Achieving high-reliability standards: best practices for adopting JANP-qualified components

Story

February 06, 2026

Reece Byrne

Microchip Technology

For organizations and engineers in the defense, aerospace, and other mission-critical sectors, upgrading from commercial-grade to JANP [Joint Army-Navy Plastic]-qualified components is a strategic decision that enhances reliability, traceability, and regulatory compliance. A thorough understanding of the distinctions between these component types, as well as the critical factors involved in the transition, is essential to ensuring long-term system performance and safety.

The JANP [Joint Army-Navy Plastic] designation is assigned to military-grade components that comply with JAN standards but are encapsulated in plastic packages instead of traditional hermetic (metal or ceramic) enclosures. JANP-qualified components are engineered and tested to meet the most rigorous industry standards. While commercial-grade parts are suitable for general consumer or industrial use, JANP components undergo extensive electrical, mechanical, and environmental testing, including temperature cycling, vibration, humidity and mechanical shock, to ensure they can withstand the demanding conditions typical of defense and/or space applications. (Table 1.)

[Table 1 ǀ Comparison of JANP and MIL-PRF-38535 Qualification.]

Overview: key differences of JANP components

Testing rigor: JANP components are subjected to military-grade testing protocols, whereas commercial-grade parts are tested to standard industry requirements.
Quality assurance: JANP parts offer strict quality controls and consistent lot-to-lot uniformity; commercial-grade components may exhibit greater variability.
Traceability: Comprehensive documentation and traceability are mandatory for JANP parts, supporting counterfeit prevention and efficient issue resolution.
Regulatory compliance: JANP components meet military and aerospace standards, streamlining certification processes; commercial-grade parts may not.
Cost and availability: JANP parts generally have higher costs and longer lead times but deliver superior reliability.

Shift toward enhanced reliability and radiation tolerance

The market is increasingly demanding components that meet higher reliability and radiation tolerance standards, especially for space and rigorous defense applications. Parts that are qualified to military standards such as MIL-PRF-19500 – which cover general performance requirements for semiconductor devices – and enhanced low-dose radiation sensitivity (ELDRS) requirements ensure that components can operate reliably in radiation-rich environments. These parts qualifications include both traditional hermetic (ceramic/metal) and high-reliability plastic packages, but the focus is on meeting stringent reliability and radiation requirements rather than on legacy JANP standards alone.

Legacy status of JANP

JANP parts, which refer to plastic-packaged components with Joint Army-Navy qualification, are considered legacy. The industry is moving toward more modern qualification standards and performance specifications, such as MIL-PRF-38535 for microcircuits and MIL-PRF-19500 for discrete semiconductors. These newer standards emphasize ongoing quality, traceability and rigorous testing, which are increasingly required for new designs and procurement.

While JANP parts are less common in new designs, they may still be used in legacy systems or where cost and procurement considerations outweigh the need for the highest reliability or radiation tolerance. However, the trend is toward replacing these with parts that meet more current standards, especially as mission-critical and harsh-environment applications become more prevalent.

Broader portfolio and QPL listings

Many suppliers are expanding their portfolios to include a wide range of high-reliability solutions, including those listed on the Qualified Products List (QPL) for military and aerospace applications. This includes both plastic and hermetic packages, but the emphasis is on meeting the latest qualification and reliability requirements. (Figure 1.)

[Figure 1 ǀ Parts used in critical applications must meet high-reliability criteria, including those listed on the Qualified Products List (QPL) that may be used in mission-critical areas. Stock image.]

Transitioning to JANP-qualified components requires careful planning and several critical adjustments.

When transitioning to JANP-qualified components, organizations must make careful design and engineering adjustments, which may include evaluating system designs for compatibility, as JANP components may differ in specifications or form factors compared to commercial alternatives. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the enhanced reliability and environmental resilience offered by JANP parts align with the specific performance requirements and objectives of the project.

Qualification and testing are critical steps when integrating JANP components into a system. Systems may require requalification through additional testing to validate performance and ensure that the new components meet all necessary standards. Furthermore, organizations should be prepared for more comprehensive record-keeping, as JANP parts necessitate detailed traceability and compliance documentation to support ongoing quality-assurance and regulatory requirements.

Supply-chain and procurement considerations are essential when adopting JANP-qualified components. Organizations must carefully vet suppliers to ensure the authenticity of JANP-qualified parts and minimize the risk of counterfeit components entering the supply chain. Additionally, it is important to anticipate longer lead times and potential availability challenges, as JANP-qualified components may not be as readily available as their commercial-grade counterparts.

