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What is Robotic Solder Dip (Retinning, Alloy Conversion, Alloy Refresh)?

Posted on by Maulin Buch

What is Robotic Solder Dip (Retinning, Alloy Conversion, Alloy Refresh)?

The integrity of every electronic component matters in high-reliability industries. That’s why processes such as robotic solder dip – also known as retinning, alloy conversion, or alloy refresh play a vital role in protecting supply chains and extending component life.

What is Robotic Solder Dip?

Robotic solder dip is a controlled process that removes old or compromised tin finishes from component leads and replaces them with fresh solder.

Depending on alloy composition, it helps eliminate defects such as tin whiskers and ensures components meet the required alloy specification for their end-use environment.

The process is especially important in defence, aerospace, avionics, and space applications, where failure is not an option.

When do you need this service?

This technique is applied in several scenarios:

  • Alloy conversion – where components need to be converted from lead-free to tin/lead finishes, or vice versa, to match system requirements.
  • Alloy refresh – where parts have been stored for extended periods and the finish has oxidised or become unsuitable for assembly.
  • Retinning – to repair or restore solderability on aged or contaminated leads.
  • Counterfeit mitigation – providing assurance that the leads are refreshed and genuine before deployment.

In every case, the goal is the same: improved solderability, extended component lifespan, and reduced risk of in-field failures.

How is Robotic Solder Dip Done?

The process combines robotics, precision control, and strict standards. At Retronix, it typically follows these steps:

  • Component Preparation – Devices are carefully checked and, if required, masked to protect sensitive areas from solder exposure.
  • Robotic Handling – Components are loaded into a robotic system, ensuring consistent positioning and movement.
  • Flux Application – A precise amount of flux is applied to promote wetting and improve solder adhesion.
  • Controlled Immersion – The robotic arm dips the leads into a solder bath at tightly controlled angles, depths, and dwell times.
  • Alloy Replacement (if required) – The old finish is stripped away and replaced with the required solder alloy (such as tin/lead or lead-free).
  • Cooling and Cleaning – Parts are then cleaned to remove any flux residues.
  • Inspection and Testing – Every batch is checked for solderability, finish quality, and compliance with standards such as GEIA-STD-0006.

This repeatable and traceable process ensures every component meets the highest level of reliability and performance.

Why does automation matter?

Traditional manual solder dip methods are widely used across the industry and, when performed by skilled technicians, can achieve good results. Many companies rely on manual dipping for certain applications, and it remains an accepted practice.

However, manual methods naturally introduce more variability. Temperature, dwell time, and immersion angles can be harder to control by hand, which may affect repeatability in critical applications.

That’s why Retronix has invested in state-of-the-art robotic systems. Automation ensures:

  • Consistent process control across every component.
  • Repeatability and precision, vital for aerospace and defence standards.
  • Compliance with international standards including GEIA-STD-0006.
  • Traceability – with full process records for customer confidence.

Our robotic solder dip solutions are designed with both precision and flexibility in mind. Whether you need a full alloy conversion programme for thousands of components, or a refresh for a critical batch of spares, our systems deliver the highest levels of reliability.

By combining advanced robotics with decades of expertise, we help customers reduce risk, ensure compliance, and extend the usable life of their electronic components. That’s why leading organisations across aerospace, defence, and other high-reliability industries choose Retronix.

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Reballing: What Is It And When Do You Need It?

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Reballing Components: What is it, and when do you need it?

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the brains of all modern electronics, from your phone to complex aerospace equipment. At their heart are tiny, intricate connections that link the components to the board. Over time, or during certain repair and refurbishment processes, these connections become damaged, oxidised, or unsuitable for the intended application.

When these connections fail, the whole device fails.

BGA Solder Simulation

So, what is Reballing?

Put simply, reballing involves removing old solder balls from a BGA component and replacing them with new ones of the correct alloy, size, and specification.

BGA’s are a type of surface-mount packaging that uses an array of solder balls to connect the integrated circuit to the PCB. These tiny solder spheres are essential for creating thousands of reliable electrical connections in a small area.

