How to Evaluate an Embedded Motherboard Supplier Beyond the Datasheet

Although a board may match the datasheet of another supplier, there is still a risk of procurement. The buyer must also clarify with the supplier how quality is defined and what a warranty entails. Additionally, the way in which the supplier provides technical assistance after the board has been installed must be compared with the other appropriate criteria, such as interfaces and operating systems. Care must be taken when approving a sample or a production order.

Uniwin-Global is a designer of embedded Android/Linux motherboards and complete IoT solutions. We state an average defect rate of less than 1%, a one year warranty on motherboards, and a target response within 2 hours of an issue being reported, with technical issues targeted for resolution within 48 hours. Confirm how these targets and terms apply to your specific project, model and order scope.

Use a Supplier Scorecard Before You Compare Quotes

Create a short scorecard and ask each of the embedded motherboard suppliers to answer each of the questions. A supplier’s measurable commitments can be distinguished from quality statements. Later, procurement and engineering can refer to this scorecard when placing an order.

Use these questions to negotiate answers into the quotation, specification or terms and conditions for the project. Answers will depend upon the destination market and method of deployment as well as the final configuration of services and products offered.

Ask What the Quality Percentage Covers

Defect-rates are of limited use if the scope is not clearly defined. Therefore, the following questions must be clarified when checking defect-rates: For which products? For which time span were the defect-rates checked? How were the percentages calculated? The defect-rate can refer to production output inspection, the result from the inspection at incoming goods or the verified defects found on the field. A single percentage figure without a clear basis for calculation is of very limited use for comparison with other suppliers.

The Uniwin-Global average defect rate is less than 1%. For original materials, Uniwin-Global strictly specifies the materials that are used. For PCBs and components, they also perform standard screening. For specific orders, it is best to ask the supplier to detail the scope of products and time frame for which such reported figures will apply. These averages need to be distinguished from the acceptance plan for a particular project and from independent certifications.

For pilot orders and repeated orders, define the evidence that you keep for these types of orders. This could include the agreed model and revision number, sample acceptance records and how a confirmed defect was reported. Also define who will review a disputed unit and how the results will be documented. This will make discussions about a shipment much more concrete than if everyone assumed that all suppliers were inspected in the same way.

Read the Motherboard Warranty as a Project Term

One year’s warranty for a motherboard is a good reference, but a year in itself is not enough to describe a warranty in full detail. What exact motherboard is covered by the warranty? When does the warranty start? What proof of purchase does one need to produce for a warranty claim? Does the vendor promise to repair or replace the defective part? How does one handle a defective motherboard when the rest of the system is in production?

Project documents must clearly outline which components are supplied by which supplier and where customers can seek assistance should problems arise with completed Terminals. Warranty on the board alone does not necessarily extend to the balance of the finished Terminal, including display, enclosure, power supply, cables and any software provided by third party suppliers for specific application use.

All our Motherboards are supplied with a 1 Year Warranty. Please ensure the Motherboard Model and any special Warranty Conditions are noted in the order note. For Custom Designs please note the relevant Hardware Revision and Software Build that will be covered by our Warranty and also accepted by us.

Separate Support Response From Resolution

Note that the target for the response and the target for the resolution are two different points in time. While confirmation of receipt of the case is given, the case may not yet have been resolved and services may not yet be back to normal. Ask the supplier to outline both targets and detail the support channels that will be used and at what time the service clock will start.

Confirm how the service commitment to respond to a technical issue within 2 hours and resolve the issue within 48 hours applies to your project. Outline the time zone, the scope of issues to be covered, the information required to diagnose problems and any dependencies on access to the customer’s equipment or to 3rd party equipment. Don’t assume that the published commitment has been set for all severity levels and covers all hours of the day/week etc.

When escalating a problem with a site, it’s helpful to have a clear record of what’s happened so far, including the board model, board revision and software release number. This, plus a description of the problem and the steps already taken to attempt to fix it, should be sufficient for both the buyer and seller to work from. The record should clearly outline the next action and who is responsible for it. The person responsible should also outline how they will verify that the problem has been fixed.

Check the Board Against the Actual Project

The quality and services of a board supplier need to be clearly defined, but this does not replace the compatibility check. Compatibility needs to be checked against the display path, the peripherals, the network interfaces, the software and the environment where the customer’s products will be used. For example, the M588 RK3588 motherboard includes HDMI-IN and dual-channel eDP display output. For each of these outputs which are important for a design, compatibility must be checked for the intended display, signal source, firmware and application before approval of a sample can be granted.

The M588 RK3588 is one of our embedded motherboards for reference. In a project review we would expect you to reference the exact model and configuration number instead of just referring to a family name. The same applies for your OEM, ODM, SKD or finished goods orders: the sample accepted and the production specification must describe the exact version that you are ordering.

Keep a Written Procurement Record

Before issuing a purchase order for any items listed in the above note, collect all relevant items and note that the approved board specification must be included in any quote. For boards that are part of a terminal or platform, clearly note who is responsible for the board. Keep a practical record of this.

The board model, revision, interfaces, firmware, and any agreed customization.

The defect-rate definition and the scope or period used for comparison.

Warranty period, start date, scope of application, remedial actions and claims procedure.

Support Response and Resolution Targets, Contact Channel and related Escalation Owner.

Sample test conditions and relevant evidence that led to acceptance of the configuration.

Check the supplier’s response for any indication that your project brief lacks detail. Get this sorted before you place the order for the boards etc. and ensure that this is captured in writing. Otherwise engineering, procurement and service will be working from a different set of ‘facts’.

Conclusion

Assessing an embedded motherboard supplier requires a look at both the board itself and the supplier’s commitments. Compare the supplier’s defect-rate definitions, warranty terms, and support milestones with other potential suppliers. Uniwin-Global supports finished-goods, SKD, OEM, ODM and custom products for new product cooperation. Please refer to the contact page to inform our staff of the target board, operation environment, etc. and we shall evaluate whether the requested terms and conditions can be met for the project.

FAQ

Q: What does a defect rate below 1% mean for my order?

A: Ask the supplier for a list of products for a certain period of time and for the calculation basis of the average defect rate shown in the general company figures. The average company defect rate does not automatically apply to a single model or batch of goods. Uniwin-Global reports an average defect rate of less than 1%. Verify the scope of application of the stated rate for your order and note the agreed acceptance criteria for the project in the corresponding project record.

Q: Does a one-year motherboard warranty cover the complete device?

A: No, the stated term applies to the motherboard only. A completed device will contain parts and software from different suppliers, so check the coverage for the Motherboard, Display, Adapter, Case etc. as well as any third party components. Find out if a claim needs supplier approval or return authorization, since that is not detailed within the warranty term alone.

Q: What is the difference between support response and resolution time?

A: Response time is the time it takes for a supplier to respond to a case opening. Resolution time is the time it takes to fix the problems described in the case. Uniwin-Global sets the following support targets: reply within 2 hours, solve the problem within 48 hours from the time the case was opened. Also, make sure you agree on the start time for the support clock and the terms and conditions that apply.

Q: Should I test a sample before ordering embedded motherboards?

A: Yes. Test the firmware, display, peripherals and application intended for your project against the requirements specified for your project and record the results for the tested configuration. Sample review does not replace warranty conditions and/or a written support agreement but can help to check whether a board offered by default will also work in the intended context. Test the sample with all peripherals planned to be used together with the intended software, note the results obtained and save them for the relevant board revision.