Quality Control

All components are tested using industry leading third-party labs to ensure authenticity and unbiased results.

Why third-party testing?

At Microchip USA, we understand that the quality of the Integrated Circuits we sell is essential to our business. That’s why we use third-party labs to test and verify our ICs.

We believe that the use of in-house testing labs is a conflict of interest. This is because the same organization is selling and verifying the parts. This can create a bias, as the organization may be reluctant to find defects in its own products.

Third-party labs, on the other hand, are independent of the company that designed the IC. This means that they can be more objective in their testing and are less likely to be influenced by financial considerations.

For these reasons, we believe that using third-party labs to test and verify our ICs is the best way to ensure the quality and reliability of our products.

Here are some of the potential risks of using in-house testing labs:

  • The lab may be reluctant to find defects in its own products, as this could damage the company’s reputation.
  • The lab may not have the same level of expertise as a third-party lab.
  • The lab may not have the same level of independence as a third-party lab.

As third-party labs have a vested interest in providing accurate and unbiased results, since their reputation depends on it, we believe that the use of third-party labs is the best way to mitigate these risks. Additionally, independent labs have the expertise and resources to test ICs in a comprehensive and objective way.

Microchip USA is committed to providing our clients with the best possible components, and we believe that using third-party labs is an essential part of ensuring the quality and reliability of our ICs.

What labs do we use?

Whitehorse Laboratories is a quality control company that provides testing, auditing, and logistics services for the electronics industry. They specialize in detecting and preventing counterfeit electronic components and other threats to the global supply chain. They operate in the United States, Asia, and Europe, and offer professional training sessions on topics such as counterfeit detection and supply chain management.
Global ETS is an electrical component testing laboratory that offers independent component authentication and quality testing services for the electronics industry. They use state-of-the-art technologies, software, hardware, and analytical testing methodologies to detect and prevent counterfeit and defective components. They're located in Odessa, Florida, and have a DLA, AS9100, ISO 17025, GIDEP, ANAB, and ILAC approved testing facility.
Precision Test Solutions is an electrical testing company that can test and evaluate a broad range of EEEE (electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical, electro-optical) components and mechanical assemblies to ensure they meet the requirements of military, space, and commercial avionics applications. They also perform product qualification testing on customer-furnished products for various industries. They are located in Orlando, Florida, and have an AS9100D-certified quality management system.
GD4 Test Services is an electronic component testing company that offers a full range of integrated circuit testing, programming, and packing options. They also provide counterfeit screening, quality testing, and failure analysis services for the electronics industry. They have three U.S. locations: Austin, Texas; Largo, Florida; and Yaphank, New York. They are certified ISO 9001 / AS9100 and ISO 17025, AS6171 and AS6081. They are also certified ANSI / ESD S20.20 and DLA Lab Suitability and QTSL.

What tests are available?

Microchip USA’s independent testing partners utilize a standard series of tests, including electrical testing, decapsulation, and X-ray inspection. However, many types of verification testing are available from our partners. Some available tests include:

Decapsulation and Internal Dye Verification
This test involves removing the outer encapsulation of the IC to expose the internal dye. The dye is then inspected with a microscope to look for defects, such as cracks, missing metal layers, and/or contamination.
X-Ray Inspection & Analysis
This test uses X-rays to create images of the internal structure of the IC. These images can be used to identify defects that are not visible to the naked eye, such as voids, shorts, and opens.
External Visual Inspection
This test involves visually inspecting the external surface of the IC for defects, such as cracks, missing solder balls, or contamination.
Surface Texture Analysis
This test uses a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to analyze the surface texture of the IC. This can be used to identify defects, such as scratches, pits, or bumps.
Electric Pin Correlation
This test is used to verify the electrical connections between the pins of an IC. This test is important because it can help to identify defects that may cause the IC to malfunction.
TestPurposeDescription
Decapsulation and Internal Die VerificationTo identify internal defectsThe outer encapsulation of the IC is removed to expose the internal die. The die is then inspected visually and with a microscope.
X-Ray Inspection & AnalysisTo identify internal defectsX-rays are used to create images of the internal structure of the IC. These images can be used to identify defects that are not visible to the naked eye.
External Visual InspectionTo identify external defectsThe external surface of the IC is inspected visually for defects.
Surface Texture AnalysisTo identify surface defectsA scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to analyze the surface texture of the IC. This can be used to identify defects, such as scratches, pits, or bumps.
Electric Pin CorrelationTo verify the electrical connections between the pins of an ICThe electrical characteristics of each pin on the IC are measured. The measurements are then compared to the expected values to identify any discrepancies.
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