Hey guys, ive found a seller in my country that has LM3886T chip amps for sale but... im not really sure if these are original or chinese copies. To my understanding National Semiconductor doesn't exist anymore so any new unit of these should be TI branded, right?
TI acquired National in 2011, but the modern production parts are still branded with the National Semiconductor logo.
I see a couple of issues:
It could be an exceptionally old stock part, but I'm more inclined to believe that it's fake.
Tom
I see a couple of issues:
- I don't think the production code is valid. You can find links to what the production code should look like in this post: XY LM3886 Kit Review & Measurements
- The part is marked in ink. National and TI have used laser-marking of parts for 15-20 years now, if not longer.
- It's placed on a plain carpet in the photo with no provisions for ESD safety. Even if it's a genuine part, it may be damaged by improper handling.
It could be an exceptionally old stock part, but I'm more inclined to believe that it's fake.
Tom
Last edited:
Just compare the prices with others in your country, and download the spec sheet, that may have the marking codes.
I have seen LM1875 with TI markings, instead of NS, on Indian on line website pictures, they were of the Mouser / RS / element14 status in terms of market standing, which means reputed companies.
So just check up on line, and while you might have to pay more, get the genuine chips. The fakes have their own issues.
I have seen LM1875 with TI markings, instead of NS, on Indian on line website pictures, they were of the Mouser / RS / element14 status in terms of market standing, which means reputed companies.
So just check up on line, and while you might have to pay more, get the genuine chips. The fakes have their own issues.
I had checked earlier, it was one of the reputed sites. RS/element14/Mouser, the Indian branches.
Those had LM1875 also written, and I had posted it here.
Those had LM1875 also written, and I had posted it here.
Actually they were planning to use NS only in the Overture series of higher end or newer devices, and use the TI marking on older ones like the 1875 series.
This was to be done region by region.
They may have changed their plans now.
Anyway it is a good chip, still sells a lot.
This was to be done region by region.
They may have changed their plans now.
Anyway it is a good chip, still sells a lot.
It doesn't have to be a fake to go boom. The production does produce faulty ICs every now and then and sometimes a whole batch is defective. These should be recycled but the recycling companies (or single persons in the chain) 'recycle' them by just selling the stuff on ebay.
I don't have it in my hands, it's just the pictures from the seller and sadly they don't provide such image
Here's another picture with a slightly different number but idk if it's the way it should be tho
This one is 10 USD and the only other one ive found for sale is 13 and im not sure if that one is real or not too
Looks good to me -- identical typeset "L" on a batch I purchased from DK a few years back.
Attachments
Last edited:
That appears to be just a listing photograph. I have found that the fakes specialists on eBay and AliExpress almost always have a photo of a genuine unit. And then you receive a fake.
I recommend caution.
If you have to ask if they are genuine you are buying from the wrong vendor.
If its Chinese or ebay then its probably fake.
Even if its a ebay UK seller many buy from China anyway.
If its Chinese or ebay then its probably fake.
Even if its a ebay UK seller many buy from China anyway.