacktopping’. The original chip markings are sanded off and a polymer coating is painted over to cover up the sanding markings 

Scrape testing is a similar, manual way of removing the top layers of a component. This shows if a component has had a clear coat applied to it, which is acetone-resistant and lowers the chances of counterfeit being revealed by remarking or decapsulation testing. 

Electrical testing/Curve trace testing

A relatively simple method is to test the component. Curve trace machines can test current, voltages, diode resistivity and silicon connectivity. This will detect any physical damage caused by heat, electrical overstress or electrostatic discharge damage.  

Choose Cyclops Electronics to avoid electronic counterfeit components

Nonfranchise distribution channels are a vital and legitimate part of any supply chain, particularly in the case of legacy products where parts may no longer be in production. The electronics industry has realised that, as counterfeiters become more and more proficient, there is not a ‘one size fits all’ measure that can be used to combat fraudulent parts entering the supply chain. 

At Cyclops Electronics, quality is at the core of everything we do. From our industry-leading component testing program to our commitment to continuous improvement, the quality of our components and service is our key tool to drive the highest customer satisfaction year after year. 

When it comes to counterfeit mitigation, component analysis is a crucial element to protect our customers’ supply chain.  

At Cyclops Electronics we continuously and thoroughly vet and monitor our supply chain. Since we also have a presence in China, we have the advantage of controlling our incoming goods from Asia in real time on a local level. A large proportion of counterfeit goods often come from China, but because of our presence there we can be much more vigilant than other brokers.  

The Cyclops counterfeit inspection process

Goods coming into the Cyclops warehouse go through a vigorous inspection process on arrival before they are even booked in. All components are photographed and undergo inspection based on the type of part, age, supply chain and specific customer requirements. Basic checks are performed, such as checking the quantity, part numbers and RoHS compliance. 

Our experienced inspectors have the training and technical expertise to ensure quality product reaches the end customer. Parts are then tracked through a barcode system, from supplier delivery note right though to customer despatch.  

Following this, if the parts are still factory sealed, we perform visual checks. If the components are not factory sealed, we are very diligent in our need for further testing. High resolution and secondary checks are undertaken, and testing continues depending on whether the part passes. 

We have very strict protocols in place for testing, and it always follows our process flow. For destructive tests like decapsulation, these are only undertaken in very specific circumstances and need to be requested by the customer. Thankfully, our combination of specialised testing facilities and our team of dedicated inspection staff mean these tests are not often required. 

At Cyclops Electronics we have several optical magnifiers that we use in-house. This includes, but is not limited to, Opticron Hand magnifiers, the vision engineering mantis and the Amscope microscope. We also perform acetone testing, black top testing, reel counters and decapsulation testing. 

Categories
Future

AMD invests in Ireland R&D

AMD plans to invest up to $135 million in Irish R&D over
the next four years.

Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon
Coveney, announced the investment on June 21st, alongside Senior VP of Marketing, Communications and Human Resources, Ruth Cotter. The announcement was accompanied by a press release by American Advanced Micro Devices.

The investment is meant to fund strategic R&D projects,
add up to 290 highly-skilled engineering and research positions, and additional support roles. It will expand the R&D and engineering in its Dublin and Cork sites. It will be supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

Coveney said he warmly welcomed the plans of
AMD, and said the investment would bolster the technology sector and create career opportunities.

R&D teams in Ireland will use the funding to design high
performance and adaptive computing engines. These will then be used to accelerate data centre, networking, 6G communications and embedded solutions.

Previously Xilinx, which was acquired by AMD in 2022,
partnered with IDA Ireland several times. In 2017 Xilinx announced an investment of $40 million for R&D, and to recruit more than 100 new skilled employees.

IDA (Industrial Development Agency) Ireland is the country’s
Foreign Direct Investment Agency. It has supported AMD and Xilinx for almost three decades.

The first semiconductor fabs were built in Ireland in 1976.
Analog Devices and Intel were some of the first companies to invest in the island. The first Irish AMD Xilinx facility was launched in 1994 and was the company’s first base of operations outside the US.

