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Quality Control and Processes that ensure quality in EMS
Quality Control and Processes that ensure quality in EMS

Sep 01, 2022

We are surrounded by devices and electronic gizmos in our life and each of them, without exception, depend on electronics – from mobile phones to game consoles to cars to kitchen appliances to entertainment devices, and more. Powering all of these are complex printed circuit board assemblies which house the various active and passive components. If you are a manufacturer that uses these PCB assemblies, you would know the importance of partnering with a company that has proven expertise and a high level of reliability – an EMS partner you can trust. Here is a snapshot of the quality control initiatives a reputed EMS partner is expected to have towards ensuring high quality and timely delivery.

Comprehensive quality control processes and procedures – a must to ensure business continuity

Quality electronics manufacturing demands a range of control processes and procedures. Quality control methods can be grouped under 3 categories – Component Management, Process Management, and Data Management.

Component Management: All electronic devices depend on printed circuit boards and tiny, sophisticated components. The engineer designing the PCB has to have a clear understanding of the layout and the components he plans to use. Then is the act of sourcing these components. These have to meet the quality standards defined and be available on time. Challenges in terms of procurement, late deliveries and counterfeit could severely impact the project and the end product. To avoid these costly mistakes, quality control has to be maintained.

Procurement and availability of components also plays an important role. Challenges such as shortage, late deliveries and counterfeits impacts quality and delivery schedules. To mitigate these risks, the following are critical:

  1. Checking on the availability of components at the designing stage
  2. Using reputed vendors to avoid counterfeits and last minute surprises
  3. Working on the logistics and finances to prevent late delivery of components

Process Management: This involves a well-defined set of procedures to be followed to confirm that the products and services comply with the established standards. These guidelines define the process that should be followed in design, manufacture, and assembly such as:

IPC 60 – This is a set of guidelines that establishes the general requirements for Printed Circuit Boards
IPC 610-A – This is defacto inspection standard used for electronic products to standardize the process of assembly
J STD 001 – This provides guidelines on soldering connections for electrical and electronic assemblies

Data Management: Accurate data is important to delivering effective services/ products. This is also helpful in identifying errors and ensuring the production is effective and seamless.

Syrma SGS – Proven quality. Globally recognised certifications.

Syrma SGS offers proven Electronic Systems Design & Manufacturing Services backed by optimal electronics design, engineering, and production solutions. The company boasts of a 40-year legacy of innovative electronics and specializes in high-mix, flexible-volume precision manufacturing, and designs and manufactures custom RFID and magnetics solutions. Over the last decade, the company has shipped more than 500 Million product units across the globe and has 11 world-class manufacturing facilities.

Syrma SGS has in place proven quality assurance processes in line with Global standards. We maintain internationally recognized QA certifications. Our assembly technicians include certified J-STD-001 specialists; our production and quality control managers are IPC-A-610 certified. We support all requirements of IPC610 Class 3 (Class 2 standard) and ANSI/NCSL Z540.3. Our QA standards include sophisticated, automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment checks.

PCB assemblies are thoroughly inspected for various potential defects. X-ray inspection methods check the solder integrity of leadless components. Our highly trained and experienced test engineers provide automated functional testing equipment based on customer specifications.

Reliability and safety tests evaluate planning and execution for incoming and outgoing parts. We have in place an exhaustive supplier QA that includes components failure analysis, corrective actions, first article evaluation, new parts/source inspection, new qualification, performance feedback, and periodic process audits.

System QA includes conducting in-process yield monitoring with documentation control, periodic ECN/DN verifications, new QA system implementation, process audits, product failure analysis, qualification of new products, and QA system audits.

Outgoing QA includes monitoring the quality level of our products, receiving customer feedback & analysis, and sampling inspection.

Syrma also conducts a comprehensive failure analysis (FA) of multiple electronic assemblies and components: Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs); Integrated Circuits; memory chips; transistors, diodes, capacitors, and resistors; LEDs, and power modules. We analyze devices, components, and assemblies for specific defects, such as ESD, EOS, shorts, opens, corrosion, solderability, vibration, thermal fatigue, and connector failures.

Our test equipment includes ATT Micro testers, Profile Projectors, X-Ray inspection systems and customised Customized automated test equipment. We deploy a range of stringent tests to ensure our products perform efficiently.

Whether you are a multinational corporation with a presence across geographies or a start-up with big ambitions, Syrma SGS is well poised to be your EMS partner and is committed to help you succeed.