It is very important to us to ensure that the products we provide are of original brand and are fully functional. We also offer a minimum of 3 months guarantee on all products, which means that we have to be very careful that we do not deliver defective or incorrect goods. For this reason, we only work with trusted suppliers and test houses.
▪ New parts generally come in factory sealed packaging. Lot numbers and other information on the packaging helping to identify their origin and originality.
▪ The parts are compared with all data on the relevant datasheet. This includes checks on dimensions, timing, transmission, electrical characteristics, mechanical specification, etc.
▪ Particular tests carried out can give indications that the parts are not original.
metrans technology provides ISO Testing services through our 3rd party certified testing laboratory partners at no extra cost. We can offer certified visual and electrical testing reports to verify that the functionality and qualities of the devices you order are in accordance with specification.
All sectors within the electronic component industry need to ensure that each inspector is trained with the unique techniques and attributes to detect counterfeit parts, due to the increasing number of counterfeit components on the market. Conventional inspection techniques for electronic components do not incorporate the tests needed to identify suspect counterfeit parts. We work with only well-known and highly reliable electronic component testing laboratories who have years of experience in electronic inspection. This allows us to be confident when offering guarantees and aids us in evaluating our vendors. We often perform spot checks with vendors to ensure they consistently provide excellent quality products.
Visual and Electrical tests are performed free of cost to all customers, and we perform various additional tests and inspections when necessary.
All processes are performed by a Components Test Laboratory which is certified as ISO 9001:2008 and as an AS9100-C complaint organisation as well.
We can meet your testing needs for most types of electronic components and simulate a test environment based on your needs. Below is a list of common tests which we often undertake, if necessary. Other device specific tests can be provided upon request.
Incoming Documentation and Packaging Inspection
This inspection verifies the box damages, ESD protection, type of package, humidity indicator card (HIC) pass H2O test, etc. This testing is non-destructive and performed in accordance with SAE AS6081, 4.2.6.4.1.
External Visual Inspection
This inspection verifies the characteristics of electronic parts to evaluate quality and originality. This includes inceptions such as the condition of the components, part markings, evidence of a secondary coating, lead conditions, dimensions and surface quality. Visual inspection is non-destructive and performed per SAE AS6081 and MIL-STD-883 Method 2009.9 and on a sample of parts from a given lot base on the sample according to the ANSI ASQE Z1.4 Table II−A.
Common things generally looked for during a visual inspection test of an Integrated Circuit device include:
- Package condition and dimension of the product
- Device markings and signs of remarking
- Body inspection to identify scratches, cracks, corrosion, contamination, markings, coatings, etc.
- Pin indicator orientation, texture, coating, dimensions
- Lead condition (oxidation, alignment, exposure, corrosion, etc.)
- BGA inspection for broken, damaged or displaced BGA’s
- Substrate condition
AC/DC Electrical Function Testing:
Electronic Tests will verify electrical operating conditions of active and passive components on various types of components from limited DC function to full DC/AC function. This is performed in accordance with MIL-STD-883 and manufacturer’s specifications. We can simulate test conditions depending on industry compliance requirements (i.e., Military, Automotive, Medical, etc.).
Electrical testing is helpful to:
- Evaluate input and output characteristics of electronic components
- Compare known “good” devices with unknown devices to provide some level of examination
- Detect failure analysis
Solder Testing
The solderability of a substrate is a measure of the ease with which a soldered joint can be made to that material. It determines if the electric component will have soldering issue at the contract manufacturer. This destructive test is performed per MIL-STD-883 Method 203.8 and J-STD-002.
Decapsulation Internal Analysis
Decapsulation tests can be provided for customers to ensure that the original manufacturer has produced the device. This destructive test will expose the die, and characteristics such as die markings, metallization damage due to ESD or corrosion will be verified. Decapsulation is usually performed on 1 sample per lot / date code base on MIL-STD-883, Method 2014 or AS6081, 4.2.6.4.6.
A decapsulation test exposes the internal structure of the device by removing the exterior of the device. This is often achieved using an acid mixture to expose the bonding wires, internal structure, and the die.
