Preventing the introduction of counterfeit components into the supply chain is an important issue for the avionics industry. Supporting this effort, the IEC/TS 62668 series provides the technical specifications needed. And the basic precepts of the documents can be used in other industries as well. This month the IEC/TS 62668-1 2nd Edition has been released and IEC/TS 62668-2 1st Edition has been issued. We’ll review them one at a time.
IEC/TS 62668-1, Edition 2.0, Process management for avionics – Counterfeit prevention – Part 1: Avoiding the use of counterfeit, fraudulent and recycled electronic components
If you’re in the aerospace, defense or high performance industries, you’ll use this part of the series for defining the requirements necessary for avoiding the use of counterfeits. It provides requirements for protecting intellectual property (IP), which can be compromised by fraudulent products and services.
Areas covered by the standard include an overview of counterfeiting and the issues raised by the introduction of counterfeits and fraudulent parts into the supply chain. It provides best practices guidance, as well as information on the various certification schemes developed to provide confidence in purchasing processes. The Annexes are particularly helpful, covering contacts from industry and government, examples of aftermarket sources, an example of a RECS (Reliable Electronic Component Suppler) certificate, and a flowchart of the specification’s requirements.
Of course, this 2nd Edition cancels and replaces the first edition from 2012. It is a technical revision. Changes include updating the concepts of fraudulent component, recycled component and suspect components. Counterfeit awareness training has been added as a requirement and the Annexes have been updated with new information for references and web links.
IEC/TS 62668-2, Edition 1.0, Process management for avionics – Counterfeit prevention – Part 2: Managing electronic components from non-franchised sources
This companion specification has been released with requirements when components are purchased outside of the usual franchised distributor network. It notes that it is preferable to go through trusted channels when purchasing components, but offers guidance when that is not possible.
Of course, the goal is to use an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) that meets the requirements of IEC/TS 62668-1 above. However, verification to insure protection against the risks associated with purchasing from non-trusted suppliers is essential.
The specification provides you with an overview of the risks involved, and the process used (derogation) when purchasing through the usual channels is not possible. The Annexes provide you with the IEC/TS 62668-1 flowchart, an example of a detailed tests list (linked with procurement risks levels) and iNEMI counterfeit calculator tools. The bibliography contains over 2 pages of references for further review.
You’ll want copies of these new IEC/TS 62668 editions and you can purchase them from Document Center Inc. Use our webstore at www.document-center.com or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). You’ll be able to order IEC standards in paper format or for pdf download. And you can even include them in your Standards Online subscription for online access throughout your organization!
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