We not only keep you up-to-date with the latest industry news, we also stock and source any electronic components you need. You can check out our other news stories on our blog, or submit at enquiry on the Cyclops Electronics website now. Get in touch today!

Categories
Component Shortage

How are semiconductor companies dealing with current industry challenges

There are many challenges facing the chip industry, despite
the semiconductor supply chain no longer being in crisis.

Semiconductor industry challenges

Focusing on high-demand products

The semiconductor shortages are much more under control than they were between 2020 and 2022, but the effects can still be felt. There are various components that are in more demand, like surface mount devices (SMDs), multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and SMD resistors. There are also whole industries taking a big hit, like the automotive
industry
and consumer market.

Many companies have switched to manufacturing these higher-demand products to optimise production and profit during these shortages.

Capacity expansion

Some fabs are still dealing with manufacturing delays due
to closures and lockdowns. Although most of these facilities have reopened this year, but since lockdowns began several manufacturers have expanded their operations
in other countries.

There have also been several new initiatives to increase
domestic production and reshoring introduced recently. These include the US CHIPS Act, and the European
Chips Act
, both of which aim to bolster their countries’ places in the global semiconductor market. With these expansion plans manufacturers’ capacity and ability to cater for customers has also increased.

New technologies and Industry 4.0

Advancements in robotics, AI, and digitalisation have greatly
improved the efficiency of the industry. As semiconductors and microchips have gotten more powerful but smaller, it has given rise to a new generation of technology. This, if implemented in a fab setting, can increase output and
improve speed without the need for more facility space.

Optimisation of current facilities might be expensive, but will benefit companies with a more immediate effect than building new fabs, which would take years.

There are many other initiatives that companies that can adopt to optimise in the wake of the supply chain chaos, including expanding their customer base and collaboration with other companies.

We’ve got you covered

Throughout the semiconductor shortages Cyclops has been
ensuring that its customers get the electronic components they need with the shortest lead times possible. 

No matter what the circumstances, our impeccable customer support will never change. To see our expertise first-hand, contact us at sales@cyclops-electronics.com or call us today on +44 (0) 1904 415 415. 

Categories
Electronic Components Technology

Edible batteries

Researchers in Italy have made a rechargeable battery from edible materials like almonds and capers.

What’s the recipe?

The Milan-based researchers made the rechargeable prototype’s anode from riboflavin, a vitamin found in almonds. The cathode of the battery was made from quercetin, found in capers and is also sold as a food supplement.

The researchers, from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, mixed activated charcoal into the electrode materials to increase electrical conductivity.

Nori seaweed was used for the separator, while a mixture of sodium hydrogen sulphate and water made up the electrolyte. Two food-grade gold foil contacts were on a cellulose-derived support, and the device was covered in beeswax.

Cooking time

Previously, research has shown the feasibility of edible circuits and sensors, but there is more research needed into power sources.

The battery operated at 0.65V, and sustained a current of 48µA for 12 minutes.

When further developed, the device could be used for medical diagnostics and treatments, and food quality monitoring. Regular batteries like Li-ion types cannot be used in edible devices because of the toxic chemicals contained in them.

Au naturale

The research team states in their report that they drew inspiration from living organisms for their battery.

In a previous study, a different team of researchers made a non-rechargeable battery from melanin and manganese oxide. While the battery operated, manganese oxide decreased and the melanin oxidised. Unfortunately manganese oxide can only be consumed in very small amounts, so the battery’s charge is pretty limited.

Aside from the melanin battery’s charge having limitations, the fact that it is not rechargeable also mitigates its effectiveness.

As edible electronics is still a relatively new field, it’s not surprising that many designs are still in their infancy. But, with the potential uses in the medical and food safety fields, one day they could be life-saving.

Food for thought

Although Cyclops Electronics doesn’t have a huge stock of edible components, we do have a massive inventory of other hard-to-find and everyday electronic components. We can stock or source almost anything you want, staying ahead of other distributors out there. Contact Cyclops Electronics today at sales@cyclops-electronics.com, or call us on +44 (0) 1904 415 415.

