WIP: Turning Fake Chips into Learning Opportunities

TL;DR

This paper describes a case study where counterfeit ICs in an electronics course were used as a teaching tool, enhancing students' understanding of analog circuits and supply chain issues through hands-on diagnostics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel educational approach by transforming counterfeit components into practical learning experiences in electronics education.

Findings

Students improved their troubleshooting skills.

Counterfeit chips provided real-world learning scenarios.

Enhanced understanding of supply chain security.

Abstract

This work-in-progress paper presents a case study in which counterfeit TL074 operational amplifiers, discovered in a junior level electronics course, became the basis for a hands on learning experience. Counterfeit integrated circuits (IC) are increasingly common, posing a significant threat to the integrity of undergraduate electronics laboratories. Instead of simply replacing the counterfeit components, we turned the issue into a teaching moment. Students engaged in hands-on diagnostics measuring current, analyzing waveforms, and troubleshooting. By working with fake chip components, they gained deeper insight into analog circuits, supply chain security, and practical engineering.