AAA Components Test Lab Report - 3C-2189-AA Controller

This report deals with an interesting case of an electronic component recently tested in the AAA Components Test Lab. The lot consisted of 10 pieces of p/n 3C-2189-AA and 3 pieces failed - can you pick them out?

TEST SUMMARY INFORMATION

Part #:                      3C-2189-AA
Manufacturer:         Galileo Technology (Marvel Technology Group)
Category/Sub:         Communication/Controller 
Package:                  24-pin PDIP
Lot Size:                   10 Pieces
Description:             Monolithic Communications Controller Chip

Figure 1. Three defects in this lot - which ones are they?

Tests Performed:

• Visual Inspection
• Marking Permanency
• Surface Test
• Electrical Test
• X-Ray Test
• XRF Test

Results:
The lot consists of two date codes: 8752 (three pieces) and 9707 (seven pieces). All parts passed visual inspection, marking permanency and surface tests, but the electrical test yielded 3 failures that were subsequently confirmed by X-Ray failure analysis. Two of the devices that failed electrical testing had a much smaller die size and different leadframe than the others, as well as a known good die. 

Figure 2.) Failed Part With Smaller Die and Different Leadframe, (Also, note difference in bond wire pattern with an acceptable device, in Figure 3, below.)

Figure 3.) X-Ray of Known Good Device

The other failed devices exhibited a different bond wire pattern than the rest - notice the crossed wires in the center on the right side of the die.

Firgure 4.) Non-functional Device with Crossed Bond Wires.

Conclusion

The failed electrical devices were analyzed using X-Ray technology which confirmed various inconsistencies with similar X-Rays of a Known Good Device. The substandard parts were quarantined pending proper disposal.

About USBid

USBid is an independent distributor of electronic components located in Palm Bay, Florida, USA. Since 1998, we have been helping customers locate and purchase hard-to-find and long lead time components. We are AS9120 and ISO 9001:2008 certified and ESD S20.20-2007 compliant. We provide comprehensive visual, physical, and chemical analysis of all orders including electrical parametric testing to manufacturer datasheet specifications when applicable. For more information, checkout our USBid Overview on YouTube.

New Analytical Lab

USBid recently undertook construction of an in-house analytical lab that will include a number of new capabilities to more thoroughly test for counterfeit electronic components. Future blogs will focus on the new equipment and  the types of information they provide - this one will discuss the preparation of the space (in particular the floor) to accommodate the lab itself.

The primary consideration for optimal flooring in the new lab is full ESD S20:20-2007 compliance and Zero Ohm Ground measurements. The first step is to strip the bare concrete of glue remnants and other debris, and make sure the moisture level of the stripped floor is less than 10Kg of water per 100 square meters of cement. The most effective solvent we found to strip the cement was Spray Nine Multi-Purpose Cleaner, as shown in the following photo:

Photo 1: Stripping/Prepping Cement

Next, about a quarter of the tile was laid, using ESD glue containing copper shards:

Photo 2: ESD Tile Installation

 Then, 2" copper strips were run both vertically and horizontally across the room and connected to grounded electrical outlets.

Photo 3: Two Inch Copper Strip

Photo 4: Grounding the Copper Strip to an Outlet

 The rest of the tile was installed, and the floor was buffed and waxed using special ESD wax. Preliminary resistance tests confirm a near zero ground measurement. The room is now ready for use.

Photo 5: The Finished Room

When fully outfitted, this lab will include electrical parametric test capabilities, x-ray and XRF/RoHS analysis, decapsulation and die authenticity analysis, and solderability testing as well as baking, and tape/reeling services. We'll discuss each of these capabilities in more detail in future posts.

About USBid
USBid Inc. is an independent distributor of electronic components located in Palm Bay, Florida, USA. Since 1998, we have been helping customers locate and purchase hard-to-find and long lead time components. We are AS9120 and ISO 9001:2008 certified and ESD S20.20-2007 compliant. USBid.com understands that sourcing parts in the “open market” is challenging. That’s why we conduct visual, physical, and chemical analysis of all orders and offer electrical parametric testing to manufacturer datasheet specifications.

USBid Review (Of Reviews So Far...)

After receiving several requests, we are publishing the list of recent articles USBid, has posted related to the topic of Counterfeit Avoidance and Mitigation Techniques:

Counterfeit Inspection Detection Techniques

• Mold Cavity Inspection
• USBid Inc Review Solvent Tests
• Hot Chemical Test to Determine Counterfeit Parts
• Die Authenticity Test to Detect Suspect Counterfeit Parts
• Mechanical Inspection Using Calipers

Related Topics

• USBid Inc. Complaints Process
• USBid Inc. Complaints Form
• USBid Inc. Review Process for Approved Vendors
• USBid Inc. Counterfeit Product Avoidance Guidelines
• USBid Inc. Customer Questions on Fake Parts
• USBid Inc. Fraud Mitigation Recommendations
• Avoid a Ripoff by Selecting the Right Independent Distributor
• USBid Inc. Tips to Avoid Electronic Component Scams
• USBid Inc. Reviews By Customers

USBid Inc., will be publishing new articles in the coming weeks covering topics such as electrical testing and other more detailed techniques. Thanks for your interest!

