Hi all,
Is there any reliable method for testing parts for authenticity? I just bought a bunch of LM317T variable voltage regs off Ebay (from a dealer with a solid rep, admittedly - but they could themselves have been fooled) and would like to know if they're genuine or not, as a quick search on the net showed there *are* fake LM317s around.
Would one be safe to assume that any fake part would not be capable of performing at the maximum levels claimed by genuine manufacturers in their datasheets? For example, the 317 is claimed to be good for 1.5A, but if mine burn up at say 1.3A, is that a clear indication that they're fake?
Your thoughts, gentlemen....