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arXiv · 2507.13281

WIP: Turning Fake Chips into Learning Opportunities

Haniye Mehraban·Saad Azmeen-ur-Rahman·John Hu
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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.

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Haniye Mehraban, Saad Azmeen-ur-Rahman, John Hu. 2025-07-17. WIP: Turning Fake Chips into Learning Opportunities. https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.13281

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