How do you evaluate the reliability and quality of electronic components from different suppliers?

Evaluating the reliability and quality of electronic components from different suppliers involves a comprehensive approach. Conduct thorough supplier assessments, considering factors such as certifications, manufacturing processes, and adherence to industry standards. Implement rigorous testing protocols, including reliability tests and quality assurance checks, to validate component performance. Seek feedback from industry peers and forums regarding their experiences with specific suppliers. Regularly audit suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with quality standards. Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to quantitatively measure and compare the reliability of components from diverse sources.

In more detail, one needs to find out the specific requirements of the final system before looking for components. The main ones are: Are you in a regulated environment? Do you need a CLASS-1, CLASS-2, CLASS-3 PCB board? IPC, ESA, NASA, UL, RoHS, or other certifications? (which would influence also some component choices, for example, not all components are halogen-free (Rohs)). How long should the device function and in what environment? Look for MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of components, MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) And generally, what will the final product have to endure, and for how long? With this in mind the datasheet must at least exceed those requirements by a safety factor specified in the certifications above.

An important detail that is often missed is the component status. When designing a system, if the expected life of such a product is 1 year, and we don't foresee selling it next year, then it is okay if the supplier stops selling us components in a while, but it would mean disaster for a product that we want to keep in the market for long. Therefore the "Obsolescence" of the component should be checked, which is a date the manufacturer specifies to guarantee the production of such a component. On top of this, for such products, it is advisable to have alternative components that can be swapped without having to change the board layout.

Testing, especially for critical applications, is the most important action to undertake during the first design phases. Carefully plan, depending on how critical is your application, tests for (true for critical applications, doesn't apply to the average consumer product): - Contaminants (ion-chromatography); - Vibrational bench; - UV and broad spectrum sensitivity (for exposed boards; - Climatic chamber tests to verify Moisture Sensitivity Levels (MSL); - Beam line time at CERN, MGH, or other facilities in case the product is exposed to ionizing radiation (the selection of what kind of ionizing radiation is also very important); - Gas infusion test (some components are sensible to helium and other gasses in the atmosphere around them).

Price matters when choosing a supplier, but it's not the only thing. Consider all the expenses, such as the amount of time and effort your team will invest in the project. Will you have to rush or work extra hours to meet deadlines? Also, check if the supplier has a good track record for quality work. It's important to look beyond just the price tag to make sure you're getting the best value for your money and a smooth experience overall. I post daily updates about electronics; feel free to connect with me!

Bei der Auswahl und Beschaffung elektronischer Bauelemente sind folgende Punkte entscheidend: 1) Kenntnis des Lebenszyklusstatus – NRND-Komponenten frühzeitig ersetzen. 2) Kauf nur aus zuverlässigen Quellen, um Qualität zu sichern. 3) Sachgerechte Lagerung und Handling, insbesondere ESD- und MSD-gerecht. 4) Achtung vor Überalterung, um Lötprobleme oder Austrocknen zu vermeiden. Eine sorgfältige Handhabung dieser Aspekte sichert die Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit deiner Produkte.

I've noticed that sometimes there is a lack of support in terms of technical compliance documentation. The electrical and electronic components are often required to comply with Safety, EMC and RoHS regulations, then the integrators should use the reports, certs and declarations obtained by the suppliers to keep an integral technical file. It's recommended to look for components that have achieved multiple certifications around the world and that the supplier is onboard to share documentation (even PCB layouts, schematics and part list), while keeping their products' compliance status up to date to the latest standards. This is particularly critical for components such as power supplies, cords, plugs, batteries, radio modules, antennas.