X-Ray Inspection
X-ray inspections are non-destructive tests to verify the bond wire connections, die size comparison and ESD damaged. X-Ray are performed base on AS6081 4.2.6.4.4 and MIL-STD-883 2012.7. Counterfeit devices can be determined by comparing the structure of the die to a known good device, while the test also analyses:
- Broken or Missing Bond Wires
- Wire Bonding Options
- Void Analysis
- Check for De-lamination
- Structure Analysis
- Die Size Comparison
Quality assurance Guarantee
The quality of your electronics is important. We know this, and we make every effort to ensure that the components you receive are of superior quality. Our quality system ensures that technical errors can be found and determines whether it meets our quality compliance. This reduces a customer’s risk of bringing a new product to market.
Our quality procedures and supplier evaluations assist us in selecting the best quality product for you. We do this in a number of ways;
ISO 9001:2008 Compliance
Product are generally accompanied with ISO testing certificates. We work with well-known 3rd party electronics testing laboratories. Each of these laboratories are compliant to ISO 9001:2008 and incorporate the requirements of AS9100C. These quality management systems are applicable to:
- Inspection and testing
- Counterfeit detection
- Programming
- Packaging
- Warehousing and logistics
- Assemblies for military, government and aerospace applications.
For more information on testing, you can make an enquiry.
Supplier Evaluations
As our vendor and supplier network grows, we need to ensure our customers are satisfied with the product they are receiving. We individually evaluate all new suppliers who work with us and evaluate all suppliers on a quarterly basis. Our evaluations are based on previous experiences, experiences of our partners, and financial, social and certification reviews. Suppliers may also receive a visit from a member of our quality assurance team.
All new suppliers are requested to send their product to our 3rd party testing laboratories, where we perform a detailed testing analysis of the product.
Suppliers who have an established relationship with us, will have products scrutinised with detailed testing regularly and at random.
Counterfeit Detection
Counterfeit electronic components are electronic parts that are an infringement of the legitimate producer’s trademark rights. These components may not confirm to the specifications and quality from the original manufacturer. Our customers cannot be assured that the product and its lifespan will meet expectations. As a result, they must be 100% satisfied before utilising the parts into products such as navigation, medical apparatus, military equipment or aerospace vehicles and paraphernalia.
Counterfeit electronic components are common in China. In contrast, many electronic components are produced legitimately in China. Some suppliers may not be trained or prepared to identify counterfeit product. The challenge of identifying legitimate or inferior product is of upmost importance for our customers.
It is the responsibility of metrans technology to attempt to inspect all incoming electronic components for authenticity. We communicate with trusted testing laboratories to evaluate products and prevent counterfeit products from being supplied to our clients.
In conjunction with our Testing & Inspection Analysis, we investigate many aspects of a part, including:
- Incorrect part numbers
- Incorrect date
- Manufacturer origin
- Pre-soldered pins
- Package is made with the wrong material
- Laser cut lines in the markings
- Wrong / incomplete logos
- IC markings are in ink and can be wiped away with acetone
Refund Guarantee
Nobody ever wants to receive substandard products, and we do not want to provide such items either.
All product sold by metrans technology come with guarantees. If you are unsatisfied with the functionality of your components during the warranty period, we can refund, repair or replace the items. Our Customer Care agents are available to process your Return Merchandise Authorisation but however, you are responsible for the shipping costs.
We document and review all RMA product in conjunction with our quality procedures, to allow us to continue offering you a reliable service.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) also known as Directive 2002/95/EC was set up by the European Union to control the use of specific hazardous materials found in electronic products. It restricts the use of six different hazardous materials in the manufacturing process for electronic and electrical equipment.
These substances include:
- Lead (Pb)
- Mercury (Hg)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Chromium (Cr)
- Bromine Compounds (Br)
We can perform X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing on a wide range of electronics. This will ensure you are provided with the correct standard of product you require.
The non-destructive chemical elemental analysis testing in accordance with SAE AS6081 4.2.6.4.5 irradiates the device with charged particles and analyses wavelengths emitted.