Ferrites and accessories

Quality and environment

Date: May 2017

 EPCOS AG 2017. Reproduction, publication and dissemination of this publication, enclosures hereto and the
information contained therein without EPCOS’ prior express consent is prohibited.

EPCOS AG is a TDK Group Company.

 Quality and environment

Quality and environment

Corporate goals
Our aim is to play a leading role among the world’s most competitive companies in the sector of
electronic components. This aim is shared by the EPCOS quality and environment management
system:

1 EPCOS quality system

1.1 Extract from EPCOS quality policy
■ The quality of our products and services represents a key constituent of our corporate strategy,
whose principal aim is customer satisfaction.
■ Our quality management system is continuously oriented to the international standards that
stipulate the highest requirements.

1.2 Quality management system

The quality management system to ISO/TS 16949 is applied throughout the company and is used
to implement the EPCOS quality policy. The implications include:
– As a rule, product and process developments follow the rules of APQP1),
– Quality tools such as FMEA2), DoE3) and SPC4) minimize risks and ensure continuous
improvements in conjunction with regular internal audits and QM reviews.

1.3 Certification
The EPCOS quality management system forms the basis for the certification to ISO 9001 and
ISO/TS 16949 that includes all EPCOS plants and sales organizations. The company certificates
are posted on the EPCOS Internet (www.epcos.com/quality).

1.4 Production sequence and quality assurance

The business units implement the corporate specifications for quality management in procedural
and work instructions referred to products and processes.

1) APQP = Advanced Product Quality Planning

2) DoE = Design of Experiments
3) FMEA = Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
4) SPC = Statistical Process Control

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 Quality and environment

Production sequence and quality assurance during ferrite manufacture (schematic)

The following example shows quality assurance applied to the production sequence of ferrites.
Production steps Quality assurance
Raw materials (powder)

Incoming inspection X-ray fluorescence

Analysis of chemical comp. analysis reports
(X-ray fluorescence analysis)

Granulate production
Weighing, mixing,
presintering, milling.
Homogenization, spraying
incl. process control checks
Batch release Batch release report
Chemical analysis
Manufacture and testing
of sample cores

Granulate storage

Cores production
Pressing, debindering, sintering
incl. process control checks

Sinter check Sinter check test report

Testing of electrical and
mechanical properties

Cores processing
e.g. surface grinding, AL grinding, etc.
incl. process control checks

Packing
in PU (factory packing)

Final inspection/Monitoring Final inspection reports

Testing electr./mech. properties

Delivery release, Outgoing inspection, Date code and batch number

Checking of reports and finish labeling on packing

Sales warehouse

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 Quality and environment

1.5 Delivery quality

“Delivery quality” means compliance with the agreed data at the time of delivery.

1.6 Failure criteria

A component is defective if one of its features does not correspond to the specification of the data
sheet or an agreed delivery specification.

1.7 Incoming goods inspection at the customer

For the incoming inspection, we recommend the use of a random sampling plan to DIN ISO 2859
Part 1 (contents compliant with MIL STD 105 D or IEC 60410).
The test methods used and the AQL must be agreed between the customer and supplier.

1.8 Final inspection/approval for shipment

Final inspection verifies the major properties of the end products batch by batch, usually by means
of fully automated selection tests.
Approval for shipment helps certify that products shipped comply with specifications. It includes:
■ testing of principal parameters,
■ identification check and visual assessment,
■ examination of papers accompanying the batch.

1.9 Reliability
A variety of endurance tests and environmental tests are conducted to assure the product reliability.
These tests are derived from the extremes of expected application conditions, with test conditions
intensified to obtain authoritative results within a reasonable period.
The reliability testing programs of EPCOS are based on the test plans of international standards
and customer requirements.
EPCOS performs reliability tests to qualify new component families and for periodic requalification.

