AS6171 Testing Services

Accredited inspection and testing processes verify component authenticity, reliability, and compliance with industry and defense standards, ensuring mission-critical performance in aerospace and defense applications.

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AS6171 testing is a standardized counterfeit electronic component detection process used in aerospace, defense, and high-reliability industries to verify the authenticity and integrity of electronic parts. It is commonly required for components sourced from the open market, excess inventory, or unknown supply chains.

At SMT Corp, we provide AS6171-compliant testing services designed to identify counterfeit, substandard, or non-conforming components through a combination of visual inspection, electrical testing, and destructive analysis methods aligned with industry requirements.

Our AS6171 testing services support MRL2 and HRL2 inspection levels for organizations that require varying degrees of risk mitigation based on application criticality.

AS6171- Test Methods Standard; General Requirements, Suspect/Counterfeit, Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Parts

When sourcing electronic and electromechanical (EEE) parts, the legitimacy and authenticity of those parts are paramount. The AS6171 standard is the gold standard in testing and authenticating these components, especially those bought from the open market or gray market. Here’s a deeper look into the crucial realm of AS6171 testing and why counterfeit electronic components testing is so important.

Why AS6171 Testing is Essential

In the age of globalized manufacturing, the supply chain of electronic components has grown more complex than ever. The gray market presents an opportunity for counterfeit electronic parts to enter the system, potentially leading to fatal incidents.

What is the AS6171 Standard?

SAE AS6171, or simply AS6171, standardizes the inspection, electronic testing, and certification requirements for detecting Suspect/Counterfeit EEE parts. This ensures components are genuine and conform to the original part numbers as specified by the original component manufacturer (OCM).

The beauty of the AS6171 standard lies in its risk-based approach. Depending on the risk tolerance, one can opt for varying degrees of testing analysis.

When Is AS6171 Testing Required?

AS6171 testing is commonly required when electronic components originate from open-market sources, independent distributors, brokers, or other channels where complete traceability to the original component manufacturer cannot be established. These situations often involve untraceable electronic parts or components with an unknown chain of custody that require authentication before use in mission-critical applications.

AS6171 MRL 2 Testing and HRL2 Testing

SMT supports AS6171 MRL 2 testing and AS6171 HRL2 testing protocols based on customer requirements, component risk level, and intended application. Testing plans may incorporate visual inspection, X-ray analysis, decapsulation, electrical testing, and other authentication methods defined within AS6171 procedures.

Categories of Counterfeit Components Under AS6171

  • Recycled: Components reclaimed from a system, then portrayed as new.
  • Remarked: Legitimately made components, but with changed markings to misrepresent what the part is.
  • Out-of-Specification/Defective: Non-conforming parts presented as conforming.
  • Cloned: Unauthorized reproductions of the original component.
  • Tampered: Typically seen in cloned chips, where sabotage or malfunction is introduced.

The Authentication Process by SMT Corp

Specializing in AS6171 authentication and certification, SMT Corp stands at the forefront of ensuring component integrity. For AS6171 certification, our EEE testing process involves:

  • External Visual Inspection: Utilizing electronic test equipment such as microscopes and xray inspection to visually examine electronic devices.
  • Destructive Testing: Involves both chemical and mechanical methods.
  • Electrical Testing: By placing the component in a fixture, its performance is evaluated using tools like the digital multimeter and checking its power supply compatibility.

Why Choose SMT Corp for AS6171 Testing?

Besides being proficient in electromechanical testing and electronic testing, SMT Corp is unique in that they handle both the sourcing of authentic parts and the testing of third-party ones. Our reputation, particularly with government agencies like the Department of Defense, is unparalleled.

Our commitment to training and certification requirements ensures that our testing systems and electronic test equipment, such as the bench testing apparatus, are always up to the AS6171 test methods standard general requirements suspect counterfeit electrical electronic and electromechanical parts.

