[Manufacturing] - The role and classification of QC testing equipment in the semiconductor electronic device manufacturing industry.

In the manufacturing of electronics and semiconductors, testing equipment (QC - Quality Control) is crucial and indispensable. The test tools can guarantee the product's quality and dependability in addition to increasing each final product's accuracy.

With technological advancements, modern QC equipment not only aids in the early detection of minor errors but also their immediate correction and elimination. This helps to minimize the risk of mass production of defective products while cutting costs and preserving the reputation of the brand

Additionally, test equipment's function extends beyond just identifying flaws to encouraging production optimization. It helps boost business productivity by immediately eliminating inferior products. Time and resources are used more effectively, advancing supply and production processes and resulting in substantial economic gains.

In 2022, a recall of about 10,000 ROG Maximus Z690 Hero motherboards was required by ASUS. The cause is alleged "a capacitor on the motherboard that has been installed backward, which can lead to short-circuits, overheating, and cause fire and burn hazards to users." Excerpt from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of America's announcement.

Asus' ROG Maximus Z690 costs $599.

(Photo: Asus)

Some industry experts believe that this error stems from the QC stage, which checks the product's quality but contains flaws, resulting in the release of a defective product onto the market.

Due to the high level of automation and the production line's heavy reliance on robots, the sale of this flawed product resulted in significant financial losses and damaged ASUS's reputation.

QC test equipment is used to make sure components are manufactured to characteristic, assess resistance quality, test integrated circuit performance, monitor radiometric titration, and assess overall features.

In semiconductor electronics manufacturing, there are various types of quality control (QC) testing and equipment used to ensure the final output will meet technical and quality requirements. Below is a classification of some popular testing/QC equipment in this field.

1. Performance Testers: Used to measure and test the performance of electronic components, such as microprocessors (CPUs), memory chips, integrated circuits, or transistors. It measures parameters such as wattage, speed, operating temperature, and other specifications. By using performance testers, manufacturers can ensure that electronic components meet specifications and quality requirements.

2. Precision Testing Equipment: Used to measure and test the accuracy of electronic components, including components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and other electronic components. To ensure that these components perform by predetermined requirements and standards, it is crucial to guarantee their accuracy. 

3. Reliability Testing Equipment: Used to measure and test the durability and reliability of electronic components in harsh environmental conditions. These devices often perform tests such as vibration tests, humidity tests, high and low temperature tests, and life tests, to ensure that the component can operate reliably under different conditions. 

Tensile, slip, and drop test equipment.

  Environmental chambers.

4. Surface Testing Equipment: Used to test and evaluate the surface quality of electronic components, such as the surface of printed circuit boards, chips, or screens. It often uses methods including testing flatness, gloss, hardness, or thickness.

Some equipment for checking product surfaces

5. Process Testing Equipment: Used to test the manufacturing process of electronic components and ensure that they comply with specific processes and standards. It measures and monitors process parameters such as temperature, process time, pressure, flow, and other crucial parameters.

Inspection/QC equipment in the semiconductor electronic components industry is classified in a variety of ways as it is necessary to depend on the specific requirements of the product as well as the manufacturing process. The examples mentioned above show typical pieces of machinery used in this sector.

In conclusion, QC testing equipment in the semiconductor electronics manufacturing industry plays a significant and indispensable role in the electronic component manufacturing process. These devices help ensure the quality and reliability of components while optimizing performance and efficiency in the manufacturing process. In addition, testing equipment also improves product responsiveness to market requirements, builds customer trust, and maintains a solid reputation in this increasingly competitive industry.

For the above causes, to assist semiconductor electronic component manufacturers in the inspection and quality control processes COMIT has cooperated with the world's leading reputable manufacturers including the US, EU, Japan, and Taiwan, etc. to transfer advanced technologies to Vietnam. We are a pioneer in providing Measurement and Quality Management Solutions in the fields of electronics and semiconductor manufacturing from 2D/3D dimension measurement solutions, and X-ray/3D CT inspection solutions, etc. to reliability, mechanical, environmental, etc. and other special tests, as well as automation solutions in production lines. We help customers shorten time and automate QC reporting based on data collection from QC devices, using automation software & AI Vision.