Qualifying COTS components at a reduced cost

COTS components qualification

What happens if the qualification of the part fails during the test process, and it happens the part is not suitable for space? How are costs shared then? Did will quote price be adjusted? Do ALTER would propose an alternative part? 

When qualifying COTS components, we are fully characterizing the device under space environment working conditions. These COTS are not guaranteed for Space use by the Manufacturer. ALTER guarantees that the parts are tested strictly in accordance with agreed conditions. Then, strictly speaking, when a result deviates from the expected behaviour (under normal environmental conditions) ALTER will raise an incidence report that will be treated together with you to assess the acceptability for your specific project. Although the test execution can be interrupted once the failures are found, providing some saving of the overall cost, take into account that most of the Non-Recurrent Cost will be incurred before the test starts so they will be invoiced. ATN will work with all participants in the project to define the next steps after failure, including assessment about other parts providing more confidence.

For hybrid parts, where the hybrid is screened, and LAT is performed at a hybrid level. What will the best way of verifying COTS components for this kind of parts? Typically, active dies.

It is fully dependent on the level of confidence expected to be achieved. The strategy can be developed either performing a tailored element evaluation to all add-on parts or considering the hybrid as a component and then executing all required inspections at a hybrid level. The approach used will be defined during the first phase of the crowdtesting project or even opening different lines to validate which one is preferred by the community.

Does this approach address lot to lot risks? As these are COTS components there is no qualified supplier, does this mean that the qualification will only be good for a single lot of parts?

This is correct. Generally speaking, when we perform the tests in accordance with a specific test flow it relates to the specific lot we are testing. If a new lot is to be procured would need to go under the same activities again. Every project will always have the opportunity to procure a larger lot capable to create stock for future needs covered by the same qualification.

Would you allow sharing NRE costs of past projects?

The projects start with the goal of sharing the Non-Recurrent Costs at that moment. If a user wants to join later, we will allow them subject to the agreement with the original users.

For any COTS components qualification made, is validity possible only against the lot validated?  i.e. variation in manufacturers lots

Generally speaking, a specific test flow will affect the specific lot we are testing. However, it depends on the specific product assurance requirements of a project, whether past qualification results could be valid even if the lot is different.

What happens if not enough partners join any particular test campaign?

In case the number of users is below than expected before cancelling the campaign, ALTER will contact the users who joined to ask them whether they would like to continue with a revised sale price to cover the gap.

How do you harmonize the different environmental levels from the customers in a campaign? Mechanical and thermal mainly

There is a test plan that will be prepared by ALTER and which should compile all the different needs whenever this is possible.

Cost savings depend on # of collaborators sharing the costs. For your examples, how many different collaborators were involved to result in cost savings of “60%”?

It depends on the specific campaign and basically on the non-recurrent cost associated. These non-recurrent costs are divided proportionally between the number of users involved.

Do you develop the test program of the parts? Do you get it from the supplier?

Most of the cases, the test program is developed by us.

Would the radiation testing include Single Event Effects or just total dose?

We have full capability in house to perform any needed test on EEE parts. Our engineering and lab team are in charge of defining the proper test flow, which may contain, depending on the technology, different tests within the test flow.

Do you have an estimate of how much time it will take to qualify apart with this approach?

It depends on the specific test flow selected. The schedule is included in the project information. Crowdtesting initial phases (search for partners, test flow definition and approval, contractual agreements) can be as reduced as few weeks to maximum 3 months (on a case by case basis).

What credentials are used for initial possible cots parts selected to maximize successful qual?

Each component can be analyzed in terms of previous experience, reliability data from manufacturers, technology evaluation and technical assessment by our experienced engineers. The first step of the screening activity can include the preparation of a Justification Document detailing all this technical information.

How much does it cost to participate in the crowdsourcing program?

It depends on the specific project. You pay when you join a project but not for using the platform, which is free of charge.

What about continuous monitoring of intermediate results through Virtual Lab?

Virtual Lab will be progressively available for all activities implemented by ATN, including those implemented through Crowdtesting. VL will be identified in an applicable test plan when available.

How do you harmonize when different users have different quality needs for the same part?