AS6171 Testing Services

Keyence VHX-7000 Digital Microscope

  • Visual Inspection*
  • Radiographic Examination / Inspection / 3D Radiography
  • Resistance to Solvents (RTS) / Scrape Test*
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)*
  • Packaging Configuration and Dimensions (MIL-STD-883 Method 2016)*
  • Dynasolve / 1-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidinone*

Fischer XDAL XRF

  •  X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Material Analysis*

Nisene Jet-Etch Cu Protect Acid Decapsulator

  • Decapsulation*
  • Die Verification*
  • Bond Pull
  • Die Shear

Nordson DAGE Quadra 5 with X-Plane

  • Radiographic Examination
  • Inspection
  • 3D Radiography
Woman performing force wetting solderability

Force Wetting Solderability

Compliance to IEC, IPC, MIL STD, EIA/JET, ISO, JEITA, and JNC standards

Fine and Gross Leak Testing

  • Fine and Gross Leak Hermetic Seal (MIL-STD-750 Method 1071 | MIL-STD-883 Method 1014)
  • Temperature Cycling (MIL-STD-883 Method 1010.9 | MIL-STD-750 Method 1051.9)
  • Constant Acceleration (MIL-STD-750 Method 2006 | MIL-STD-883 Method 2001)
  • Burn-In Testing (MIL-STD-883, Method 1015 | MIL-STD-750, Methods 1038.5, 1039.4, 1040, 1042.4)
  • Capacitance Measurement (MIL-STD-202 Method 305A)*
  • Contact Resistance (MIL-STD-202 Method 307)*
  • Forward Voltage Drop (MIL-STD-750 Method 4011)
  • Reverse Current Leakage (MIL-STD-750 Method 4016)
  • Regulator (Breakdown) Voltage (MIL-STD-750 Method 4022)
  • Propagation Delay (MIL-STD-883 Method 3003)
  • Power Supply Current (MIL-STD-883 Method 3005)
  • High-Level Output Voltage (MIL-STD-883 Method 3006)
  • Low-Level Output Voltage (MIL-STD-883 Method 3007)
  • Input Clamp Voltage (MIL-STD-883 Method 3022)
  • Low-Level Input Current (MIL-STD-883 Method 3009)
  • High-Level Input Current (MIL-STD-883 Method 3010)
  • Output Short Circuit Current (MIL-STD-883 Method 3011)
  • Raman Spectroscopy
  • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

 

  • Solderability Testing (MIL-STD-883 | MIL-STD-202)
  • Particle Impact Noise Detection (PIND) (MIL-STD-750 Method 2052 | MIL-STD-883 Method 2020)
  • Functional Testing (MIL-STD-883 Method 3014)

 

*Tests are also conducted at SMT’s laboratory located in the United Kingdom.

Woman using scanning electron microscope

Tescan Vega3 Scanning Electron Microscope

Electronic component under electron microscope
Closeup of electronic component under electron microscope

SMT Corp. is accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 & AS6171 Inspection/Testing

AS6171 Testing FAQs

AS6171 testing is a standardized process used to authenticate electronic components and detect suspect counterfeit parts. The standard defines inspection, analytical, and electrical test methods that help determine whether a component is authentic, conforms to manufacturer specifications, and is suitable for use in high-reliability applications.

AS6171 testing is often required when electronic components are obtained from sources outside the original manufacturer or authorized distribution network. Organizations may use AS6171 testing when components originate from open-market suppliers, independent distributors, brokers, excess inventory, or other sources where complete traceability cannot be established. Customer contracts, quality requirements, and counterfeit risk mitigation programs may also require AS6171 testing.

AS6171 MRL 2 (Moderate Risk Level 2) testing applies a defined set of inspection and test methods intended to authenticate electronic components and identify potential counterfeit indicators. The specific test plan is determined by component type, risk assessment, application requirements, and customer specifications. MRL 2 testing is commonly used when a moderate level of risk exists and additional verification beyond visual inspection is required.

AS6171 HRL2 (High Risk Level 2) testing is a more comprehensive authentication approach designed for components that present a higher counterfeit risk or will be used in critical applications. Testing may include advanced inspection techniques, destructive physical analysis, electrical testing, X-ray analysis, decapsulation, and other methods necessary to establish component authenticity and conformance. HRL2 testing is frequently specified for aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical programs.

Yes. AS6171 testing is commonly used to evaluate electronic components acquired through open-market sources, independent distributors, brokers, or other supply channels where full traceability to the original component manufacturer may not be available. The testing process helps assess authenticity, identify counterfeit indicators, and provide objective evidence supporting component acceptance decisions.

Untraceable electronic parts are components for which complete documentation linking the product back to the original component manufacturer is unavailable or incomplete. Components may become untraceable when they are purchased through brokers, independent distributors, excess inventory channels, or secondary market sources. In these situations, authentication testing may be required to help verify authenticity and reduce counterfeit risk.

AS6081 establishes requirements for sourcing and distributing electronic components through independent distribution and open-market channels, while AS6171 defines inspection and test methods used to authenticate components and detect counterfeit parts. Organizations often use both standards together when procuring components from sources where traceability to the original manufacturer cannot be fully established.

 

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