Over time, these solder balls can become cracked, corroded, or damaged. Reballing involves carefully removing the old solder balls from the component’s underside and replacing them with a fresh, uniform array of new solder balls. The goal is to restore the component’s electrical integrity, ensuring it can be reliably mounted back onto a PCB.

When is Reballing used?

Reballing is common in several situations:

  • Changing solder alloys – for example, switching from lead-free to tin-lead for high-reliability or legacy systems.
  • Repair and refurbishment – restoring components removed from boards.
  • Upgrading or repurposing parts – ensuring compatibility with specific assembly requirements.
  • Addressing damage – when solder balls are contaminated, oxidised, or physically damaged.

How is Reballing done?

The traditional reballing process involves a technique called ‘reflow’. This requires heating the component to a temperature high enough to melt the solder, which can be a double-edged sword. While it’s necessary to create the connection, this high-heat exposure can stress the component and cause a range of issues, from micro-cracking to component degradation. Component manufacturers have recommended that a component not go through more than 3 reflow cycles. Each extra cycle can stress the device, potentially affecting performance or lifespan.

The Retronix Laser Reballing Advantage: Avoiding Reflow Cycles

Retronix uses a laser reballing process that targets only the solder area, avoiding the need to heat the entire component. This means:

  • No additional full reflow cycles – reducing thermal stress on devices.
  • Precision and repeatability – ensuring each solder ball is placed with exact accuracy.
  • Better reliability – components are handled in a way that preserves their integrity.
  • Compliance with industry standards – giving customers confidence in long-term performance.

Our process is designed for speed, accuracy, consistency and zero compromise on quality

We have invested in advanced equipment and stringent quality controls so our customers receive components that are production-ready, every time. Because when it comes to reballing, the smallest details matter. Alloys. Ball size. Consistency. Placement accuracy. Thermal history. We manage them all.

Whether you need a single batch or ongoing high-volume reballing support, Retronix delivers a service trusted by leading manufacturers worldwide. Our combination of laser technology, experienced operators, and industry certifications makes us the first choice for businesses where reliability cannot be compromised.

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The Quiet Deadline: How Obsolescence Shapes Modern Production

Posted on by Maulin Buch

The Quiet Deadline: How Obsolescence Shapes Modern Production

A quiet but significant issue is at play in the world of manufacturing and technology: component obsolescence. It’s an issue that can bring production lines to a halt, trigger expensive redesigns, and threaten the long-term viability of products across a huge range of industries.

When a manufacturer issues an End-of-Life (EOL) notice for a component, it sends a powerful message to the entire industry. The notice often specifies a last-time-buy date, a final shipment date, and an end-of-support date. 

This triggers a flurry of activity for any business that relies on that part. Companies must assess their current inventory, forecast future needs, and make a crucial decision: place a large, one-time “lifetime” buy to secure enough components to last for the product’s entire lifecycle, or initiate a potentially expensive and time-consuming redesign of their product to use an alternative part.

Production Manager troubleshooting a problem

Who feels the pain?

Component obsolescence affects all industries differently. Sectors with long product lifecycles, such as aerospace, defence, medical devices, and rail, are particularly vulnerable. A piece of equipment designed to last for decades, like a train signalling system or a piece of medical imaging technology, often relies on components that may only be in production for a few years.

This EOL notice is the starting pistol for a race against time, forcing procurement teams, engineers, and supply chain managers to find a solution that avoids production line shutdowns and future product support issues.

This creates a critical mismatch, requiring companies to manage a continuous process of sourcing and replacing parts to ensure functionality and safety. For these sectors, a component becoming obsolete is a strategic and operational risk that can compromise safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

However, the problem isn’t limited to these fields. Automotive manufacturers, industrial automation companies, and even consumer electronics firms also face these challenges. 

A discontinued part can disrupt production lines, increase costs, and lead to delays. The interconnected nature of the global supply chain means that a single point of failure can have widespread consequences.

Figure - Rail Obsolescence

The Accelerating Trends

Several trends are accelerating the rate at which components become obsolete. The rapid pace of technological innovation is a primary driver. As new and improved parts are developed, manufacturers naturally shift their focus, phasing out older, less efficient components. This has significantly reduced the average lifespan of many semiconductors.

