Qualitätssicherung:
Maximale Kontrolle,
höchste Sicherheit.

Quality assurance:
Maximum control,
maximum safety.

Quality assurance

The majority of the components we sell come from authorised dealers, where traceability back to the manufacturer is guaranteed. In this case, our quality control is limited to a simple identity check. However, we often have to rely on unauthorised sources, especially when it comes to global sourcing. This is where our extensive QA procedures come into play.

01. Qualification of the supplier

  • Purchasing from or via long-standing partners who are more familiar with the local market (Asia, USA) and speak the respective national language, especially in the Asian market.
  • Market knowledge through experience (since 1999)
  • Obtaining information and references when purchasing from an unknown supplier.
  • Catalogue of questions (plausibility check)

02. Quality inspection for incoming goods

Optical incoming goods inspection:

The goods are checked for authenticity using a high-resolution digital microscope. This allows us to recognise traces on used or counterfeit parts that have been caused by processing (installation/removal). They show changes to the component labelling or to the connection pins, which we can detect in this way.

Qualitätsprüfung bei Wareneingang
Optische Wareneingangskontrolle

Blacktop detection

The most frequently used method for counterfeiting ICs is the blacktop method. The labelling applied by the manufacturer (article number and production batch) is removed with the help of grinding processes and replaced with a “desired” one. With this method, counterfeiters attempt to upgrade old or used parts with different manufacturing dates into new parts with the same manufacturing batch. Or parts that are not ROHS-compliant are renamed ROHS-compliant parts. It is also possible to change the accuracy class or speed in this way. However, grinding off the marking significantly changes the surface and appearance of the component and it would be easy to recognise. To disguise this processing, a black varnish is applied after sanding to cover the sanding marks and give the surface as original an appearance as possible. The new lettering is then usually applied by laser. We use various solvents such as ACETON to test whether blacktop lacquer has been applied to suspect goods. This involves wiping the surface with a cotton swab. Detachments of the blacktop lacquer can then be recognised on the cotton swab. The sanded surface is revealed on the parts. Both are documented with a microscope.

Blacktop Detektion
Blacktop Detektion

Scrape test / Blade test

However, as blacktop paints that are resistant to solvents and acetone are now increasingly being used, a mechanical test is always carried out. This involves scraping the surface with a sharp blade and testing whether paint components can be removed without applying great pressure. In the case of original parts, only superficial scratches are created and fine dust is produced from the homegenic plastic of the housing, while in the case of parts with blacktop paint, parts of the paint that have a different colour to the housing come off (see picture).

Scrape Test / Klingen Test

03. Second stage test

The internal structure of the component cannot be recognised during the first level test. Therefore, if there are justified doubts or at the customer’s request, further optical procedures are used, which we have carried out by external service providers.

DECAPSULATION (destructive test):

The outer plastic body is etched away so that the internal semiconductor (known as the DIE) can be examined in detail. Manufacturer’s markings on the DIE cannot be influenced by the supplier and therefore provide information on authenticity. An original part should be available for comparison.

DECAPSULATION (zerstörender Test):
DECAPSULATION (zerstörender Test):
DECAPSULATION (zerstörender Test):

X-RAY (XRAY):

As a further option for authentication, parts can be X-rayed, allowing the internal structures to be examined non-destructively. A good sample (original) should also be available here.

Qualtätskontrolle Röntgen (XRAY)
Qualtätskontrolle Röntgen (XRAY)

With these comprehensive QA methods, we ensure that not only our traditional distribution via authorised dealers, but also our global sourcing meets our uncompromising quality standards.

Five reasons for TronicPool

Qualität

Quality

Kosteneffizienz

Cost Efficiency

Schnelligkeit und Liefertreue

Fast and reliable delivery

Hohe Beratungskompetenz

High advisory skills

Breites Leistungsspektrum

Broad portfolio