 

Disclaimer: this blog is purely for informational purposes, please do not eat batteries!

Categories
Electronic Components

Managing component obsolescence

Electronic component obsolescence can have a ripple effect in the industry. If a component reaches the end of its lifecycle it can impact any products made with the component, affecting the end user.

Obsolescence happening faster

Components now are becoming obsolete much faster than 50 years ago. In the 70s the complete lifecycle of an electronic component was around 30 years. By the 2010s this was closer to 10 years, a huge decrease.

While this might not be a problem for consumers, it does have a considerable impact on manufacturers. If machinery is specialised to a certain type of component, the cost to adjust or replace these machines can be high.

Especially in very specialised fields like aerospace, defence and medical, faster component obsolescence has a serious effect. The process of redesigning these circuits and testing can be hugely time-consuming.

Advancements in technology play a part in these accelerated lifecycles, but there is still a big need for legacy parts.

End-of-life

Component manufacturers usually let their customer base know if a part is becoming obsolete with a Last Time Buy notice or a Product Change Notification (PCN). These can be issued up to about a year in advance to give companies time to make alternative arrangements.

Some companies will decide to stockpile these components once they receive the notification. The alternative is reworking any products featuring the components or finding alternative components.

Of course, any of these options will be costly. A number of companies will be trying to stock the same components so the price will increase. This will increase further once the components become scarce.

Can it be managed?

·         Monitor end-of-life notifications: Even if a PCN does not directly affect you, it may affect other manufacturers in your supply chain. Keeping track of these and being aware of what others in your supply chain use might make all the difference.

·         Consider buying strategies: Depending on how and when you buy components, you may end up with shortages or obsolete excess components. If manufacturers put a supply and buying strategy in place, they can not only minimise the obsolescence impact, but can save time and warehouse space.

·         Component lifecycle management: Staying on top of the component lifecycles can be endlessly useful. If manufacturers can keep track of their components lifecycle changes, they can forecast and prepare for the potential phasing out of the part.

Excellent management

Cyclops Electronics provides a range of services for its customers, including scheduled ordering. If you lack warehouse space but want to buy a surplus of components, whether they’re facing obsolescence or you want to secure a price, Cyclops Electronics can hold these for you and deliver as and when you need them. To learn more or hear about our other services, contact us today on +44 (0) 1904 415 415, or email us at sales@cyclops-electronics.com.

Categories
Supply Chain

Korea Japan trade relations

Chipmaker material suppliers in Korea have been earning
more from domestic semiconductor companies who have been looking for local suppliers.

Domestic supply

Since export restrictions were put in place by their
neighbours, Korean chipmakers like Samsung Electronics have been using local suppliers. This has led to suppliers in Korea more than doubling their earnings in the last four years.

Japan’s restrictions affected areas including photoresist
chemicals and hydrogen fluoride used in chip manufacture. Fluorinated polyamide for organic light-emitting displays was also affected.

The restrictions were first changed back in mid-2019, and
since then 16 Korean materials companies saw combined sales grow by approximately $15 billion between 2018 and 2022.

The affect

Korea Semiconductor Industry Association VP and COO, Ahn Ki-hyun, said Korean companies weren’t damaged by the restrictions. He said, however, the restrictions may have impacted Japanese companies attempting to export to South Korea.

One of the toughest materials to re-source was hydrogen
fluoride gas, used for etching in display production. Much of this has been replaced since 2018 to lower-purity gas produced in Korea.

Despite some of the restrictions now being lifted, the
domestic suppliers that have been adopted may stay for good.

Recent relations

Just last month the two countries came together and agreed
to lift many of the restrictions. Korea has continued to promote using domestic suppliers even if restrictions are eased.

In general the chip industry has not changed much, other
supplies and exports between the countries have stayed the same. In light of the changes it will be interesting to see how the Asian chip market now develops.

The US Chips Act will also affect these new business
relationships. Market shares might change, and only time will tell how the industry will shift as a whole.