Other factors include market demand and economic incentives. When demand for a legacy part drops, it often becomes uneconomical for a manufacturer to continue production. regulatory changes, like new environmental or safety standards, can force a part to be discontinued if it no longer complies. Supplier consolidation through mergers and acquisitions can also lead to product line rationalisation, where less profitable components are cut.

The Strategic Solution

To manage these challenges, businesses are increasingly turning to strategic partners. This is where Retronix comes in providing solutions that mitigate the risks associated with component obsolescence. Retronix’s services focus on the recovery and refurbishment of obsolete parts. We can recover discontinued electronic components from existing stock, prepare them for reuse, and reintroduce them into the supply chain.

A cornerstone of this offering is reballing and retinning processes that restore the integrity of a component’s solderability and connections, making it ready for use in a new system. Retronix also provides comprehensive testing to ensure every refurbished component meets strict quality standards.

By offering these services, Retronix helps companies extend the life of their products, reduce waste, and avoid the costly and time-consuming process of a full redesign.

Having a reliable partner like Retronix with specialised expertise is a significant advantage.

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Safeguarding the Supply Chain: How Retronix Component Services Provides Solutions for High-Reliability Industries

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Safeguarding the Supply Chain: How Retronix Component Services Provides Solutions for High-Reliability Industries

High-reliability industries such as aerospace, defence, avionics, medical, and space are facing challenges in securing the integrity of their supply chains. With rising obsolescence issues, counterfeit parts, and the growing threat geo-politics; product reliability and safety is highly challenging.

Supply chains for high-reliability industries are under enormous pressure. Component lead times are stretching, obsolete parts are becoming harder to replace, and sourcing parts from unknown sources carries a serious risk of introducing counterfeit components into critical systems. It can lead to catastrophic failures, particularly in mission-critical sectors.

The growing problem of obsolescence, where manufacturers discontinue components still needed for legacy systems, leaves businesses scrambling for viable alternatives.

Obsolescence Management: Extending Product Lifecycles

Obsolescence is a critical issue, particularly for industries that rely on long-life equipment and systems. When parts are no longer manufactured, the scramble to find replacements can lead to risky sourcing from unknown sources.

Retronix offers a smarter solution.

Recovery and Reuse – Retronix can recover components from obsolete boards using advanced robotic processes that protect the integrity of the component throughout removal and cleaning.

These recovered parts can then be requalified and re-used, providing a cost-effective, reliable source of supply without resorting to potentially unsafe alternatives.

Image showing components being recovered from a PCB

Laser Reballing and Alloy Refresh – Components are often unavailable in the required alloy or configuration, especially when equipment transitions from tin-lead to lead-free requirements (or vice versa). Retronix’s laser reballing services allow components to be safely converted between alloys while meeting the stringent requirements of high-reliability industries. The robotic solder dip service provides alloy refresh and conversion, this mitigates tin whiskers, making it an essential process for parts going into space, defence, and aerospace applications.

These services play a crucial role in extending the availability and usability of components, effectively combatting the impact of obsolescence

Component Authenticity: Advanced IC Testing

One of the greatest threats to the supply chain is counterfeit components. These can slip into the system unnoticed and result in costly recalls or mission-critical failures.

Retronix operates a UKAS accredited ISO 17025 test laboratory, testing to the stringent AS6171A and AS6081 standards globally recognised benchmarks for counterfeit mitigation.

By offering independent component authentication, Retronix can verify the genuineness of components, regardless of where they are sourced. Each part undergoes meticulous analysis to ensure it meets manufacturer specifications and has not been altered or refurbished without disclosure.

Visual Inspection Service

Environmental and Economic Benefits: Sustainable Component Solutions

The recovery, reball, re-tin, test and re-use services offered by Retronix are practical and environmentally responsible.

By extending the life of existing components, Retronix helps reduce electronic waste and supports the principles of a circular economy.

