This is not going to be changing soon, if the tech gurus are to be believed. These new developments touch on every aspect of our lives from the trivial to the essential. Some are mere fun gadgets that will last until a better one - offering even more fun - comes along; others may be far more essential, providing relief or data for specific medical conditions.
Whether we really need them or not, we are always on the lookout for new devices that will help us measure our performances, control every move we make and give a minute by minute update on how well we are doing. At any given time we can check our blood pressure, heartbeat, steps, calorie intake, sleep pattern or the quality of the air we breathe.
Whatever their role, all these devices have one thing in common: their electronics. Even the most elementary toaster nowadays comes with electronics inside.
Sensors, connectors, resistors, capacitors, semiconductors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are just a few of the numerous electronic components that are widely used in devices, appliances and equipment. The quality of the components is of the utmost importance to ensure complete accuracy of the data provided. And while the number of steps or calories ingested in a given day doesn't need to be 100% accurate, measurements that target specific ailments have to be precise, for the sake of both the patient and the healthcare provider. Approximations cannot be tolerated. This means that the components that are fitted into any of these devices have to be of the highest quality. One faulty component can have dire consequences.
In addition, there are a multitude of related materials and processes that are covered by the IECQ schemes.
Since many devices and wearables rely on LEDs, it is worth mentioning the new IECQ Scheme for LED Lighting, established under the umbrella of the generic IECQ Approved Component (AC) Scheme. Launched in 2015, it offers a valuable qualification and supply chain management tool that provides for the identification and verification of compliance with component and process specifications.
The IECQ Scheme for LED Lighting can be applied to certify manufacturers and suppliers of electronic components, modules and assemblies used in the production of LED packages, engines, lamps, luminaires and associated LED ballasts/drivers. It provides a "standardized way" of evaluating suppliers and is used as a powerful supply-chain management tool when assessing and monitoring the various tier-level suppliers.
This removes the cost burden of monitoring and controlling the supply chain, from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to their suppliers, while also protecting the OEM brand name in the market. This also helps prevent poor-quality LED systems from entering the market.