AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount, and response to prevent silent changes of used components?

We explain our countermeasures against so-called silent changes. UNIFIVE thoroughly manages risks related to global procurement.

In recent years, as procurement has become more globalized, risks associated with "Silent Change" have become more apparent, especially among major companies such as those in the electronics industry. For example, a recent incident involved the replacement of the intended brominated resin with red phosphorus in DC plug components, which caused migration and heat generation issues. In response, our company thoroughly implements risk management for global procurement.

• * "Silent Change" refers to situations where the composition of materials is altered by a supplier without the manufacturer's knowledge.

Countermeasures

1. Verification through Incoming Inspection

For all purchased components (excluding some packaging materials), we conduct incoming inspections for every delivery lot based on ANSI/ASQC Standard Z1.4, and simultaneously inspect for RoHS-regulated hazardous substances using fluorescent X-ray equipment.

Thus, changes that can be identified through visual or endoscopic inspection, as well as variations in the six RoHS-regulated substances and in Cu and P, can be detected during incoming inspections.

2. Measures Against Issues Undetectable by Incoming Inspections

Establishing a trusted relationship that allows verification beyond the primary supplier to secondary and tertiary suppliers.

The location where "Silent Change" typically occurs is not at the point of delivery, but at the stage of raw material composition changes. We have established trusted relationships that enable ongoing verification with often less-visible secondary and tertiary suppliers.

Case Studies

1. Flame Retardant Techniques for Plastics and Troubles Caused by Flame Retardants

In 2014, NITE (National Institute of Technology and Evaluation) published "Trouble Cases of Flame Retardant Techniques for Plastics and Flame Retardants". At the same time, our company also focused on similar issues and independently investigated the flame retardants used in PBT resin (polybutylene terephthalate) applied to insulation sleeves of DC plug components. Upon customer request, we visited the sites of secondary and tertiary suppliers to confirm the situation and worked to prevent "Silent Change".

Detailed Description in Specifications

To prevent "Silent Change", we clearly specify prohibited materials beyond regulated substances within specification documents, eliminating ambiguity and informing production contractors accordingly. For any details that cannot be described in the specification, submission of a guarantee document is required.

2. Inclusion of Red Phosphorus

In response to the increasingly reported issue of red phosphorus being mixed into plastic resin flame retardants in the market, we require all manufacturers to submit a "guarantee" document verifying that red phosphorus is not intentionally used in materials, and that its content is below 100 ppm if present.

Strict Notification of 4M Changes

We sign agreements with all manufacturers regarding 4M changes and require prior notice and approval if any changes are needed. We do not engage in business with any manufacturer that does not agree to such contracts, regardless of the reason.

As procurement continues to globalize, we are further strengthening our risk management, supply chain oversight, and relationship-building with manufacturers.