ALTER receives space agency process capability approval certification

  

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Alter Technology UK is proud to announce the achievement of a major milestone: receiving the Process Capability Approval (PCA) certification from the European Space Agency (ESA). The certification is a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering world-class assembly and testing services for semiconductors, particularly for space and high-reliability applications.

The certification process, governed by the European Space Components Coordination (ESCC), sets a rigorous standard for suppliers to meet. The ESCC 2567000 specification outlines requirements for process consistency, quality control, and reliability, which are essential in producing components that can withstand the harsh environment of space. By achieving this certification, the company has demonstrated its ability to meet ESA’s quality standards, ensuring its semiconductor components are suitable for European space missions and high-reliability systems.

As an OSAT provider, ALTER supports the European semiconductor supply chain, particularly in the highly specialized Space and Defence sectors. The PCA certification validates the company’s chip packaging, assembly, and testing processes, which are critical steps in ensuring the reliability of semiconductor components used in spacecraft and satellites.

Szymon Bednarski, High Reliability and Space Programme Manager at ALTER UK, commented:

The PCA certification provides several key benefits. It ensures compliance of the Quality Management System with rigorous space industry standards, enhancing the organization’s credibility and trustworthiness.” He adds, “This certification signifies our facility’s ability to consistently meet the high-quality requirements of space components, leading to increased business opportunities, especially within the aerospace sector. Additionally, it streamlines our customer’s procurement processes by reducing the need for repeated audits, lowers the risk of defects or failures in mission-critical components, and fosters continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

With this certification, ALTER joins a small group of certified suppliers that support the European space industry’s ambitions. The growing demand for high-reliability semiconductors, particularly in the aerospace sector, underscores the importance of having trusted partners to deliver consistent quality.

This certification from ESA adds to ALTER’s high-reliability credentials after achieving certification for their EN9100 Aviation, Space and Defence Quality Management System in 2020.

For enquires or more information contact Matt Booker, Commercial & Innovation Director, matt.booker@uk.altertechnology.com