Global presence

 

Cyclops Electronics supplies to countries and partners all
over the world. We pride ourselves on our accessibility and level of customer service. If you’re struggling to find electronic components or reliable distributors, contact Cyclops today and see first-hand how a good business
partnership can benefit you. Email us at sales@cyclops-electronics.com, or call us on +44 (0) 1904 415 415. 

Categories
Electronic Components

The Life of Gordon Moore

Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel and creator of Moore’s
Law, has passed away at the age of 94.

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation announced on March 24
that Moore had passed away at his home in Hawaii.

Humble beginnings

As a child, Moore was more interested in chemistry
than electronics. After completing his bachelor’s, Moore achieved a doctorate
in physical chemistry in at the California Institute of Technology in 1954.

After working at the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns
Hopkins University in Maryland, Moore wanted more. He was given the opportunity
in 1956 to work at the recently formed Shockley Semiconductor. This company is
thought to be responsible for creating California’s Silicon Valley.

Less than a year later, Moore and a group of scientists and
engineers formed their own company, Fairchild Semiconductor. He rose through
the company to become the director of research and development. During his time
there, Fairchild developed the planar process, the base process needed to
produce an IC. Moore also greatly contributed to the development of the MOSFET
during his time at Fairchild.

Moore’s Law

One of the things Moore is renowned for is the initial
prediction of Moore’s Law. Moore
predicted all the way back in 1965 that the number of transistors fitting on a
given area would double each year. 10 years later he adjusted his hypothesis to
every two years. This prediction still rings mostly true today.

Just a few years after the initial prediction, Moore and
long-time colleague Robert Noyce decided to found a new business. Thus, Intel
Corporation was created. After initially being the executive vice president,
Moore eventually became CEO and chairman of the board.

After Intel

Moore became stepped down as CEO in 1987, and worked as the
chairman and chairman emeritus before stepping down completely in 2006. Following
his retirement and beforehand in the early 2000s, Moore established a
charitable foundation with his wife Betty. Since its founding, The Gordon and
Betty Moore Foundation has donated more than $5.1 billion to charitable causes. 

Categories
Supply Chain

What is computational lithography?

Computational lithography is a process that could speed up the chip design time.

There are many things that need to be considered when designing or manufacturing a semiconductor. In the early stages the chip’s design will have to be developed – a process that could take considerable time.

As chips get smaller and more powerful, the complexity increases. This means more advanced manufacturing methods have to be considered, sooner rather than later.

Photo lithography

The photo lithography process is when the semiconductor design is etched onto the wafer. It uses a series of light and radiation exposures to etch the semiconductor design onto the substrate wafer. During this process the wafer can be deformed because of the physical and chemical effects.

There’s more and more need for high accuracy in the etching process. There also ideally should be a way to predict or negate any errors caused in the etching. The errors can come from diffraction, the resist used, and a number of other things.

Computational lithography

Computational lithography is a method of simulating chip lithography. It uses algorithms representing the manufacturing process, gathered from test wafers and machines. By running chip designs through a computer the resolution of the pattern can be increased.

This is becoming more essential as chip designs become smaller and higher resolution designs are needed.

The models used in in the simulations plan ahead for the potential physical and chemical effects of the photolithography, deforming them purposely to demonstrate the final effect.

Further developments

A big name in the industry has recently released a software library which will further speed up the design process. This could apparently enable the creation of new lithography solutions and faster turnaround times.

Computational lithography has only been around since the mid-2000s. Following the term’s first use it quickly got adopted industry wide.

A clear picture

 

Cyclops stock a range of different components with a variety of node sizes. Whatever electronic component you’re looking for, Cyclops can help. With our global contacts and huge stocklist, we can ensure competitive lead times and prices. Call us today on +44 (0) 1904 415 415, or email us at sales@cyclops-electronics.com

Categories
Electronic Components

Semiconductor industry and UK Government

The government has responded to a report released late last year on the UK semiconductor industry.

The report, released by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee, details recommendations on how the UK semiconductor industry needs to improve to keep up with global development. It also emphasises the urgency to publish the UK’s long-awaited semiconductor strategy.

The Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) released the response to the report in early February. It is the latest in a chain of government responses to increased calls for government support for the semiconductor industry.