USBid Inc. - AS6081UPDATE

SAE G19 AS6081: Counterfeit Electronic Parts Avoidance Protocol Document Out For Balloting

The final draft of the AS6081 document, which will be the new standard for electronic component distributors to detect counterfeits when buying from the open market, has met a major milestone.  The G19 committee has finished their final draft to go out to government and industry for balloting.  After the month long process is over the committee will review the comments made during the balloting period and make changes to the draft if the suggestions are warranted or reject changes which are not deemed necessary.  The committee hopes the final document will be released early in 2012.


USBid Inc supports the implementation of this new standard and the increased emphasis placed on counterfeit product avoidance guidelines as a result. Additional updates will be provided as they become available. If you have any further questions about AS6081 or would like to discuss the standard in more detail, please contact me through this blog.

About USBid
USBid Inc. is an independent distributor of electronic components located in Palm Bay, Florida, USA. Since 1998, we have been helping customers locate and purchase hard-to-find and long lead time components. We are AS9120 and  ISO 9001:2008 certified and ESD S20.20 compliant. USBid.com understands that sourcing parts in the “open market” is challenging. That’s why we conduct 100% visual inspections and offer die authenticity analysis and functional testing to manufacturer datasheet specifications.

USBid Inc. reviews customer feedback to achieve 100% customer satisfaction through continuous improvement.

USBid Review Process For Approved Vendors

Product purchased from reliable sources with the appropriate procedures and proper accreditations are important aspects to consider when selecting a supplier.

USBid reviews all vendors prior to any purchases using criteria that includes technical, financial, and business data to initially assess the risk of conducting transactions with a company. Once a supplier is selected this evaluation is augmented with ongoing analysis of their performance based on a scoring system based on measurable data.


Vendor Review Criteria

SAE International has developed a standard for evaluating distributors of electronic components called, ARP6178 – Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Tool for Risk Assessment of Distributors. This recommended practice was created due to a significant and increasing volume of counterfeit electronic parts entering the aerospace supply chain. It is intended to provide organizations with a tool to assess a supplier's capability to prevent, detect and report suspect or confirmed counterfeit electronic components and related substandard or fake military parts.

SAE Vendor Evaluation Categories

The following SAE specified categories are used by USBid to review all vendors:

1.) Inspection and Test Procedures
2.) Supplier Quality and Purchasing Practices
3.) In-House Test Capability
4.) Pre-Assessment Checks
5.) Handling of Suspect Material
6.) Training
7.) Memberships and Usage
8.) QMS (Quality Management System)
9.) Handling and Facilities
10.) Warranty and Insurance

Quantitative metrics are kept based on these criteria and suppliers are given a score from 0 - 100 based on their performance. USBid reviews vendor performance monthly and approved vendors produce the highest scores and receive preferential status during the purchasing process as a result.

About USBid

USBid Inc is an independent distributor of electronic components located in Palm Bay, Florida, USA. Since 1998, we have been helping customers locate and purchase hard-to-find and long lead time components. We are AS9120:2009 and ISO 9001:2008 certified. USBid.com understands that sourcing parts in the "open market" is challenging. That's why we conduct counterfeit detection tests on every order and offer die authenticity analysis and functional testing to manufacturer datasheet specifications.

Fraud Mitigation Recommendations for Electronic Components

USBid increasingly hears words like , “fake”, “scam” and “fraud” from buyers of electronic components concerned about counterfeit parts – probably more so than ever before. SAE International has developed a standard, “AS6081, Counterfeit Electronic Parts Avoidance - Distributors”, which contains prescriptive counterfeit avoidance requirements for all distributors. Fraud is not always preventable but it can be mitigated.

Fraud Mitigation Starts with a Counterfeit Avoidance Program

The AS6081 Standard applies to all distributors and sets forth practices and requirements for electronic components purchased and sold on the Open Market. It includes provisions for purchased excess and returned products, and the requirements are intended to be flowed down through the supply chain to all organizations that purchase electronic parts – that includes the supplier of the supplier’s supplier if applicable. Supply chain traceability records should ideally go back to the OCM (Original Component Manufacturer) or Aftermarket supplier and should be available for customer review. If traceability is incomplete of unavailable, customer approval is required.

“How do I avoid a rip-off scam?”

USBid, Inc has observed that fraud can occur when surface testing epoxy plastic packages is done improperly or omitted entirely from the inspection process. We recommend using distributors compliant with AS6081 standards that include thorough visual inspection of the product combined with chemical and die authenticity tests to help verify the product in question. For more information regarding this topic, go to the USBid website.

New Blog from USBid, Inc.

Welcome to the Counterfeit Avoidance Blog. Our goal is to prevent the spread of counterfeit electronic parts into the general marketplace. We will offer tips on detecting counterfeit (fake) electronic parts as well as advice on how to avoid these parts entirely.

The prevalence of counterfeit parts in today’s marketplace requires total vigilance by all parties involved in the electronic components supply chain. This is especially true for military parts and space related applications where more rigorous standards are required.

We will provide photos and information on a variety of components, including fake military parts as well as authentic product and show you techniques to help you avoid a scam or fraud. The posts will come out periodically and we very much want to hear from you on this topic.

The blog is hosted by USBid, Inc. (http://www.usbid.com). We sell hard-to-find, allocated, and obsolete semiconductors and electronic parts. Our catalogs include more than 50 million SKUs from more than 1000 OEMs and Distributors in +200 countries. Our extensive network of suppliers and inventory allow us to solve difficult sourcing problems for our customers that others can't. We have offices in the US and Hong Kong.