Knowledge base

The V-model methodology consists of two branches: the design stages are on the left-hand side, and the testing stages are on the right-hand side. Each design stage has a corresponding testing stage. The project begins with a definition phase in which the requirements and the corresponding acceptance criteria are established.

The abbreviation IoT stands for ‘Internet of Things’. This term covers all physical objects that are connected to the internet and can transmit data online. Examples include smartwatches and modern cars, as well as washing machines, thermostats and doorbells.

Firmware is software that is built into hardware. This software ensures that the hardware functions correctly. The software is crucial to the device’s functionality.

An embedded system (also known as an integrated system) is an electronic system comprising hardware, software and firmware, which is integrated into consumer goods or devices. The purpose of embedded systems is to provide the device or consumer good with a form of intelligent behaviour. In this way, devices can become increasingly ‘smarter’ for the end user.

Before a product is fully approved for development or sale, it must be verified, validated and accepted. To ensure this process is carried out efficiently and to a high standard, specific steps must be followed. We explain these steps in this blog. Read on to find out more!

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the world’s largest and best-known independent, not-for-profit testing laboratory. Based in Northwood, Illinois, UL carries out safety and quality tests on a wide range of products. In short, UL certification means that production takes place under safe and responsible conditions and that the products are of sound quality. A UL certificate is essential if you wish to export your products to the United States of America or Canada. This means that semi-finished products, such as wiring harnesses, must also be UL-certified. Confed holds UL certification and is therefore an excellent choice as a supplier for the manufacture of your wiring harnesses.

AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) is an abbreviation standing for Automated Optical Inspection. It all revolves around automated optical inspection using a camera system. Printed circuit boards (both assembled and unassembled) are inspected for quality using this system without any physical contact.

IPC-A-610 certification is a requirement in sectors such as the medical, aerospace and defence manufacturing industries. Companies that adhere to this standard set themselves apart from the rest of the market, enabling them to maintain and/or strengthen their position. This certification (also known as the standard for the acceptance of assembled electronic components) is the most widely used standard published by the IPC and sets out the criteria for what is and is not acceptable during PCB assembly. In this blog, we explain more about the basic principles of IPC-A-610 certification.

PSO is short for the Performance Ladder for Social Entrepeneurship. It is a scientifically underpinned certification mark developed by TNO. It is a tool that measures and confirms the extent to which organisations are engaged in social entrepreneurship. This tool highlights the measures taken within an organisation to increase the labour market participation of vulnerable groups. In this way, an organisation can demonstrate its social commitment to the outside world.

Every electronic product, no matter how well it is designed and assembled, is susceptible to faults and irregularities. It is therefore essential to test electronic products thoroughly – and, in this specific case, PCBAs – right from the initial design phase. In this blog, we would like to explain which test methods are available for this purpose and how Confed applies and develops these test methodologies for its customers.