AS6006
Understanding AS6006 Electronic Component Management
Preventing counterfeit components from entering aerospace systems requires more than good inspection — it requires a comprehensive organizational management framework. AS6006 provides the guidance for building that framework: the Electronic Component Management Plan (ECMP).
The ECMP Framework
An ECMP addresses the full component lifecycle:
- Procurement: Approved supplier qualification, preferential sourcing from OCMs and authorized distributors, controls for sourcing from independent distributors.
- Receiving: Risk-based incoming inspection procedures — higher-risk sources receive more intensive testing.
- Traceability: Lot-level documentation maintained from manufacturer through warehouse through assembly.
- Obsolescence: Proactive identification of components approaching end-of-life, with lifetime buys or design-in of alternate parts before supply gaps emerge.
Why Obsolescence Drives Counterfeit Risk
The single greatest driver of counterfeit part procurement is obsolescence. When a critical RF component goes end-of-life and authorized channel inventory is exhausted, program managers face pressure to source from independent brokers. Without a strong ECMP, this pressure creates the supply chain vulnerability that counterfeiters exploit.
Key Equations
AS6006 is an SAE International standard providing guidance for developing and implementing an Electronic Component Management Plan (ECMP) within aerospace and defense organizations. The ECMP...
Key specifications:
32.44 dB | 60 km | 99.999 % | 45 dB | 85 dB | 100 M
Power: P(dBm) = 10log(PmW), 0dBm = 1mW
Comparison
| Aspect | AS6006 Spec | Typical Range | Impact | Design Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary function | AS6006 is an SAE International standard... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Operating range | The ECMP integrates requirements from AS... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Performance | AS6006 provides the guidance for buildin... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Integration | Receiving: Risk-based incoming inspectio... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Trade-off | Traceability: Lot-level documentation ma... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AS6006 relate to AS5553?
AS5553 defines the requirements for counterfeit avoidance that organizations must meet. AS6006 provides the management framework guidance for implementing those requirements through an ECMP. Think of AS5553 as the 'what' and AS6006 as the 'how' — one specifies requirements, the other guides their implementation within an organization's quality management system.
What is an OCM vs. an authorized distributor?
An Original Component Manufacturer (OCM) is the company that designs and fabricates the component (e.g., Analog Devices, Qorvo). An Authorized Distributor (e.g., Arrow, Avnet, Digi-Key) has a contractual relationship with the OCM to sell their products with full manufacturer warranty and traceability. Both are considered low-risk sources. Independent distributors (brokers) purchase on the open market without OCM authorization and are considered higher-risk sources requiring additional incoming inspection.
Does an ECMP add significant overhead to small companies?
The ECMP can be scaled to organizational size and risk. A small contract manufacturer assembling non-critical commercial electronics may implement a simple ECMP with basic supplier controls and visual incoming inspection. A Tier 1 defense prime contractor building mission-critical avionics must implement a comprehensive ECMP with extensive testing, lot-level traceability, and dedicated counterfeit prevention personnel. AS6006 explicitly allows risk-based scaling.