1.10 Traceability
By recording the lot or batch numbers on the documentation accompanying the process, complete
traceability is maintained in the production sequence.
After delivery, traceability to the internal release inspections (“quality control gates”) is ensured by
the batch number which is printed on the label.

1.11 Electrical properties

The measuring conditions can be found in the chapter “General – Definitions”. The product data and
relevant tolerance limits are defined in the respective data sheets. The material data given in the
chapter “SIFERRIT materials” are to be understood as typical values.
Measuring conditions deviations from the data book require an agreement between the customer
and the EPCOS.

1.12 Dimensions
The dimensional drawings in the individual data sheets are definitive for the dimensions.

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 Quality and environment

1.13 Finish
Assessment of the finish of ferrite cores is performed in accordance with EPCOS finish specifica-
tions. These are based on IEC 60424. Detailed drawings, which are available on request, specify the
maximum permissible limit values for damage which can never be totally excluded with ceramic com-
ponents. Assessment of the solderability of terminal pins for coil formers and clamps is carried out
for PTH types to IEC 60068-2-20, test Ta, method 1 (aging 3) and for SMD types to IEC 60068-2-58.

1.14 AQL values

Within the framework of our quality goals, we are gradually tightening the AQL values which are
intended for use in the customer's incoming goods inspection, currently the value AQL 0.25 is
applicable, if not otherwise specified.

1.15 Barcode label

The packing of all EPCOS components bears a barcode label stating the type, production ID (1P),
production order number (9K), data code (D), batch number (T), and quantity (Q). This enables a
component to be traced back through the production process, together with its batch and test report.

Example for core label

FAL0685-5

Example for accessories label

Coil former E20 Valox 420SE0

A 1770 B/UL no. E207780
RoHS compatible MSL: N
(1P) PROD ID: B66206B1110T 1

(9K) PROD ORDER NO: 000094071260 (D) D/C: 120221

(T) BATCH NO: FA00000000 [Q] QTY: 735 pieces

Made in China
FAL0782-L-E

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 Quality and environment

1.16 Conditions of use

EPCOS products may only be used in line with the technical specifications and installation instruc-
tions and must comply with the state of the art. Non-observance of limits, operating conditions or
handling guidelines can lead to disturbances in the circuit and other undesirable consequences
such as a higher failure rate.
Please note the “Important notes”.
Should you have any application-referred questions, please contact our experts, who will be
pleased to advise you.

1.17 Storage conditions

For all components the following storage conditions apply:
■ storage takes place in original packages in non aggressive atmosphere,
■ storage temperature should not be less than –25 °C (–13 °F) and not exceed +40 °C (+104 °F),
■ relative humidity should be ≤75% as an annual average and ≤ 95% on max. 30 days per annum,
condensation is not allowed.

1.18 Shelf life

Shelf life of electronic components is limited by material characteristics or decreasing solderability
of the terminations.
The default shelf life of following electronic components:
■ Ferrites cores: 5 years
■ Ferrite accessories – solderable parts: 6 months
■ Ferrite accessories – FPC foils (self-adhesive): 6 months
■ Ferrite accessories – other parts: 2 years
Internal quality check is performed in terms of above mentioned periods The items which become
out of shelf life are checked by the quality control procedures and if quality parameters fit the re-
quired values, then the shelf life can be prolonged accordingly.

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 Quality and environment

1.19 Customer complaints

If a fault occurs in a product despite careful manufacture and testing, please contact your local sales
organization. They will register your complaint as an RMA1) process and forward it to the relevant
technical departments for rapid handling.
EPCOS treats technical complaints according to the 8D methodology; i.e. with the use of inter-
disciplinary teams who aim to implement rapid countermeasures and sustained corrections and
answer all complaints with an 8D report (8D = 8 disciplines).
In order to be able to deal quickly and smoothly with complaints, the following data are helpful:
■ Number of components subject to complaint or returned
■ Fault description
■ How and when was the fault detected?
■ Logistics data (date code, delivery note no.)
■ Operating conditions
■ Operating duration up to occurrence of the fault
■ Measurement parameters in the case of divergent technical data

In the event of transport damage, we would ask you to describe this in more detail and if required
to mark it so that it can be distinguished from any further damage sustained during the return
shipment. The original package should also be checked and any damage to be described. In order
to avoid further damage, the original packaging should also be used for the return shipment.