Cost implications are also important when integrating JANP-qualified components. Organizations should plan for higher upfront costs, as these components require rigorous testing and certification processes. Total cost of ownership must also be considered, as the investment in JANP-qualified parts can lead to long-term savings through reduced maintenance needs, fewer failures, and increased system reliability.

Regulatory and certification requirements play a critical role when implementing JANP-qualified components. Organizations must ensure strict adherence to all documentation, testing, and traceability requirements to meet military, aerospace, or other relevant standards. Additionally, potential users should be prepared for more stringent audits and regulatory reviews, as certification processes for JANP-qualified components are typically more rigorous than those for commercial-grade parts.

Training and process changes are essential when transitioning to JANP-qualified components. Organizations should provide targeted training for staff to ensure teams are well-versed in handling documentation and compliance procedures specific to JANP components. Additionally, internal processes must be updated to accommodate stricter controls and enhanced traceability requirements, supporting ongoing compliance and quality assurance.

Rigorous environmental testing and traceability

JANP qualification is characterized by demanding environmental tests, including temperature cycling, thermal shock, vibration, humidity, salt spray, mechanical shock, altitude, and life cycle testing. These measures ensure that components can endure the operational stresses encountered in space and other high-reliability applications.

Traceability is another fundamental aspect of JANP qualification. Each component is accompanied by comprehensive documentation, enabling manufacturers to track its origin, batch, and testing history. This step supports quality assurance, counterfeit prevention, efficient issue resolution, and effective life cycle management.

Obtaining and maintaining JANP qualification means integrating quality assurance

To achieve JANP qualification, manufacturers must identify and acquire the relevant, applicable JANP standards. Compliance with these standards typically requires the implementation of a robust quality-management system, such as ISO 9001, that ensures consistent product quality and process control. The qualification process involves both in-house and third-party testing to verify that products meet JANP specifications. Manufacturers are required to compile comprehensive technical documentation – including test reports, process controls, and traceability records – and submit these materials to the appropriate Japanese certification body.

A critical component of the qualification process is the factory audit, during which auditors assess the manufacturer’s adherence to JANP requirements and quality-management practices. Any nonconformities identified during the audit must be promptly addressed through corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Upon successful evaluation, manufacturers are granted JANP qualification and are authorized to mark their products accordingly.

JANP-qualified products are subject to ongoing, rigorous quality-assurance requirements to ensure their continued reliability and safety. Manufacturers must strictly adhere to the relevant Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) for their product category, maintaining detailed documentation for traceability and process control. Supplier quality is managed through the use of approved suppliers and regular audits, ensuring that all materials and components meet JANP requirements. Products must be clearly marked with the JANP symbol and identification codes for traceability.

Quality assurance encompasses stringent testing at multiple stages, including incoming material inspection, in-processtesting, and final product testing. Ongoing surveillance, including periodic audits and requalification testing, is essential to ensure continued compliance with JANP standards. In the event of failures or nonconformities, thorough failure analysis and CAPA must be implemented to prevent recurrence. Manufacturers then maintain compliance through regular audits and a commitment to continuous improvement, with these steps ensuring that JANP-qualified products consistently meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

High-rel qualification

By adopting JANP-qualified components, organizations gain significant advantages, including reduced breakdowns and maintenance requirements that lead to increased system uptime. The use of these components also streamlines regulatory approval and certification processes, making compliance more efficient and straightforward. Additionally, JANP-qualified components enhance organizational responsiveness and issue resolution capabilities, as robust traceability ensures that any problems can be quickly identified and addressed. Collectively, these benefits contribute to greater reliability, operational efficiency, and regulatory confidence in high-stakes environments.

Transitioning from commercial-grade to JANP-qualified components is a strategic decision for organizations seeking to maximize reliability, safety, and compliance. By understanding the differences and addressing key considerations – including design compatibility, qualification, supply-chain management, cost analysis, regulatory compliance, and staff training – engineers can facilitate a successful transition and fully realize the benefits of JANP-qualified components in high-reliability projects.

Reece Byrne is the senior digital marketing specialist for Microchip Technology’s High-Reliability and RF (HRR) business unit. He leads digital marketing campaigns for a wide range of power-management solutions including high-reliability, discretes, integrated power solutions, as well as radio-frequency and microwave technologies. He holds a BS degree in strategic marketing communications from Saint Cloud State University (Minnesota).

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