Electronic components are pivotal in ensuring the performance, safety and reliability of end products. A proactive quality control system and processes in electronic component sourcing play a critical role, guarding against substandard, counterfeit or unreliable components entering the supply chain. Quality control is particularly important when working with independent electronic component distributors. These suppliers can prove extremely useful when sourcing obsolete, long lead time and shortage electronic parts. Closely investigating their quality processes, paying particular attention to counterfeit mitigation, looking carefully at their accreditations and customer reviews will all prove to be time well spent.
The most common quality control issues for electronics Components
As the quality of electronic components directly influences the performance and reliability of the end products they are integrated into, inferior or counterfeit components can lead to severe consequences – resulting in anything from inconvenience to catastrophe.
Supply quality control minimizes the risk of defective, flawed or inconsistent electronic components. It is the foundation upon which we build trust in technology, one that assures us that our electronic devices will perform as expected and do so reliably over time. This is why AIChipLink has integrated quality control and risk management through all our operational processes, making quality our top priority.
There are a range of common concerns when sourcing electronic parts from an independent supplier. These concerns can be identified and dealt with by the supplier’s quality control system. They generally come under three classifications:
• Counterfeit Components: Counterfeit components infiltrating the supply chain are a grave concern. These components mimic authentic ones in appearance but lack the necessary quality and reliability standards.
• Remarked Components: Recovered or refurbished parts can be renovated in an effort to restore them to a ‘like-new’ condition. This process usually involves resurfacing and remarking the parts with the object of making them pass as new components.
• Substandard Components: Components that may have been stored incorrectly leading to damaged pins, poor visual appearance, ESD or moisture sensitivity issues, oxidisation, and failure to solder correctly.
In order to uphold the integrity of the supply chain and ensure the quality of end products, as for AIChipLink, we observe two key pillars of quality control to ensure the quality of your components: component inspection and testing, and on-going supplier assessment.
Supplier assessments involve the systematic and on-going evaluation of suppliers. When we assess a supplier’s ability to consistently meet quality standards, we consider factors like their own quality management systems, accreditations, trade references and ERAI checks for any alerts, issues or disputes. This helps AIChipLink select reputable suppliers, build trust and mitigate any risks associated with substandard or counterfeit components.
Component inspection entails our own in-house evaluations of all incoming electronic components. Our component inspection process, developed over 7 years, includes visual inspections, dimensional checks, and resurfacing, acetone and scrape testing among others. When required, we will submit the components to additional external testing through our third-party accredited test hoses, including advanced technologies like X-ray analysis to uncover hidden defects. Discover more about the quality control processes we undertake at AIChipLink as below:
AIChipLink Quality Control Process
Lv. 1: Initial Inspection of Appearance
Our QC inspection team performs internal and external visual inspections of all electronic components.
• Document Verification: Checking shipping documents, packing lists, invoices, and delivery notes.
• Packaging Inspection: Checking outer boxes, inner boxes, vacuum packs, pallets, tape rolls, and anti-static measures.
• Label Inspection: Checking labels for accuracy of content including product name, model number, quantity, production date, and traceability code.
• Main Body Inspection: Examining chip appearance, form, and marking.
Lv. 2: Engineering Re-inspection
We authenticate the integrity of your parts through lead inspection, scrape testing, acetone testing, and marking permanency testing.
• Label Re-inspection: Comparing incoming labels with system databases and golden samples.
• Marking Re-inspection: Chemical solution and scratch tests.
• Main Body Re-inspection: Inspecting and comparing outer casings, pins, and dimensions.
• X-ray Inspection: Inspecting chip, package structure, lead wire, and comparing with golden samples.
Lv. 3: Electrical Performance and Environmental Compatibility Testing
Combining the industry's most advanced technology with insights from our in-house database.
• Solderability Testing
• Decapsulation Testing
• Electrical Performance Testing
• RoHS Compatibility Testing
Lv. 4: Testing in Authoritative Laboratories
To ensure we provide customers with electronic components that are safe, reliable, and defect-free, we have established our own QC laboratory. Additionally, we also have close collaborations with globally accredited partner laboratories, including CECC Lab, White Horse, and Global ETS.
How supplier assessment affects electronic component quality
It is not just the testing and inspection process that provides quality control adherence, but also the selection and management of vendors in the global supply of electronic components. By diligently evaluating and selecting reputable suppliers, we mitigate supply chain risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately deliver high-quality electronic products to our customers. A comprehensive and reliable supplier assessment process is the cornerstone of a successful electronic operation, fostering long-term partnerships and driving overall business growth.
As for AIChipLink, we also have a mature supplier assessment process.
Key aspects of AIChipLink's supplier assessment include:
• Supplier Qualification: During the assessment process, various factors are considered to qualify suppliers. These factors may include the supplier’s reputation, financial stability, certifications, quality management systems, and adherence to industry standards.
• Quality Control Systems: Assessing a supplier’s quality control systems provides insight into their ability to consistently produce high-quality components. This evaluation may involve examining their processes, testing procedures, inspection methods, and traceability systems to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Past Performance and Track Record: Evaluating a supplier’s past performance is crucial to determine their reliability and consistency. This assessment may involve reviewing their history of delivering defect-free components, responsiveness to quality issues, and their commitment to continuous improvement.
• Vendor Grading System: AIChipLink’s approved vendor list, consisting of over 3,000+ suppliers, is supported by a robust vendor grading system, which is visible to all buyers within the company. Continual monitoring and reviewing of supplier status is conducted by our purchasing teams using documented criteria and gradings amended accordingly. An annual supplier review is also conducted, and where necessary, results fed back to key suppliers.
As we navigate this ever-changing technological landscape, the message is clear: quality control is not just an option, it is an imperative. It is an investment from us to the long-term success of your business, the safety of your customers, and the reputation of your brand. That is why we prioritise our Quality Management Systems and make a promise to our stakeholders to ensure that every component we source contributes to a brighter, safer future. Through a multifaceted approach, including component inspection, testing, supplier assessment and adherence to industry-specific quality standards, we safeguard our sourcing and our customers’ supply chain and brand reputation.
Conclusion
In today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, electronic components play a pivotal role across various industries. Whether used in consumer electronics, industrial equipment, or medical devices, the quality and reliability of electronic components are paramount.
Electronic components quality control ensures you are using your resources in the best way possible. As a result, you are minimizing inefficiency and waste. Quality control is also a big indicator you are trusting your project to the right electronic components suppliers. A lack of quality assurance exposes your company to manufacturing defects, unsafe products, and wasted time and money.
Quality control is always a top priority for electronic manufacturers. Having a process in place mitigates problems and prevents mistakes, defects, and flaws in manufactured products. It can also strongly influence an ECM’s reputation and overall business success. Top electronic contract manufacturing companies integrate quality control throughout the entire electronic manufacturing process. Also, the right choice for electronic components distributor or dealers and Implementing a rigorous testing process will not only use quality control to mitigate risk but will provide your company with several other benefits as a result of diligent management processes.
Written by Jack Zhang from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global authorized electronic component distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers. Whether you need assistance finding the right part or electronic components manufacturers for your design, you can contact us via phone, chat or e-mail. Our support team will answer your inquiries within 24 hours.
