Overview
IEC TS 62647-21:2013 - "Process management for avionics - Part 21: Program management" - provides systems engineering and program-management guidelines for managing the transition to lead-free electronics in aerospace and defence (avionics) systems. Its purpose is to help programs assure product reliability, performance, airworthiness, safety and certifiability while migrating from leaded to lead‑free solders, aligned with the broader IEC/TS 62647 series.
Key topics and requirements
The technical specification addresses program-level concerns and deliverables relevant to lead‑free transitions:
- Program decision criteria for adopting Pb‑free technologies and compliance to IEC/TS 62647-1.
- Requirements definition including customer, regulatory (e.g., RoHS/WEEE), and prime‑contractor expectations.
- Supplier lead‑free control plans: procurement controls, sub‑contractor oversight, producibility and schedule of Pb‑free implementation.
- Requalification and test planning: delta qualification, requalification, and acceptance methods (analysis, test, similarity).
- Rework/repair and maintenance guidelines and documentation/training needs for Pb‑free products.
- Risk management: identification, program‑level risk analyses and mitigation strategies specific to Pb‑free manufacturing and materials.
- Cost and schedule considerations associated with transition.
- Annex tools and templates (informative): tier‑risk matrix, links to EU directives and Executive Order 13148, program manager and manufacturing checklists, recommended contractual language, and supplier assessment checklists.
Practical applications and users
This specification is practical for organizations and roles responsible for managing lead‑free transitions in high‑reliability electronics:
- Program managers and systems engineering managers planning or overseeing Pb‑free adoption.
- Prime contractors and integrators in aerospace and defence evaluating supplier readiness and contractual language.
- Quality, procurement and supply‑chain engineers implementing supplier control plans and audits.
- Test and reliability engineers developing requalification and acceptance strategies.
- Regulatory and certification teams ensuring products remain airworthy, safe and certifiable during/material changes.
Use cases include program planning for phased Pb‑free implementation, supplier assessments, creation of requalification/test plans, and updating maintenance procedures and contractual requirements.
Related standards
- IEC/TS 62647-1 (framework and definitions for lead‑free avionics process management) - compliance reference within TS 62647-21.
- References and background: EU RoHS/WEEE directives and Executive Order 13148 are cited for regulatory context.
- Basis documents noted: IEC/PAS 62647-21 and GEIA-HB-0005-1.
Keywords: IEC TS 62647-21, lead-free electronics, avionics, aerospace, defence, program management, systems engineering, RoHS, WEEE, reliability, supplier control.