PEM Qualification
From COTS to Hi-Rel: Full Qualification of Plastic Encapsulated Microcircuits (PEMs) According to NASA, ESCC, MIL, and JEDEC Standards
ALTER TECHNOLOGY provides complete qualification services for Plastic Encapsulated Microcircuits (PEMs), tailored to the specific mission risk and technical requirements of each client. We design and execute the full qualification test plan, from initial screening through destructive analysis and final reporting, in full alignment with international standards such as NASA EEE-INST-001/002, ESCC-Q-ST-60-13C, MIL-STD-883, MIL-PRF-38535, JEDEC JESD22, and ASTM. Our testing is performed under international standards, ensuring the highest level of traceability and reliability for space, defence, and high-reliability aerospace applications.
Tailored Test Plan Design
- Full development of the test plan, including activities flow, test conditions, Biasing Conditions, Electrical Parameters to be measured, ect.
- Risk-level based qualification (Level 1/2/3) following NASA EEE-INST-002 or ESCC-ST-60-13C guidelines
- Adaptation to project-specific standards (ECSS, MIL, JEDEC, ASTM)
Screening
- Visual inspection, marking verification, X-ray analysis, acoustic microscopy (C-SAM)
- Pre-conditioning and electrical testing before and after burn-in (MIL-STD-883 TM 1005)
- Burn-in, temperature cycling, and moisture resistance tailored to PEM-INST-001/EEE-INST-002 recommendations
Environmental & Reliability Testing
- HAST (High Accelerated Stress Test), Temperature Cycling, HTOL
- Life testing under accelerated stress conditions
- Thermal shock, mechanical shock, vibration, constant acceleration
- Radiation verification test (TID, SEE, DD)
Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA)
- In-depth evaluation of internal structures through decapsulation, SEM, and cross-sectioning
- Bond pull and shear strength testing
- Inspection of die attach, bond wires, and encapsulant
Final Qualification Report
- Detailed data analysis, delta comparisons, and pass/fail assessment based on defined criteria
- Reports aligned with ECSS, MIL, or NASA documentation standards
- Virtual Lab tool: Real-time remote visualisation of tests performed
Key Capabilities
- Qualification for COTS, PEM, and Hi-Rel devices in LEO, GEO, and deep-space environments
- In-house Physical Testing, environmental, electrical characterization and failure analysis laboratory
- Fast lead time and personalized support throughout the qualification process
- Expertise in ESA, NASA, and defense procurement expectations
- Full traceability, and compliance with ECSS and MIL standards
Applicable Standards
- NASA EEE-INST-001 & 002 – Levels of assurance for PEMs in space missions
- ESCC-Q-ST-60-13C – Guidelines for selection, evaluation, and qualification of PEMs for ESA projects
- MIL-STD-883 / MIL-PRF-38535 – Screening and reliability test methods
- JEDEC JESD22 & JESD-A113 – Moisture/reflow, HAST, thermal cycling
- ASTM / MIL-STD-1580 – Materials and microcircuit inspection practices