Industries are often challenged by the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal, Retronix provides a sustainable path forward. Customers benefit from significant cost savings while also reducing their carbon footprint a win-win for businesses and the planet.

image showing a component with a recycle symbol, it talks about how components can be recovered and re-used

A Strategic Partner for a Secure Supply Chain

The supply chain challenges facing high-reliability industries today are complex and evolving. Retronix provides a robust, comprehensive solution to these challenges through a unique combination of advanced technology, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Retronix enables businesses to keep their supply chains moving safely and confidently even in the face of obsolescence and increasing global pressures. By working with Retronix, companies find a long-term strategic partner who understands what is at stake when reliability is everything.

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Is Your Supply Chain Safe? Combatting the Threat of Counterfeit Electronic Components

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Is Your Supply Chain Safe? Combat the Threat of Counterfeit Electronic Components

The electronics industry is a vast and intricate network that drives everything from consumer gadgets to aerospace systems. However, a persistent threat lurks within this supply chain: counterfeit electronic components. These fake parts can lead to devastating consequences, including system failures, financial losses, and safety hazards. Implementing robust safeguards is crucial for manufacturers, suppliers, and governments alike.

Counterfeit electronic components are a growing concern. A study conducted by U.S. Department of Commerce, found that the semiconductor industry is anticipating challenges because of geopolitical tensions and potential supply disruptions. Counterfeiters are taking advantage of these issues.

The report assesses counterfeit electronics within the defense industrial base. It highlights that counterfeit incidents increased, and primarily involved integrated circuits and semiconductors. Companies report challenges in detecting counterfeits, with 39% of cases causing financial loss. Over 50% of companies experienced counterfeits in the last two years (when the study was conducted). Improved testing, stricter supplier vetting, and enhanced legal actions are recommended to mitigate risks. These findings were reported in 2010, with the situation now understood to be significantly worse. 

Why are counterfeits dangerous?

  • System Failures: Fake components can malfunction, leading to catastrophic failures in critical systems such as medical devices, defence equipment, or automotive safety systems.

  • Financial Losses: Companies may face expensive recalls, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

  • National Security Risks: Counterfeit parts in military applications could compromise sensitive operations.

Combat the counterfeit component threat

Measures to Mitigate the Risk of Counterfeits

Source from Authorised Suppliers: The simplest safeguard is to purchase components exclusively from Original Component Manufacturers or their authorised distributors. This minimises the risk of counterfeit products entering the supply chain.

Robust Testing and Inspection: Companies employ advanced testing methods to verify component authenticity. Electrical testing can also detect subtle performance anomalies.

Certification and Compliance: Industry standards such as AS6081 and AS6171 provide rigorous guidelines for counterfeit detection and prevention. Certification ensures that suppliers follow stringent quality control measures.

Partnerships and Intelligence Sharing: Collaboration between manufacturers, government agencies, and independent testing houses helps share intelligence on counterfeit threats.

The Role of Retronix in Safeguarding Supply Chains

At Retronix, we understand the importance of component authenticity and reliability. Our state-of-the-art electronic component testing services are designed to detect and prevent counterfeit infiltration. As a UKAS ISO 17025-accredited test house to AS6171 standards, we offer comprehensive testing solutions, including:

Visual Inspection – Detects discrepancies in markings, surface conditions, and general packaging.

X-ray Inspection – Reveals internal component structures, identifying tampering or counterfeits.

Decapsulation and Marking Verification – Confirms internal die authenticity by exposing and verifying the semiconductor die.

Electrical Testing – Evaluates component functionality to ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications.

Solderability Testing – Ensures components maintain proper connectivity in circuit board assembly.

Heated Chemical Testing – Identifies resurfacing, blacktopping, or other counterfeiting methods.

Material Analysis (XRF) – Verifies the elemental composition of component materials for authenticity.

Retronix certifications
Retronix Laser Reballing Service - Close up of Semiconductor BGA IC

With decades of experience, we help companies maintain a secure and reliable supply chain and ensure components meet stringent industry standards.

Counterfeit electronic components pose significant challenges to industries worldwide. Companies can safeguard their supply chains by implementing best practices, embracing technological advancements, and collaborating with trusted partners like Retronix.

To fight counterfeits, we need to stay alert, be creative, and work together. Making sure parts are genuine isn’t just about profits; it’s about keeping things safe, reliable, and trustworthy.

If you need more information, feel free to reach out! You can use our contact form, email us at contact@retronix.com, or connect with us on social media. We’re here to help!

