Evolution of component-qualification methods for local component-manufacturers for telecom applications

The Centre for Development of Telematics, C-DOT, was set up in 1984 by the Indian Government to develop a new generation of digital switching systems relevant to the Indian environment. Consequently, CDOT developed a range of cost-effective products, predominantly relevant to the dispersed rural needs of India, with the built-in qualities of ruggedness, upgradability, and reliability so as to withstand the extreme environmental/climatic conditions prevailing in India. Standardization and vendor-quality monitoring were also undertaken for ensuring reliable component supplies for mass manufacturing C-DOT products. The effort by C-DOT, while using primarily components which are locally available in its products, through standardization, vendor development and vendor monitoring, was quite rewarding in achieving the basic objectives of C-DOT. This paper highlights: the chronological sequence of events in this mammoth effort; the pragmatic approach, and its relevance, in evolving the component-qualification methodology; and the importance of component quality, component vendor development, the quality and reliability efforts, qualification testing and strategy, and failure-analysis of components. The result of C-DOT effort in ensuring quality standards is seen in 19000 RAX (rural exchanges), over 300 MAX, and many wireless and satellite systems in operation throughout India, in inhospitable environment conditions.