E
MBEDDED
C
OMPUTING
proven, and can the module provider meet them? Once an error
has occurred in a module, is it vital in the end in what way the
module provider ultimately has access to the test data, or whether
it can limit the error with a corresponding test procedure? In many
licences, such as with medical technology (ISO 13485), aviation (EN
9100) or automotive (ISO 16949), corresponding proof is to be kept
in the event of errors, about when, how and where the product was
produced and tested. This traceability may require proof up to com-
ponent level, in order to rule out consequential errors and damage.
How well is the module provider prepared for this? Can it provide
this data smoothly?
The user can get some security from the evidence of the module pro-
vider history with modules. With new providers on the market this is, of
course, difficult and here it is particularly important to take a closer look.
To ensure reliable delivery, is it important how long the module provider
has supplied modules for, and how many have been discontinued and
when? Is there a set procedure for reporting discontinuations to the user
in time? Procedures are, of course, also very important with discontin-
uations of key components, which in turn mean that the module can no
longer be produced, as they ensure that that customer requirement can
still be met. Normally the user is not just obliged to provide series deliv-
ery, but is also responsible for the later supply of spare parts. One way
advertised by many providers is the use of standard modules. Here you
can use the next generation of the module when the current module is
discontinued. Unfortunately this only works to a limited degree, and
hardly works at all with ARM-based processor modules.
To guarantee long-term reliable delivery the use and application of
obsolescence procedures help. If obsolescence procedures are already
applied during development, they provide a higher level of security that
the module will also be able to be supplied for longer. After all here it
is already checked which components can be supplied for how long
- this applies to all the components of a module, not just for the pro-
cessor. And components are only designed which are available for lon-
ger and securely, or possible alternatives are already intended. The aim
Figure 1. HALT test chamber: the highly accelerated life test (HALT)
allows assessing the product durability and robustness. The test results
are directly incorporated into further development of the module.
Figure 2. SMD production line: thanks to the in-house production
facilities, TQ-Systems is able to respond swiftly and flexibly to
customer requirements.
