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Digital and Linear IC's
Digital and Linear IC test applications
Electro-Mechanical/Passive Components
Mechanical Components
Standard Semiconductors
Component Research and Test Development
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The purpose of the Digital and Linear IC Component Engineering group is to evaluate and qualify all of the digital and linear integrated circuit components used in DDES products, resolve component level issues, and initiate action to drive warranty return levels to zero. The qualification process involves both the evaluation of the component performance and reliability through the use of specific environmental and mechanical tests (CDF-AEC-Q100) and the assessment of supplier compliance to QS- 9000 requirements. Part drawings describing the functionality, parametric limits, shipping and test requirements are generated by the Component Engineer and serve as the control document for the component. Changes to the component Part Drawing or the process used in the development and manufacture of components may require the submission of a Change Authorization (CA). It is the responsibility of the Component Engineer to submit the necessary information to initiate these changes. Component Engineers will interface with internal and external suppliers, product development, process engineering, failure analysis, purchasing, and many other organizations as necessary to ensure all component objectives are met. Each Component Engineer works closely with their Test Applications Engineering counterpart during the assessment of supplier facilities and software certification process. As new technologies and processes are being developed, Component Engineers will participate as a member of a cross-functional team to evaluate the technology and process feasibility.
DIGITAL AND LINEAR IC TEST APPLICATIONS
Test Software Engineers are responsible for reviewing the test application for conformance to the part specification for appropriate parts. The test application includes the test program software, performance board, test methods, test process flow, storage and change control procedures, supporting software, and characterization data. An on-line database of approved test application software is maintained and a copy of the latest approved part test software is on file where applicable.
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL/PASSIVE COMPONENTS
The Electro-Mechanical and Passive Component Engineering Groups are responsible for the qualification and evaluation of all electro-mechanical (motors, displays, screws, connectors, circuit boards, etc.) and passive (resistors, capacitors, inductive parts, crystals, etc.) parts used in DDES products. Job functions are similar to those described in Standard Semiconductors.
Mechanical Component Engineers qualify metal, paper, and plastic components to DE406.02 procedures. They support procurement strategy boards and provide capability ranking of suppliers. Mechanical Component Engineers provide technical support to Purchasing, application assistance to Product Engineering, and resolve part related issues with production. They have the responsibility to conduct and develop appropriate "C" Specification testing procedures for validation and development of new parts and components. Mechanical Component Engineers work with suppliers on DMA and PPAP procedures including audits and assessments of suppliers facilities.
The standard group is responsible for the qualification and evaluation of all technologies of transistors, diodes, Op-amps, regulators, as well as optically coupled or activated semiconductors used in DDES products. Component Engineers within this group also create, maintain and modify, through Change Authorization (CA), the associated part drawings (specifications). They assist in the reduction of warranty returns through supplier interface driven by the warranty return database. Additionally, they participate in the implementation of cost savings through the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) and Supplier Continuous Improvement Program (SCIP). Standard Component Engineers provide a cross-functional interface with all groups within Delphi Delco Electronic Systems, along with direct contact with internal and external suppliers. Part approval and rejection is another responsibility of the group. It is based on the results from the qualification, along with Product Engineering's acceptance of the part. Standard Component Engineers are also responsible for the development of new test procedures applicable to their components. They are also responsible for the monitoring of electrical parametric compliance to the part specifications.
COMPONENT RESEARCH AND TEST DEVELOPMENT
Component Research and Test Development Engineers work pro-actively with suppliers, customers, and competitors to measure product performance through component and system qualification testing and reliability evaluations. Some of these tests include ESD, Latch-up, Electro-Thermally Induced Leakage (Generic Leakage), and Moisture Sensitivity. It is this group's mission to identify the more subtle component failure modes, understand the root cause and effect, establish preemptive test techniques, specify equipment needs, and develop new qualification methods to improve the quality and reliability of electrical components. The Component Research and Test Development group's objective is to push the state of the art in component evaluation and environmental testing, thereby influencing an industry-wide movement toward improved part performance and automotive system reliability. Component Research and Test Development Engineers are actively involved in cooperative efforts with Ford and Chrysler to develop joint automotive standards for electrical part qualification and supplier assessment.
Component Research and Test Development also has the ability to perform precision temperature measurements (utilizing the latest IR equipment) at the IC system level and to perform EMC evaluations at the system level.
Part level warranty performance information for performing reliability predictions and monitoring ongoing part improvement efforts is also provided.