Policy on Age of Inventory

This policy establishes Volterra's position regarding the age of product inventory suitable for shipment to customers (i.e., Shelf Life).

Background

Historically, some electronic component customers had expressed concerns that after a period of time, electronic components could age or degrade and no longer be suitable appropriate for use in electronic products.

Thirty years ago, there may have been some truth to that perception on some types of components. However, those concerns are not valid for semiconductors. Component age does not adversely affect component performance to the manufacturer’s specification. The product inventoried by component manufacturers and their authorized distributors using manufacturer, JEDEC and National Electronics Distributors Association (NEDA) guidelines for packing and handling will meet the component manufacturers electrical and solderability specifications. Component warranties are not affected by the age of components at the time of sale.

Volterra’s Policy

Plastic Molded Packages (LQFP, BGA, TSSOP, QFN)

All products having data codes in excess of 2 years from date of manufacture shall be inspected/tested to meet the following requirements before shipment to the customers:

1. Products had been properly stored in sealed moisture barrier bags since time of manufacture (e.g. HIC not exceeding the rebake requirement level)
2. Verify test includes most recent critical test revisions; if not, 100% electrical re-tested and inspected.
3. Repack and reseal (if moisture-sensitive product re-tested / inspected).

Wafer Level Chip Scales Packages

All products having data codes in excess of 2 years from date of manufacture shall be inspected to the following criteria:

1. Products had been properly stored in sealed moisture barrier bags since time of manufacture
2. Verify test includes most recent critical test revisions.