Retronix Achieves UKAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation for AS6171 Test Methods

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Retronix Achieves UKAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation for AS6171 Test Methods

Coatbridge, UK—11th February 2025: Retronix—A Jabil Company, a global leader in advanced electronics services is proud to announce that it has achieved UKAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation for AS6171 test methods. This makes Retronix the first test house in the United Kingdom to hold this level of UKAS accreditation for authenticity test services.

What is the ISO 17025 standard?

ISO 17025 is an internationally recognised standard for testing and calibration laboratories that demonstrates;

  • Commitment to technical capability
  • End to end traceability and accountability
  • Increased customer confidence
  • Enhanced reputation and credibility

UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation to AS6171 test methods certifies that Retronix meets the highest standards for detecting counterfeit components, addressing growing concerns in high-reliability sectors.  

Benefits to customers:

With ISO 17025 certification, Retronix customers can have even greater confidence in the integrity of their electronic components.

  • Superior Counterfeit Detection: Accredited ISO/IEC 17025:2017 to the AS6171 test methods enable Retronix to identify counterfeit or substandard components with unmatched precision.
  • Confidence in Compliance: Customers are assured that all tests meet globally recognised standards, simplifying regulatory and audit requirements.
  • Minimised Risk: High-level testing ensures component integrity for mission-critical applications, reducing the potential for costly failures.

Commitment to excellence

“This UKAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation for AS6171 test methods is a major milestone for us,” said Chris Gear, Operations Director at Retronix- A Jabil Company. “It sets us apart as the only test house in the UK to hold this accreditation, underscoring our dedication to ensuring the reliability and authenticity of electronic components for our customers.”

This new UKAS accreditation enhances Retronix’s portfolio of high-level certifications, including ESD S20.20, AS6081, and AS9100D, positioning the company as a leader in quality and innovation for the global electronics industry.

Download or view the certificate here

Schedule of Accreditation published on the UKAS website here

You can also access our Certificate of Accreditation through a verified UKAS link here

Retronix UKAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017

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Overcoming Challenges in Data Centres: Eco-Friendly Solutions for Component Reliability

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Powering Data Centres Sustainably: Recovery & Re-use of Semiconductor Devices

Data centres are the backbone of modern technology, supporting everything from cloud storage to real-time data processing. As demands for efficiency and uptime grow, the reliability of the electronic components within these centres become critical. 

Components face numerous challenges, including oxidation, solder joint degradation, and obsolescence, leading to failures that disrupt operations and incur significant costs.

Solutions such as retinning, recovery, re-use, and reballing of semiconductor devices provide innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solutions to these challenges, ensuring uninterrupted operations in this critical sector.

The challenges facing Data centre electronics

Component Oxidation
Oxidation of solder and electronic connectors is a common issue, particularly in environments with fluctuating humidity or poor ventilation. This leads to degraded electrical conductivity, overheating, and ultimately component failure.

Solder Joint Fatigue
With data centres running 24/7, temperature variations and mechanical stress cause solder joints to weaken over time, increasing the likelihood of intermittent faults or complete failures.

Obsolescence of Components
Rapid advancements in semiconductor technology render older components obsolete. However, replacing entire systems is costly and often impractical, particularly for large-scale data centres with customised architectures.

Environmental Impact of Disposal
The disposal of electronic components contributes significantly to e-waste. Many of these components could be refurbished or reused, but they are often discarded due to a lack of viable recovery processes.

Data Center

Solutions for Data Centre Reliability & Cost Effectiveness

Recovery and Reuse: Reducing Waste and Costs

Instead of discarding faulty components, recovery services salvage and restore functional parts, enabling their reuse. This cuts down on waste and significantly reduces procurement costs for replacements.

  • Benefits:
    • Supports circular economy principles.
    • Offers a cost-effective alternative to full replacements.
    • Alleviates supply chain pressures for hard-to-source components.

Retinning: Preventing Oxidation and Restoring Conductivity

Retinning involves replacing the oxidised or degraded solder layer with fresh solder, restoring the component’s conductivity and extending its lifecycle. This process is particularly useful for legacy servers where oxidation is a prevalent issue.