There is a test plan that will be prepared by ALTER and which compiles all the different needs whenever this is possible.

Please define the word “COTS” and how it applies to passives and actives.

Commercial off the shelf. It can be applied to any product family; regardless it is active, passive or other.

Suppose someone sees much later that activity was already performed. Can it be possible to have access to the reports, and how would that be done?

The projects start with the goal of sharing the Non-Recurrent Costs at that moment. If a user wants to join later, we will allow them subject to the agreement with the original users.

Are parts that have undergone testing visible on your website? Is it possible to obtain those test results?

Test results belong to the companies participating in the crowdtesting, so results can be available always that they authorize it.

What happens to parts from a tested lot that is not needed by the users?

In that case, ALTER may purchase them from you to find further potential customers.

The radiation tests of complex devices such as SoC can be tricky, and the functional failures usually depend on the implemented design or the code run on the device. How is this problem approached by your solution?

ATN has a very experienced team for developing the appropriate test set-up to ensure the validity of the results obtained. Whenever possible, our team will interact with the SoC designer to ensure the test solutions considered are providing a valid characterization of the product. Additionally, the customers will be able to participate, review or validate the proposed test solution, if agreed.

How are harmonized the schedules of the sharing customers of the same Open Project? Are the other customers aware of such different schedules?

The schedule is published on the campaign, and it is fixed. It will depend on the expected kick-off. Kick-off will be immediately after the numbers of users are achieved.

What are the EEE parts that best fit this type of approach?

Typically, those which procurement is associated with a big amount of non-recurrent costs.

Are you working with other companies to share time and costs?

Crowdtesting is a platform open for OEMs, parts manufacturers or any other stakeholder requiring the use of EEE parts. Additionally, ATN has a vast experience in coordinated parts procurement (CPPA) where the needs of multiple companies are combined to reduce the overall non-recurrent cost of the project.

How do you know the right conditions for testing? At the same time, how do you know the good conditions for the screening to guarantee reliability?

There is a test plan that will be prepared by ALTER and which should compile all the different needs whenever this is possible.

Will auditors be allowed to visit your lab(s)?

YES

Samples should be bought by customers and sent to your facilities? (105Samles is a fixed cost?)

No. ALTER takes care of the whole process (procurement + testing + delivery).

You just mentioned schedule, but Radiation testing was not mentioned is it also covered? Also, do ensure single wafer lot in each lot of parts as some manufacturers use multiple wafer lots in an assembly lot.

Whether different lots are received, test plans will be adapted to cover all lots. Crowdtesting can cover all type of tests. If a single wafer lot cannot be guaranteed, the test strategy to be followed will be agreed prior to the start of the project.

Is outgassing conducted on part level or its materials?

It will always be included that required and specified in the agreed test flow.

Is today’s presentation the “official launch” of your crowdtesting concept?  The www site shows only the projects you described in today’s talk. Or are there any other campaigns already underway?

The platform shows the current launched projects. Any stakeholder can initiate a project at any time.

Just now did you mentioned you would try to cover lots with different date codes? If yes, that is additional costs. Will it be passed down to the customers?

The test plan will be modified with the aim of not charging any additional cost to the customers.

Are the results of the campaign applicable to the COTS reference, if purchased in a shop? Does successful camping imply, to any extent at all, that that COTS part is ‘good enough’ even if not tested in that particular campaign lot?

Generally speaking, a specific test flow will affect the specific lot we are testing. However, it depends on the specific product assurance requirements of a project, whether past qualification results could be valid even if the lot is different.

For later:   seriously, 35 outgassing samples?

Samples to be submitted to outgassing will be defined in the test plan and agreed with all participants involved. As a general statement, the number of required samples will be defined in the most common test standards applicable to the intended application.

In case that one initiates a project but unfortunately ends up having fewer participants than expected and the initiator want to withdraw due to their budget, what kind of cost will be charged to the initiator?

In case the number of users is below than expected before cancelling the campaign, ALTER will contact the users who joined to ask them whether they would like to continue with a revised sale price to cover the gap. Otherwise, the campaign is cancelled, and ALTER won’t charge any money to the users who placed the order.

It seems that part number info sharing will be easy but getting the same lot or date code that was tested by you may be difficult.   Will Alter facilitate same-lot purchases?

