Option 4 of MIL-H-38534: a quality management system for building compliant hybrid microcircuits for military use

This paper describes the proposed Option 4 for the amendment of MIL-H-38534, General Specification for Hybrid Microcircuits. This paper explains the philosophy and the methods used by this option which includes the use of design analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and statistical process control (SPC). With this option, these methods may be used by the manufacturer´s Technology Review Board (TRB), a group of representatives from each major function within the hybrid area to eliminate or modify inspections and tests within the manufacturer´s Quality Conformance Inspection (QCI) and screening tests which are performed to a baselined Option 1, 2, or 3 flow. This paper explains why a manufacturer would want to implement this option and what benefits the customer will get. The manufacturer would want to get involved so that they can eliminate tests that, for their particular process and conditions, are not value-added processes. These eliminations and modifications should be seen by the customer as reduced prices for compliant hybrids, a quicker turn-around time for compliant new technology hybrids, and increased quality due to decreased handling