The response

Some of the main points covered in the response included:

·         The UK is currently working with international allies to guarantee and safeguard the security of the UK chip supply

·         It is important to protect the UK semiconductor industry from external national security threats

·         Cooperation and communication between the industry and the government should be established and maintained

·         The UK should not try and be self-sufficient, but should focus on its strengths and form partnerships to complete the supply chain

Among other topics discussed in the response is the recent purchase of Newport Wafer Fab by Nexperia. Due to certain concerns, Nexperia has been asked by the BEIS to sell 86% or more of the fab. The DCMS declined to comment any further on the matter because of future potential judicial review proceedings.

On a final note the DCMS said it would work closely with all government departments, the BEIS and the Department for International Trade to make the publication and execution of the UK’s semiconductor strategy successful for the industry. The response did not, however, give a timeline for when to expect the long-anticipated strategy.

A quick recap

The UK semiconductor strategy has been in the works for around two years at this point. It is yet to be released. Apparently, it was due to be published in November 2022, but there is still no sign of it.

Many tech-oriented organisations, committees and unions are calling for more urgency on the part of the government. Even before the strategy was announced, people were petitioning for more funding and priority on the UK’s chip industry.

Days after the government response was published, the BEIS, who submitted the original report, was disbanded by the Prime Minister. It has been replaced with the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero

There is still much anticipation for the coming semiconductor industry strategy and the changes it may bring.

Global presence

 

Cyclops’s office is based in the UK, but we have a global network of offices and partners here for you. No matter what component you’re looking for, we can help. Contact Cyclops today on +44 (0) 1904 415 415, or email us at sales@cyclops-electronics.com

Categories
Electronic Components

Is it possible to make compostable PCBs?

Decades ago we wouldn’t have thought it possible to create printed circuit boards (PCBs). Now, in 2023, we’re discussing the possibility of biodegradable ones.

A research group from the Johannes Kepler University in Austria developed the biodegradable base for the PCBs. The mix consists of beech wood shavings, organise full-grain spelt flour, fine plaster (CaSO4) dust and beech wood-based inoculum.

After storing the mixture in a flat plastic box in a cupboard for a few weeks a tissue grew. The fungal fibres, called mycelium, formed a kind of soft white skin, similar to paper.

A layer of copper or gold is then vapour-deposited onto the mycelium ‘skin’. Then, a laser will cut away the metal where it’s not needed.

A ‘grow-your-own’ circuit

Storing something in a cupboard for a few weeks has significantly lower production costs than regular PCBs. It also bypasses the need for chemicals and minerals that are hazardous to the environment.

With the use of these, too, there is no need to create specialist manufacturing equipment, unlike with biopolymers. They are made from renewable raw materials like starch or milk protein, but have to use an industrial composting plant that operates at a high temperature.

These ‘skins’ can then be mounted with electronic components like a regular PCB.

The mycelium has a very strong structural integrity, while it remains thin and flexible. It has so far been able to withstand about 2,000 bending cycles, it only shows moderate resistance when folded, can insulate electrical currents and can sustain temperatures that reach 250⁰C.

Early days

So far the concept can only be used in simple electronic devices. A multi-layer circuit or more complex electronics are slightly further in the future. Even at this early development stage, though, a prototype has already been attached to a moisture sensor, a Bluetooth chip that sends the sensor signal to a laptop or smartphone, and a special battery.

In the future it is hoped that production of a smoother mycelial skin through a refined formula could increase the possibilities. It could lead to multi-layer PCBs with smaller components.

Once the circuit has been used, it can be unsoldered and put in the compost. The metal used I the conductor paths will be a biproduct left in the soil, but will be nano-particles in unharmful quantities.

Looking for a fun-guy?

Whether you’re ‘growing’ or manufacturing your PCBs, Cyclops has the electronic components for you. We specialise in obsolete, hard-to-find and day-to-day electronic components, and can source components from trusted sources globally. Contact us today to see what Cyclops can do for you on sales@cyclops-electronics.com, or call +44 (0) 1904 415 415.