  • Benefits:
    • Reduces the need for new components.
    • Enhances the longevity of existing equipment.
    • Minimises operational interruptions caused by connection failures.

Reballing: Restoring BGA Components

Ball Grid Array (BGA) components are crucial in data centres. Reballing involves replacing these solder balls to ensure reliable connections.

  • Benefits:
    • Improves the performance of critical semiconductor devices.
    • Reduces risk of connection failures under high thermal stress.
    • Extends the usability of high-value components.

Conclusion

Data centres face unique challenges in maintaining reliability. Through services like retinning, recovery, reuse, and reballing, organisations can address component level issues effectively while also reducing costs and environmental impact.

The data centre industry can ensure uninterrupted operations and a more sustainable future.

Retronix stands at the forefront of these advancements, offering expert services to help data centres. Adopting these solutions aligns with sustainability goals in the tech industry. Refurbishing components instead of discarding them reduces e-waste, lowers carbon footprints, and supports a circular economy.

Retronix certifications

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Retronix Achieves ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 Certification

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Retronix Achieves ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 Certification

November 12, 2024 – Retronix, a global leader in electronic component repair, rework, and test services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 certification. This certification highlights Retronix’s commitment to excellence in safeguarding sensitive electronic components and systems from the damaging effects of electrostatic discharge.

Achieving this certification is a significant milestone for Retronix, marking its adherence to the international standards for controlling ESD in the workplace. The certification, governed by the ANSI/ESD Association, is recognized worldwide and demonstrates that Retronix has implemented and maintained an effective control program to prevent damage to electronic devices during handling, manufacturing, and rework processes.

What this means for Retronix and its customers

With this certification, Retronix not only reinforces its position as a trusted partner for high-tech industries but also ensures that its processes meet the stringent requirements necessary to protect sensitive components from the risk of electrostatic discharge. As electronics become increasingly miniaturized and complex, the need for rigorous ESD protection becomes critical in ensuring product quality and reliability.

The customers can be confident in knowing that the company follows best practices for controlling static electricity throughout its operations. This includes specialised equipment, procedures, and employee training aimed at mitigating ESD risks, ensuring that every product handled meets the highest quality standards.

Commitment to excellence

This certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, said Chris Gear, Operations Director at Retronix. “Our customers can be assured that we are fully committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality and ESD control. As we continue to grow and innovate, we will keep striving to meet and exceed industry standards in every aspect of our work.”

ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 certification is part of Retronix’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality-driven solutions for the electronics industry. The company remains focused on adopting the latest technologies, methods, and standards to provide unparalleled service to its clients across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, defence, telecommunications, and medical devices.

With decades of experience, Retronix serves some of the world’s most prominent technology companies, offering solutions that extend the life cycle of electronic components and systems while adhering to the highest quality and environmental standards.

Retronix achieves ESD/ANSI S20.20 certification

Download or view the certificate here

Please use this form to contact us for any further information or to enquire about the Retronix suite of services

Retronix Achieves AS6081:2012 Certification

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Retronix Achieves AS6081:2012 Certification

We are proud to announce our recent achievement in getting the AS6081:2012 certification. As a leading provider of electronic component testing and reliability services this significant milestone underscores our commitment to excellence and it further strengthens our position in the industry.

What is the AS6081 standard?

The AS6081 is a widely recognized industry standard developed by SAE to mitigate the risk of counterfeit electronic parts in the supply chain. The standard provides guidelines and best practices to detect and avoid counterfeit parts, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of components used in aerospace, defense, and other high-reliability sectors.

Key aspects of AS6081 include:

  • Inspection and Testing Requirements: It outlines procedures for visual inspection, electrical testing, and material analysis to verify the authenticity of electronic components.
  • Supplier Management: Establish and maintain approved supplier lists and evaluate the credibility of their sources.
  • Traceability: The standard emphasizes maintaining traceability records.
  • Reporting: When counterfeit parts are detected, the standard requires reporting to the appropriate authorities.
  • Risk Mitigation Processes: AS6081 includes risk management processes that must be implemented to avoid counterfeit components entering the supply chain.

