Copying of products and components is perhaps as old as an industrial production is. Logically - it´s easier to jump up to a “running train” (to copy a renowned product) than to develop something new. Everyone, who develops an electronic device probably can confirm, that it´s demanding and expensive. Similarly it´s also at development of chips. Well known and widely used chips for a USB interface . from company FTDI belong to the most popular on the market. No wonder, that it´s fakes appeared on the market, with the same appearance as an original (on the first sight). Despite the fact, that the price of the FT232RL chip is relatively very affordable, a vision of a cheaper purchase was certainly attractive though expensively paid at the end.
On the enclosed photo, there´s an original on the left side and the fake on the right side. It´s visible, that the original has a laser engraved marking, while the fake has it only printed. But that wouldn´t be a problem… Fake worked so-so well until the time, when FTDI upgraded drivers with a utility able to detect fake products. In case of fake, the USB communication fails (sends only zeroes).
On the enclosed photo, there´s an original on the left side and the fake on the right side. It´s visible, that the original has a laser engraved marking, while the fake has it only printed. But that wouldn´t be a problem… Fake worked so-so well until the time, when FTDI upgraded drivers with a utility able to detect fake products. In case of fake, the USB communication fails (sends only zeroes).
The result is clear in this case - exchange of non-working fakes from target devices (from customers! is significantly more expensive that a usage of an original would be. And how to be certain about the authenticity of the component? - by a purchase from an authorized distributor. SOS electronic is already for many years an authorized distributor of FTDI with a close cooperation and an above-standard technical support.
In case of interest, please contact us at sales@soselectronic.com.
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