JEDEC Updates Microelectronic Packages, Covers Standards

I have always found that being a member of JEDEC Solid State Technology Council has been a big asset in keeping technical companies such as our laboratory located in NJ up to date with manufacturing and testing revisions.  The most recent update of the Inspection Criteria for Microelectronic Packages and Covers standard was announced in late June.  (See the announcement.)

As a JEDEC member, I have also attend various industry seminars that have proved valuable to me and to our engineering staff in NJ.  Membership also allows you to participate in the development meetings for future protocols.

Contaminated Foreigh-Made Components Could Open a Back Door to US Systems

It is not a surprise to read that the Department of Homeland Security believes that there are foreign made counterfeit components that have been intentionally tampered with in an effort to allow future cyber attacks. (See this article from ABC News: U.S. Suspects Contaminated Foreign-Made Components Threaten Cyber ....) If these components are used in sensitive electronic systems, those systems would be left open for a cyber warfare attack.

There are several key counterfeit examination tests that can be performed to identify these counterfeit components. To attack this issue immediately one needs to capture all the manufacturer part types and their date codes and perform a sample test evaluation in accordance with Military Standard 105D to uncover any anomalies in accordance with those date codes. For example, if 35,000 products of an LM333 component with a date code of 9912 were manufactured in 1999, it is recommended that a sample of 315 units be evaluated to uncover any suspect signs of counterfeiting.

Once again there are many different scenarios that can be the trigger for this type of investigation. Whatever the trigger, this testing protocol is a good start to the process of identifying compromised counterfeit electronics to contain this evergrowing epidemic. You can check out the variety of testing and professional services NJMET offers at http://www.josephfedericonj.net/about_njmet/services.htm

NJMET showing at DMSMS, Hollywood FL Aug. 29 - Sept 1

NJMET recently released announced their participation at the DMSMS show in September. The release read in part:

" NJMET, Inc. VP Joseph Federico has officially announced their participation and exhibition at the Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) at the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida on August 29th through September 1st, 2011.

DMSMS is the loss, or impending loss, of manufacturers or suppliers of items or raw material. The military loses a manufacturer when that manufacturer discontinues (or plans to discontinue) production of needed components or raw materials.

Obsolescence and DMSMS are often used interchangeably. DMSMS is the lack of sources or materials; obsolescence is lack of availability due to statutory, process and design changes. An obsolete product refers to the product in question not being needed anymore, and DMSMS is driven by financial needs pushing the technological requirement of a product out of production but not necessarily out of use.

For the complete press release, see the NJMET press room: http://pressroom.prlog.org/NJMET-Testing/.

See you there!