Overview
IEC TS 62564-1:2026 is a technical specification that sets out the minimum requirements for integrated circuits and discrete semiconductors designated as Aerospace Qualified Electronic Components (AQEC). Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this document is crucial for any organization that manufactures or procures electronic components for use in avionics and other aerospace applications. It supports quality, reliability, and traceability in the selection and management of AQEC, ensuring compliance with requirements specific to the aerospace, defense, and high performance (ADHP) sectors.
This edition introduces key technical changes, including the optional Automotive, Defense, and High Performance (ADHP) Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), revisions to AQEC documentation, and updated references.
Key Topics
- AQEC Plan Requirements: Defines processes, documentation, and procedures for designating COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) semiconductors and integrated circuits as AQEC, addressing both physical hardware data and required enhancements for aerospace environments.
- AQEC Documentation: Specifies mandatory content for AQEC data sheets, including operational parameters, environmental and material data, known limitations, and performance characteristics. Emphasizes control of revisions and clear indication of AQEC qualification.
- Life Expectancy & Reliability: Calls for identification of limiting wear-out mechanisms and the use of vetted reliability models for both silicon-based devices and packaging. Ensures that life expectancy is calculated using recognized acceleration models and industry standards.
- Quality and Certification: Requires that manufacturers certify to accepted standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100), and encourages further quality assurance, qualification, and requalification processes in line with IEC and industry practices.
- Obsolescence and Counterfeit Management: Mandates processes for product change notification (PCN), last-time-buy notification, and strong counterfeit prevention measures.
- Performance and Environmental Conditions: Ensures documentation of performance across a range of aviation-specific environmental conditions, including atmospheric radiation and extreme temperatures, with guidelines for exceeding standard industrial conditions.
- Optional ADHP PPAP: Introduces an optional, recommended process aligned with the automotive sector’s PPAP but tailored for ADHP users, supporting traceability and compliance in complex aerospace systems.
Applications
IEC TS 62564-1:2026 is applicable to:
- Component Manufacturers: To qualify, document, and supply AQEC-compliant integrated circuits and semiconductors for aerospace systems, supporting improved reliability and certification.
- Avionics and Aerospace OEMs: For procurement and systems engineering teams to ensure that key electronic components meet AQEC requirements, facilitating safer and more reliable operation in aircraft, satellites, and defense applications.
- Quality Assurance: Companies developing or integrating components into safety- or mission-critical systems use this standard to verify processes, certification, and traceability throughout the supply chain.
- Obsolescence and Counterfeit Management: Organizations benefit from proactive measures for product changes and end-of-life notifications, reducing risks related to continuing airworthiness and supply integrity.
Although primarily addressing avionics, the standard can be adopted by other industries with stringent reliability requirements, such as rail, marine, and some industrial sectors.
Related Standards
- IEC 62239-1: Preparation and maintenance of an electronic components management plan, referenced for user and customer ECMP compliance.
- J-STD-048: Notification Standard for Product Discontinuance, for robust obsolescence management.
- AEC-Q100 Series: Automotive IC qualification standards, relevant for AQEC candidacy when compliant with this document.
- JESD47 & JESD94: JEDEC standards for qualification and reliability assurance processes.
- IEC 62686-1: COTS electronic components in aerospace applications.
- SAE ARP 6379 and ARP 5890: Guidelines related to failure investigation and qualification.
- IEC 63287 series: Mission profile and reliability planning for semiconductor device qualification.
Summary:
IEC TS 62564-1:2026 is a cornerstone standard for process management and qualification of integrated circuits and discrete semiconductors in aerospace and high-reliability applications, supporting enhanced safety, traceability, and certification across the global supply chain.