Electronic Component Identification & Inspection

Course pathway

1. Identity and evidenceIdentity, channel and lot evidence
2. Identity and evidenceComponent identity and datasheet verification
3. Identity and evidenceIC and package recognition
4. Identity and evidenceManufacturer markings, lot identifiers and date codes
5. Received conditionPackaging, storage evidence and controlled handling
6. Received conditionExternal visual inspection: observation before conclusion
7. Observation and measurementMicroscopy and image evidence
8. Observation and measurementDimensional inspection and measurement uncertainty
9. Observation and measurementInspection equipment and method readiness
10. Specialist methodsX-ray inspection and internal-construction evidence
11. Specialist methodsXRF: elemental evidence, not an authenticity verdict
12. Specialist methodsSolderability testing and assembly suitability
13. Specialist methodsElectrical testing and specification coverage
14. Specialist methodsDelid, decapsulation and destructive physical analysis
15. Decisions and reportingRisk-based inspection planning and escalation
16. Decisions and reportingInspection documentation and reporting
17. PracticeLabel, datasheet and sample-identity exercise
18. PracticeMethod limits and escalation triage
19. AssessmentInspection-plan and report capstone
20. AssessmentInspection final knowledge assessment

Completion requirements

Complete every reading and practice activity, score at least 80% on the final assessment and at least 80% on the capstone rubric with every critical requirement met. A human reviewer assesses the capstone; a reviewer cannot grade their own submission.

Final attempts last two hours. Retakes are free and unlimited, with a 10-minute review interval after submission. Capstones can be revised after feedback. Review timing depends on reviewer availability.

Capstone rubric

• Evidence and sample traceability: 20 points. Distinct reel/group/sample IDs, received-state record and explicit missing links.
• Identity and reference verification: 20 points. Exact MPN/drawing/marking clarification; registration/XRF not treated as authenticity proof.
• Risk-led inspection plan: 20 points. Each proposed method answers a named concern with scope and limitations; no arbitrary sample count.
• Handling, safety and escalation: 20 points. Appropriate hold/protection; trained operators; no unauthorised destructive work or invented reconditioning.
• Report and disposition boundary: 20 points. Clear observations, inference, missing evidence and authorised release owner; no unsupported guarantee.