ARLINGTON, Va., Feb 23, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Key findings and best practice recommendations from the Department of Commerce’s landmark survey on counterfeiting will be presented during the keynote address at CARTS 2009, March 30 to April 2 in Jacksonville, Fla.

The DoC’s study, titled “Counterfeits and the U.S. Industrial Base,” assesses the impact of counterfeit electronics on supply chain integrity, critical infrastructure, and industrial capabilities. In her CARTS keynote, Teresa Telesco of DoC will present survey results and provide information on best practices that can mitigate risk to the U.S. supply chain. The impact of counterfeiting on the electronic components industry has been estimated to be as much as $10 billion annually.

An early and detailed look

A full report based on the survey is expected in the middle of this year, but attendees at CARTS 2009 will get an early and detailed look at the findings and recommendations.

“The survey has uncovered some startling information, and more importantly, collected a detailed list of best practices from more than 1,000 manufacturers, assemblers, contractors and distributors,” says Bob Willis, president of the Electronic Components Association (ECA), the CARTS 2009 sponsor. “Not only will this give companies information they need to combat counterfeiting, it will help our members set the agenda for government programs.”

Ultracapacitors also in spotlight

CARTS 2009 will also include a technical seminar on ultracapacitors, considered a key technology in the quest for renewable energy sources. Ultracapacitors offer a unique combination of high power, durability, and fast charge-discharge capability. This makes them ideal for renewable energy applications such as hybrid transportation, battery-free backup power, distributed power for vehicles, and wind turbine power.

CARTS, in its 29th year, is the premier technical symposium for passive electronic components. The conference and exposition provides component engineers, designers and marketing professionals with the latest technical and marketing intelligence from the best minds in the industry. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.ecaus.org/CARTSUSA/2009/

About ECA

The Electronic Components Association (ECA) represents the electronic components industry and the technologies, materials and supply chain associated with it. ECA offers market research, conferences, standards development under the EIA brand, issue advocacy, technology intelligence, and collaborative efforts that help improve the business and technical expertise of its members. For more information, visit www.ecaus.org.

SOURCE: Electronic Components Association (ECA)