ABI Electronics · Counterfeit IC Detection
SENTRY Counterfeit IC Detector
PinPrint electrical fingerprinting flags counterfeit ICs and components in the supply chain within seconds.
SENTRY is the counterfeit IC detection system from ABI Electronics. It measures the electrical signature of every pin on a device (PinPrint) and compares the result against a known good part. Missing or wrong dies, missing bond wires, incorrect pinouts and pin impedance drift all show up quickly, so lab, incoming inspection and QA engineers can stop suspect parts before they reach the line. SENTRY runs from a PC over USB and reports good, suspect or bad results that need no specialist training to read.
Overview
ABI Electronics SENTRY is a counterfeit IC and component detection system built for the electronics supply chain. At its core is the PinPrint test algorithm, which combines voltage, frequency, source resistance and waveform to build an electrical fingerprint for every pin of the device under test. That fingerprint is compared with a known good reference stored in the database, and the verdict arrives in seconds. SENTRY picks up the usual counterfeit signatures: a missing or wrong die, missing bond wires, an incorrect pinout, and pin impedance that no longer matches. It handles almost any component type, from a simple two-pin part up to QFP and BGA packages. The unit is controlled by a PC over USB, gives a clear good, suspect or bad reading, and can generate a full analysis report, so no specialist training is needed. The built-in component database can be extended by the user, and each entry can carry marking photos, datasheets and other documents to support the final judgement on a part.
Key specifications
| Test channels | 256 test channels |
|---|---|
| Max test voltage | 20V pk-pk max |
| Test waveforms | Sine, ramp and triangle |
| Packages supported | Two-pin components up to BGA and other packages |
| PC interface | USB 2.0 high speed port |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows 10 / 11 |
| Supply voltage | 85 - 264 VAC |
| Supply frequency | 47 - 63 Hz |
| Power consumption | 150 VA Max |
| Operating temperature | 10°C to 30°C |
| Dimensions | 27 x 25 x 9 cm |
| Weight | 3.5 Kg |
Features
PinPrint electrical fingerprinting
Measures the electrical signature of every pin and compares a suspect part with a known good reference, returning a verdict in seconds.
Covers the common counterfeit signatures
Detects a missing or wrong die, missing bond wires, an incorrect pinout and pin impedance drift.
Almost any package
Works with nearly every component type, from simple two-pin parts through to QFP and BGA packages.
USB plug and play
Controlled by a PC over the USB 2.0 high speed port with the supplied software; operators need no specialist training.
Expandable component database
Add known good parts to build your own database, and attach marking photos and datasheets to each entry to support the final check.
Good / suspect / bad verdicts
Results are easy to read and a full analysis report can be produced, which speeds up incoming inspection and QA.
Applications
Incoming inspection
Incoming inspection at an electronics manufacturer
EMS providers and OEMs run a PinPrint scan on each batch at the incoming inspection station before parts go to reflow. Empty packages, abnormal pin impedance and mismatched dies are screened out on the spot, so counterfeit ICs never reach the SMT line where they would cost yield and risk a recall.
Supplier audit
Quality assurance program at a component distributor
Franchised and independent distributors build SENTRY into their QA process to sample every lot of gray-market or aged stock. The PinPrint databases they create can be shared downstream, so OEM customers compare supplier deliveries against the same reference and the supply chain gains a traceable chain of trust.
High-reliability applications
Procurement verification for aerospace, defense and medical equipment
Aerospace integrators, defense contractors and medical device makers buying from outside the franchised channel use SENTRY for third-party electrical fingerprinting. It supports compliance with AS6081 and AS6171 anti-counterfeit requirements and confirms that ICs bound for mission-critical boards match the V-I signature of a known good part.
Options and configuration
Tick the options you need. We compile the configuration into a list and carry it into the quote request form.
Standard equipment (included)
Hardware options
Downloads
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