1) RMA = Return of Material Authorization

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 Quality and environment

2 Environmental management system

2.1 Environmental policy
Our fundamental commitment to environmental protection is laid down in the EPCOS environmental
policy:
1. We work continuously toward reducing the burden on the environment, toward minimizing
associated risks and toward lowering the use of energy and resources, above and beyond the
legal requirements.
2. We take appropriate precautions to avoid environmental hazards and to prevent damage to the
environment.
3. Potential impact on the environment is assessed and incorporated in process and product
planning at the earliest possible stage.
4. By applying environmental, energy and occupational safety management, we ensure that this
policy is implemented effectively. The technical and organizational procedures required to do
this are monitored regularly and constantly further developed.
5. Each employee is required to act in an environmentally conscious manner. It is the constant
duty of management to increase and encourage awareness of responsibility for environment,
energy consumption and occupational safety at all levels.
6. We work with our business partners to promote conformity with similar objectives. We supply
our customers with information on ways to minimize any potentially adverse environmental
impacts of our products.
7. We work in a spirit of cooperation with the relevant authorities.
8. We inform the public of the impact on the environment caused by the company and our
activities related to the environment and occupational health and safety.
9. We consider ensuring a safe, healthy and comfortable work environment as first priority. To
regard the rules of labor safety is the task of each employee. We comply with all applicable
legal requirements and with all requirements that relate to OH&S hazards.
10. We take preventive measures to avoid work-related injury and ill health and strive for continual
improvement of our OH&S management system and the OH&S performance.
11. We support purchase of energy efficient products, machines and services, which will improve
our energy related performance.

2.2 Environmental management system

The EPCOS ISO 14001 based environmental management system is applied company wide for
implementing the EPCOS environmental policy. It is posted on the EPCOS Intranet and is thus
accessible to all employees.

2.3 Certification
The EPCOS Group operates an environmental management system that conforms to the
requirements of ISO 14001 and is mandatory for all plants.
The company certificate is posted on the EPCOS internet:
(www.epcos.com/environmental_management).

2.4 RoHS
The term “RoHS-compatible” shall mean the following:

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 Quality and environment

Components defined as “RoHS-compatible” are compatible with the requirements of Art. 4 of Direc-
tive 2011/65/EU (“RoHS II”) of the European Parliament and of the Council on the restriction of the
use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment of 8 June 2011 and with
the requirements of the provisions which will result from transposition of RoHS II into national law
to the extent such provisions reflect the directive.
“RoHS-compatible” components do not contain any of the following substances at a content
exceeding the maximum concentration limits of 0.1% for lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB,
PBDE, and 0.01% for cadmium at a homogeneous material level, except the application is exempt-
ed by Annex III of “RoHS II”.

2.5 REACH
According to Art. 33 we are obliged to inform our customers immediately or on request a consumer
within 45 days if we get knowledge that a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) is contained
in a product or it’s packaging with more than 0.1% w/w. Provided this substance is published by
the European Chemical Agency via the candidates list. Respective information is provided via
www.epcos.com/reach (Link: REACH Candidates List and Information according REACH Art. 33,
concerning EPCOS Products).

2.6 Banned and hazardous substances in components

As a manufacturer of passive components, we develop our products on the basis of sustainability.
In order to establish a standardized procedure for EPCOS worldwide, a material compliance
management and a mandatory list of banned and declarable substances and substances of special
interest (EPCOS BAD-SL) are part of our quality management system. The planning and
development instructions include regulations and guidelines that aim to identify environmental
aspects and to optimize products and processes with respect to material use and environmental
compliance, to design them with sparing use of resources and to substitute hazardous substances
as far as possible.
Consideration of the environmental aspects is checked and recorded in the design reviews:
the environmental officer provides support in the assessment of the environmental impacts of
a development project.

