Manufacturing Process
KNOWLES RELIABILITY GRADES
PRODUCTION PROCESS FLOWCHART
High reliability (space quality)
Electrode ink material
Ceramic powder
preparation
Space
Grade
ESCC 3009(1)
MIL Grade
Multilayer build
Fire
IECQ-CECC(2)
AEC-Q200(3)
Standard components
Standard reliability
Notes:
Rumble
1) Space grade tested in accordance with ESCC3009 (refer to Knowles Spec S02A
0100) or MIL Grade (in accordance with MIL-PRF-123, MILPRF-55681).
2) IECQ-CECC. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Quality Assessment
System for Electronic Components. This is an internationally recognized product
quality certification that provides customers with assurance that the product
supplied meets high-quality standards. View Knowles IECQ-CECC approvals at
iecq.org or at knowlescapacitors.com
DPA inspection
Termination
3) AEC-Q200. Automotive Electronics Council Stress Test Qualification For Passive
Components. Refer to Knowles application note AN0009.
Plating (if specified)
Printing (if specified)
KNOWLES RELIABILITY SURFACE MOUNT
PRODUCT GROUPS
High reliability
Electrical test
Tandem
FlexiCapTM
capacitors(1)
Test verification
Open Mode
FlexiCapTM capacitors(2)
Additional sample Rel
tests (if specified)
Standard FlexiCapTM capacitors(3)
Standard components
Standard reliability
QC inspection
Notes:
1) “Tandem” construction capacitors, i.e., internally having the equivalent of two series
capacitors. If one of these should fail or short circuit, there is still capacitance end to
end and the chip will still function as a capacitor, although capacitance may be
affected. Refer to application note AN0021. Also available qualified to AEC-Q200.
Additional Hi Rel activities
(S02A 100ꢀ burn-in, QC insp)
2) “Open Mode” capacitors with FlexiCapTM termination also reduce the possibility of a
short circuit by utilizing inset electrode margins. Refer to application note AN0022.
Also available qualified to AEC-Q200.
Packaging
TM
3) Multilayer capacitors with Knowles FlexiCapTM termination. By using FlexiCap
termination, there is a reduced possibility of the mechanical cracking occurring.
Finished goods store
TM
4) “Standard” capacitors include MLCCs with tin finish over nickel but no FlexiCap .
9
KNOWLES [ KNOWLES ELECTRONICS ]