AS6081 is particularly critical in high-stakes industries where the failure of a single electronic component could have severe consequences, such as aerospace, defense, and medical devices. Learn more

Retronix Test Services

With this certification, Retronix offers:

  • Advanced Detection: Enhanced capabilities to identify and thus prevent the distribution of fraudulent electronic components.
  • Rigorous Quality Control: Enhanced processes to ensure the authenticity and reliability of electronic parts.
  • Supply Chain Integrity: Strengthened measures to maintain a secure and trustworthy supply chain.
  • Compliance with Industry Standards: Alignment with the highest industry benchmarks for counterfeit part detection & prevention.

Benefits to Customers: Retronix’s AS6081 test services bring several advantages to our customers:

  • Increased Confidence: Assurance of receiving high-quality results on the testing of electronic components.
  • Risk Mitigation: With rigorous testing standards, our customers have a reduced risk of integrating counterfeit parts into critical systems.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Support in meeting stringent industry regulations.
  • Enhanced Reliability: Improved overall reliability.

Commitment to excellence

This certification reaffirms Retronix’s dedication to providing top-tier test services and maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in the electronics industry.

NQA-AS6081

Download or view the certificate here

Please use this form to contact us for any further information or to enquire about the Retronix suite of services

Navigating Complex PCB Modification for High-End Automotive Supplier

Posted on by Maulin Buch

Case Study: Navigating Complex PCB Modification for High-End Automotive Supplier

Background

A renowned name in the automotive industry, faced a significant challenge with the need for complex Ball Grid Array (BGA) modification rework on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) essential for their operations.

The company’s engineering team successfully verified the modification on a small quantity in-house. However, the sheer volume required by their high-end automotive supply chain made it unsustainable for the internal team to handle alone.

The Challenge

The primary issue revolved around two critical problems identified in the PCB’s

  • Ground Connection Issue: One pin under a component was improperly connected to the ground and required disconnection.
  • Memory Reporting Error: Bank 2 Memory on the PCB under the same component and near the DDR Chip was reporting a FLIP BIT error, requiring intricate modification under the DDR Chip.

In addition to meticulous track cutting, alterations to the wiring, and the installation of a new component the task also required the careful extraction and reballing of a 780-pin BGA.

Remove device

Remove the DDR3 device

Complex Rework
  1. Cut Track between BGA pad and the via
  2. Add wire to the BGA device pad – secure with epoxy
  3. Cut track to reverse side of the PCB – remove resist to the 3 locations shown.

Retronix Value

Recognizing the complexity and scale of the task, our customer turned to Retronix, a trusted partner known for our expertise in complex PCB rework. The customer had a brief online meeting with us to relay the urgent modification requirements. We swiftly provided a comprehensive quote, maintaining open lines of communication throughout the process.

Understanding the critical nature of the modifications we dedicated the weekend to completing the first batch of modified PCBs, allowing the customer to test and approve the modifications promptly.

This swift response and successful initial batch set the stage for a larger-scale production. This effectively alleviated the pressure on the customer’s internal engineering team and enabled them to focus on the ongoing development activities.

Retronix tackled the project with meticulous attention to detail, executing the following steps:

  • Removal of the BGA 780-pin and subsequent reballing.
  • Preparation of the PCB, including cutting a track between two pads and applying resist over the cut track.
  • Reinstallation of the newly reballed component, followed by X-ray verification.
  • Removal and disposal of a component, cutting of three specific tracks, and exposure of top-level tracks for new connections.
  • Implementation of wire modifications under the component for external connections on the same side, including modifications through vias to the bottom side of the PCB.
  • Installation of a new component and final X-ray inspection to ensure precise and accurate modification.
Retronix Complex Solution
Navigating complex PCB modifications

Conclusion

Through effective collaboration and leveraging Retronix’s specialized skills, the customer overcame a significant hurdle in their production process. The partnership not only resolved the immediate technical challenges but also ensured that the customer could maintain its commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. This case study exemplifies how strategic outsourcing for complex tasks can provide a pragmatic and efficient solution, allowing companies to focus on their core competencies while ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Reach out to us if you encounter a similar issue in your production chain, or if there's any issue you believe Retronix can address -