AS6496 Revision & the Authorized Channel

Kevin Sink [TTI, Inc]

Wednesday, June 28th - 9:15 am

Abstract: 

It has been over five years since the electronic component industry was “normal.” Since then we experienced large obsolescence events in 2018, COVID in 2019 and 2020, COVID Rebound in 2021 (except for Mil) and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 through today. While these events made it difficult to forecast demand or to plan capacity, the progress in counterfeit component mitigation marched on. The customer standard, AS5553 was revised twice and is beginning yet another revision. AS60981, the standard for Independent Distribution was revised and AS6171, the Test Method standard with its many slash sheets underwent many revisions, with six slash sheets updating in June of 2022 alone.

While it is still the case that most counterfeit components enter the marketplace through independent distribution, the authorized channel did not stand by idly. AS6496 Revision A is under ballot with a planned release date soon to follow. This paper investigates the market trends since the last “normal year” and their resulting impact on the counterfeit mitigation standard for authorized distribution. Some of the changes brought AS6496 into alignment with its sister standards: scope constraint to EEE parts, dropping of the characterization as “Fraudulent”, and adoption of the industry standard definitions in AIR6273.

Other changes are refinements over time: global acceptance of the use of the term “COTS,” and the need to define “military parts” vis-a-vis the standard, and the increased attention to traceability and record retention.

In summary, this paper describes many of the major market changes in the last five years and their corresponding impact on the counterfeit mitigation efforts of the authorized channel and the codifying of these changes in AS6496 Revision A.

Biography: 

Kevin Sink [TTI, Inc.]

Kevin Sink has over 19 years of experience working at TTI, Inc., a global distributor of passive, interconnect, and electro-mechanical components. Currently serving as Vice President since January 2012, Kevin has played a crucial role in the company's success. Prior to his current position, he served as Director of Total Quality and Director of Sales Operations, where he contributed to improving sales processes and enhancing customer responsiveness. With his extensive knowledge in sales and marketing, Kevin Sink also worked as a Sales & Marketing Manager, specializing in the Houston market and excelling in the Oil & Gas Exploration & Drilling sectors. Earlier in his career, he began as an Inside Sales Representative, providing exceptional support to customers in Houston and the Gulf Coast. Before joining TTI, Inc., Kevin Sink gained valuable experience as a Buyer (Co-Op) at Lockheed Martin, where he was involved in purchasing spec controlled items for General Dynamics' F-16 programs. Throughout his career, Kevin has demonstrated expertise in sales, supply chain management, and customer satisfaction, making significant contributions to the growth and success of the companies he has worked for.

Dr. Diganta Das

For more information or questions regarding the technical program (including Professional Development Courses), contact the Conference Chair, Dr. Diganta Das.

Karlie Severinson

For more information or questions regarding event logistics, exhibitions, and sponsorship, contact Karlie Severinson.