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SN65LBC184: Genuine Part Marking

Greg Reynolds
Prodigy 40 points
Part Number: SN65LBC184

Tool/software:

Hi,

I have designed several boards that use the above RS485 transceiver that includes transient voltage suppression. Thousands of boards have been made using parts I purchased directly from TI and they have markings that include the TI logo (see two examples below). The design passed all the EMC testing and seem to work fine in the field.

part bought from TI

However, a subcontract manufacturer that also makes the boards has fitted a chip that appears to work but with different markings - however, we are getting reports in the field of the RS485 locking up (the microprocessor is still running but the RS485 device does not transmit on the network, after a power cycle it starts to work again). Here is what they look like:

 

So my question is, should we question the authenticity of the chips with this marking? Do TI produce chips with different markings? We've spent many hours trying to pin down the problem as it doesn't happen very often in the field.

Many thanks,

Greg

  • 0
    TI__Guru 72801 points

    Hi Greg,

    Greg Reynolds said:
    So my question is, should we question the authenticity of the chips with this marking?

    Do you know if the sub contractor is buying the devices from an authorized seller?

    I was able to locate the lot trace code from the top marking which matched the internal system that we use. (This doesn't guarantee authenticity but it atleast clears this check)

    Greg Reynolds said:
    Do TI produce chips with different markings?

    I think every couple years TI changes their device markings. I saw a PCN on Mouser for this device that showed a new device marking for 2022 (The trouble device seems like its from 2024). Though the font doesn't match with the PCN from what I can see but everything else looks like it matches. (Again I not confirming or denying it's authentic based on this).

    Usually our quality team will try to trace the device through it's channels (authorized dealer) to confirm the authenticity. You may need to get in contact with the quality team if you suspect there is a quality issue (and during the process I think they should try to verify authenticity).

    -Bobby

  • 0 in reply to BOBBY
    Prodigy 40 points

    Many thanks Bobby - I will ask my customer to see if they can get the details from their other subcontractor. I will post back here if I can get them.