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....