Yes. ALTER has been procuring and testing COTS over the past 25 years. Most of the cases, we get enough quantity from the same lot to do the activity without further need to modify the agreed conditions. If finally, multiple date codes are received, ALTER will adapt the test plan to cover the different lots.

An evaluation test activity, according to ESA requirements, takes 2-3 years. How do you do the evaluation + qualification tests so rapidly? Do you respect standards and which standards? ESA, MIL…?

Applicable standards and test flows are agreed at the start of the project. ATN applies the experience gained during many years of operation to create an optimized schedule, always compliant with the test plans. It must also be noted that ATN has all equipment and capabilities in a house for the execution of the test, so that provides us with a great degree of freedom for selection of the optimal flow and schedule.

Do you publish a catalog of all the parts that you have tested in recent past, so I can choose which previously qualified parts I wish to select and negotiate to participate in the past tests NRE?

Yes. They will appear in the platform and ALTER will facilitate this arrangement.

What is DPA?

DPA means Destructive Physical analysis. You can read the article DPA Parts Examination Used For Electrical Components to know more about this test.

Crowdtesting Platform

Do you publish the list of open projects?

Yes. Please find them on our Crowdtesting platform.

Is there any similar approach (or could this also be done within the crowdtesting platform) to characterize components for HI/TID?

YES. You can make use of the Crowdtesting platform whenever there is a possibility to share costs.

Will components for the test need to be sent to Spain?

No. ALTER carries out the whole process for these specific projects (procurement + testing + delivery). However, you can always make use of the crowdtesting platform to qualify a lot that you have in your stock. In such a case, you would need to send the parts to ALTER.

Other than supplying the standard parts, what involvement, if any, does Alter seek from the device manufacturer?

Crowdtesting platform is a perfect place for manufacturers who would like to enhance a variant coming from another production line rather than space which cannot be achieved internally. ALTER is ready to reach specific agreements with MFR’s to test and promote this kind of approach

Will be possible to apply project for example on automotive COTS or only on SPACE Grade EEE parts?

Yes. ALTER is specialized in Hi-Rel markets procurement and testing. Crowdtesting platform is open to any customer and segment that can take advantage of the proposed approach.

Is ALTER’s post-testing support, if needed for any reason after several months, the same support as ALTER supplies when purchasing as a single customer?

YES. ALTER offer of the Crowdtesting Platform includes full After Sales support

Is there a database on the parts that are in the crowdtesting?

Yes. Please find them on our Crowdtesting platform.

About ALTER customer services and COTS components projects

Does ALTER provide any additional warranty or liability on the parts under this concept?

ALTER guarantees that the executed tests are following the specification agreed. ATN does not accept liability on the test results (when properly executed) unless specifically agreed prior to the start of the project.

Does ALTER buy the parts for the test campaign, or do the users buy the parts and send them to ALTER?

ALTER takes care of the whole process (procurement + testing + delivery)

Does ALTER foresee issues for devices subject to export control regulations?

There could be that a specific item is subject Export Control Regulation. In this case, included in the price, ALTER will manage the approval. ATN has a great experience dealing with export regulations either from/to the USA or EU. A risk assessment about the possibility of not getting the required export authorization will be done before the start of the project.

Will the customers who will buy in later well be disclosed to the original ones who have started the campaign?

ALTER guarantees confidentiality through an NDA.

What kind of test reports will be provided after the test campaign?

ALTER will provide together with the parts a complete set of reports which shows the result of each of the activity that has been performed.

Is there a possibility that the up screening fails?

Yes. ALTER provides the assurance that the tests have been performed in accordance with the agreed specification. Satisfactory results cannot be guaranteed and ATN will not accept liability on those failures if the screening has been properly executed.

IS Alter doing or arranging the testing, or do participants test & share?

ALTER takes care of the procurement and testing activities. Users placed an order to ALTER, and we take care of the whole process, including the delivery of the pcs to you.

How projects address the different requirements between clients, in the sense that environment like radiation or temperature can be different for each client participating in the project?

There is a test plan that will be prepared by ALTER and which compiles all the different needs whenever this is possible.