2021-09-28 10:42 AM
Got a new batch of micro's from a broker due to the chip crisis. They work and soldered down fine, memory matched, bootloader, etc. The concern about these MPU's is the silk screen and die marks are quite different.
Support has been limited due to purchasing outside of the authorized sources - but figured this was worth a shot.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
2021-09-28 11:06 AM
Sure looks fake to me, especially since it's an F103. Never seen an etched pin 1 marking, or an ejection mark at 90/270 degrees. Or two ejection marks.
Might want to also check the UID as well to see if they're all unique and the lot number is the same.
2021-09-28 12:20 PM
The equipment available at different plants is LIKELY to be different. Figure laser, molding, etc. Ejection points consistent with Pg 44 of Errata docs
MLT I'd guess would be a plant in Malta
The die are diffused as the same facility, the Z parts being older (2017 ?)
2021-09-28 03:09 PM
> the Z parts being older (2017 ?)
2007 (that's the year when the STM32 were oficially introduced). Rev. Y was introduced in 2010. This is also consistent with the Malta assembly site.
JW
2021-09-28 08:58 PM
Nothing to worry about, markings differ widely for different batches of all IC manufacturers.