2.7 Material data sheets for product families

EPCOS posts material data sheets on the Internet (www.epcos.com/material) that show typical
compositions of product groups by selected representatives. The materials are listed with their
percentage weight distribution referred to the respective component.
As per IEC/PAS 61906, all materials with a weight percentage exceeding 0.1% are listed. All
specifications are typical data and may vary slightly within a product group or production lot.
The material data sheets do not represent guaranteed properties, but are merely given for purposes
of information.
Please note in this connection the “Important notes”.

2.8 Disposal
All ferrite cores and accessories can be disposed of, reused or recycled. However as disposal is
regulated by national law, the respective national provisions have to be observed.

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 Important notes

The following applies to all products named in this publication:

1. Some parts of this publication contain statements about the suitability of our products for
certain areas of application. These statements are based on our knowledge of typical require-
ments that are often placed on our products in the areas of application concerned. We never-
theless expressly point out that such statements cannot be regarded as binding statements
about the suitability of our products for a particular customer application. As a rule, EP-
COS is either unfamiliar with individual customer applications or less familiar with them than the
customers themselves. For these reasons, it is always ultimately incumbent on the customer to
check and decide whether an EPCOS product with the properties described in the product spec-
ification is suitable for use in a particular customer application.
2. We also point out that in individual cases, a malfunction of electronic components or fail-
ure before the end of their usual service life cannot be completely ruled out in the current
state of the art, even if they are operated as specified. In customer applications requiring a
very high level of operational safety and especially in customer applications in which the mal-
function or failure of an electronic component could endanger human life or health (e.g. in acci-
dent prevention or life-saving systems), it must therefore be ensured by means of suitable de-
sign of the customer application or other action taken by the customer (e.g. installation of pro-
tective circuitry or redundancy) that no injury or damage is sustained by third parties in the event
of malfunction or failure of an electronic component.
3. The warnings, cautions and product-specific notes must be observed.
4. In order to satisfy certain technical requirements, some of the products described in this pub-
lication may contain substances subject to restrictions in certain jurisdictions (e.g. be-
cause they are classed as hazardous). Useful information on this will be found in our Material
Data Sheets on the Internet (www.epcos.com/material). Should you have any more detailed
questions, please contact our sales offices.
5. We constantly strive to improve our products. Consequently, the products described in this
publication may change from time to time. The same is true of the corresponding product
specifications. Please check therefore to what extent product descriptions and specifications
contained in this publication are still applicable before or when you place an order.
We also reserve the right to discontinue production and delivery of products. Consequent-
ly, we cannot guarantee that all products named in this publication will always be available. The
aforementioned does not apply in the case of individual agreements deviating from the foregoing
for customer-specific products.
6. Unless otherwise agreed in individual contracts, all orders are subject to the current version
of the “General Terms of Delivery for Products and Services in the Electrical Industry”
published by the German Electrical and Electronics Industry Association (ZVEI).
7. The trade names EPCOS, CeraCharge, CeraDiode, CeraLink, CeraPad, CeraPlas, CSMP,
CTVS, DeltaCap, DigiSiMic, ExoCore, FilterCap, FormFit, LeaXield, MiniBlue, MiniCell, MKD,
MKK, MotorCap, PCC, PhaseCap, PhaseCube, PhaseMod, PhiCap, PowerHap, PQSine,
PQvar, SIFERRIT, SIFI, SIKOREL, SilverCap, SIMDAD, SiMic, SIMID, SineFormer, SIOV,
ThermoFuse, WindCap are trademarks registered or pending in Europe and in other
countries. Further information will be found on the Internet at www.epcos.com/trademarks.

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