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!

NJMET Joins IEEE Aerospace Electronic Systems Society in 2011

As part of NJMET's ongoing attempts to maintain rigorous standards and certification, NJMET recently joined the IEEE Aerospace Electronic Systems Society for 2011.

 

The IEEE is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community through IEEE’s highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities.

 

Others steps we have taken include:

• Joseph Federico Announces DSCC-VQC Commercial Laboratory Suitability Status for NJMET Clifton, NJ
• NJMET Announces AS9100 Rev. B Registration for 2011 
• Joseph Federico Announces NJMET 2011 ITAR Registration

For more infomation about NJMET's membership in IEEE see our recent press release: NJMET Joins IEEE Aerospace Electronic Systems Society in 2011.

Engineering Job opening at NJMET

The following engineering position is open at NJMET:

 Engineering Analyst / Lab Technician

Failure and construction analysis of electronic components have been the primary objective of Component-Analysis.  Using specialized equipment, such as low & high magnification microscopes, high performance digital cameras, XRF etc., NJMET meets our customers' electronic component testing needs.  NJMET is looking for an Engineering Analyst / Lab Technician to work in the following areas of Component Analysis Services:

• Failure analysis
• Construction analysis
• Destructive physical analysis (DPA)
• XRF Analysis in detection of elements
• Other chemistry techniques

The successful candidate should have a minimum 3 to 5 years relevant work experience / college degree and equivalent experience. (Electronics / Chemical Engineering or BS Chemistry)

For more information on the position and details on how to apply, see: http://www.njmetmtl.com/engineering%20analyst.aspx on the NJMET website.

Expanded Thermal Physical Testing Services at NJMET

As part of NJMET's drive to expand it's testing services, I recently announced plans to provide additional testing for the thermo/physical industries.

The press release, entitled "Joseph Federico Announces Expanded Thermal Physical Testing Services from NJMET, Clifton NJ," received a fair amount of notice.

The release said in part:

Joseph Federico of NJ Micro Electronic Testing is proud to announce the expansion of its laboratory testing services by accommodating the thermo/physical industries with additional testing services.


“Our objective is to provide our world recognized testing services and full service technical support to thermal manufacturers and designers all over the world” said Joseph Federico Vice President of NJ Micro Electronic Testing located in Clifton, NJ.

Expanded Thermal Physical Testing Services is just one area in which NJMET is offering new or expanded services. For example, see  my earlier posts: NJMET Expands Testing Services to Textile Industry and NJMET Announces Analysis of Cosmetic Products.

The complete release can be found in the NMET press room: http://pressroom.prlog.org/NJMET-Testing/.
The NJMET pressroom contains announcements about other company activities such as our charitable activites and our certification efforts.

Defense and Aerospace at Greater Risk for Counterfeit Parts

The AIA report states that although the threat of counterfeit parts is widespread across industries, “Counterfeit electronic parts may pose the greatest risk to aerospace and defense programs in cost,

schedule, safety and overall mission success.” 

This report is on target. Over the past several years we have seen too many counterfeit electronic components. They can pose a grave danger to our military programs.  As the AIA report states:

“Regardless of how counterfeit parts—whether electronic, mechanical or other—enter the aerospace and defense supply chain, they can jeopardize the performance, reliability and safety of aerospace and defense products. Authentic parts have known performance histories and adhere to the manufacturers’ quality control plans, whereas counterfeit parts have unknown performance reliability and often limited quality controls. The cost of counterfeit parts entering the supply chain is greater than simple replacement of the counterfeit part. Ramifications could include potential product failure, warranty costs, inspections and testing, restocking, lost revenue, exfiltration of electronic data, loss of intellectual property such as trademark value and compromising national security. For space applications, the cost of mission failure may include the potential loss of entire platforms, such as satellites, due to inaccessibility for repair.”

Simply put, fake components are an unknown and can cause our military and space equipment to fail. This report and the Senate hearings I wrote about earlier this month (Armed Services Committee to Investigate Counterfeit Components) are both important steps towards putting the spotlight on the dangers we face from the growing problem of counterfeit electronic components.

NJMET’s Mission Imposter program provides comprehensive testing for counterfeit electronic components. Click here to learn more. NJMET is based in Clifton, NJ with additional offices in Denver, London and Hong Kong.