STMicroelectronics
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When you buy electronic components, suppliers might describe the parts as “original,” “new,” or “fully traceable.”
However, these claims alone are not enough.
Traceability means having proof of where a component came from, which production lot it is part of, how it moved through the supply chain, and what checks were done before it arrived at the factory.
If you buy current-production parts from an authorized source, getting this evidence is usually simple. For obsolete, allocated, or hard-to-find parts, the process can be more complicated.
The aim is not to ask for documents that do not exist. Instead, you should find out what evidence is available, what has been checked, where any gaps are, and if the remaining risk is acceptable for your use.
People often use these terms together, but each one has a different meaning.
| Traceability | Documented origin, lot history, and supply path | That the component will perform correctly |
| Authenticity | Confidence that the component is genuine and correctly identified | That it was stored or handled correctly |
| Quality | Evidence that the component meets required specifications | That it came through the original manufacturer channel |
| CoC | A supplier’s declaration that material conforms to stated requirements | Complete independent proof of origin or authenticity |
A Certificate of Conformance is helpful, but it should be seen as just one part of the evidence, not the only proof you need.
For important components, check the CoC against lot details, package labels, inspection results, and source records.
The documents you need should match the part's risk level. For example, a low-cost passive part for a prototype needs different checks than an obsolete IC used in industrial, automotive, medical, aerospace, or safety equipment.
1. Supplier quotation and part identification record
Begin by looking at the supplier’s quote.
If the quote has a shortened part number, unclear manufacturer name, or a generic package description, make sure to clarify these details before you order.
2. Certificate of Conformance
A CoC should identify the material covered by the shipment.
A good CoC should link to a specific shipment and lot. A generic PDF that does not identify the material is not very useful.
Remember, a CoC from the supplier is just a declaration. It does not prove the component was bought directly from the original manufacturer.
3. Manufacturer or authorized-distributor source documentation
When full original-channel traceability is required, ask for documentation that connects the material to the original component manufacturer or its authorized distribution channel.
Original Component Manufacturer → Authorized Distributor → Buyer
It is better to be transparent than to make claims without proof.
4. Lot-code and date-code record
Lot code and date code help connect physical material to its paperwork.
For important production parts, do not accept mixed lots unless there is a clear reason and an inspection plan is in place.
5. Packing, handling, and storage evidence
Packaging can reveal useful information about condition and handling.
Packaging by itself does not prove a part is genuine. But if you see damaged seals, inconsistent or missing labels, or mixed packing types, you may need to check further.
6. Inspection and test report
When traceability is incomplete or the application is high risk, documentation should be supported by inspection or testing.
No single test can prove every detail about authenticity or performance. The best approach is to combine source checks, document review, physical inspection, and electrical testing based on the risk.
7. Compliance and application-specific documents
Some programs require documents beyond basic origin and lot traceability.
Only ask for an AEC qualification document if it is truly needed for your application. Make sure the manufacturer part number, grade, package, and customer requirements all match what you need.
You do not need the same set of documents for every purchase.
| Low | Standard passive part for internal prototype | Quote, part number, quantity, visual incoming inspection |
| Medium | Current IC for normal production | CoC, lot/date information, packaging check, approved supplier record |
| High | Allocated or high-value IC | Lot photos, CoC, source documentation available, inspection report, incoming controls |
| Critical | Obsolete IC for regulated or safety-related product | Full available chain-of-custody record, lot-level evidence, defined testing plan, engineering and quality approval |
The main idea is to be reasonable. Asking for full traceability of a 20-year-old obsolete part may not be possible, but accepting it without proof is not a good idea either.
The right approach is to record what is missing and set up extra checks to cover the gap.
This is common in the independent market, especially for obsolete or allocated components.
Do not automatically approve or reject parts just because traceability is incomplete. Instead, follow a clear decision process and keep records.
Step 1: Identify the gap
State exactly what is missing.
Step 2: Assess the application risk
Step 3: Add compensating controls
Step 4: Record the decision
Keeping this record is important in case there is a problem, recall, or dispute with the supplier later on.
A practical RFQ note can read:
Material must match the exact manufacturer part number and package stated in this RFQ. Please confirm condition, date code, lot code, packaging format, stock location, and available traceability documentation. No substitutions or mixed lots without written approval. For high-risk material, provide actual lot photos and available inspection/test documentation before shipment.
For critical applications, add the required test method, document type, approval step, and record-retention requirement.
The best thing to do is ask for proof rather than make assumptions.
| Buyer | Define documentation requirements in the RFQ and purchase order |
| Supplier | Disclose source information accurately and provide agreed records |
| Quality team | Review evidence, define inspection controls, manage nonconformances |
| Engineering | Confirm technical suitability and approve substitutions or deviations |
| Supply-chain manager | Maintain approved supplier records and monitor recurring risk |
Traceability is effective only when everyone knows their responsibilities.
Welllinkchips supports sourcing of obsolete, hard-to-find, and long-lead electronic components.
When submitting an RFQ, include the full manufacturer part number, quantity, package, application, date-code requirement, and required level of traceability or testing.
If you cannot obtain full original-channel documents, the sourcing team can help you find the available evidence and decide whether additional inspection or testing is needed before you buy.
Is a CoC enough to prove a component is genuine?
No. A CoC is a helpful statement from the supplier, but you should check it against lot records, labels, source documents, and, if needed, inspection or test results.
Sometimes, but not always. The proof you can get depends on how the part was supplied and stored. If full traceability is not possible, buyers should record what is missing and use extra checks based on the risk.
Are mixed date codes always unacceptable?
No. Mixed date codes are sometimes fine if they are shared, technically acceptable, kept separate, and approved by your quality process.
What should I request before buying a high-risk IC?
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