July 12, 2010
Dear Valued Xilinx Customer,
The IATF (International Automotive Task Force) has given Xilinx notice that theywill not allow Xilinx to renew our ISO/TS16949:2002 certification. Xilinx has beencertified to ISO/TS16949 since March of 2005. Not only has Xilinx successfullycompleted five surveillance and re-certification audits, but the initial Xilinx
certification was witnessed by an IATF representative from BMW.
The reason that Xilinx will not be allowed to renew its ISO/TS16949 certificationis due to a new interpretation of an existing rule by certain members of the IATF
in Europe. The rule in question is Rule #1 (Eligibility for Certification for
ISO/TS16949:2002), and this reads:“Only manufacturing sites where production and/or service parts are
manufactured and supplied to customers subscribing to ISO/TS16949:2002 are
eligible for certification…”
Xilinx has consistently demonstrated to independent auditors that our operations
meet the definition of Rule #1. Some operations (including marking and otherfinishing operations) are completed „in-house‟ by Xilinx. However, in this latest
round, the IATF has ignored this fact and concluded that any supplier identified
as a “fabless semiconductor” manufacturer does not qualify under this definition.
In its opinion to our registrar, the VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie –German Association of the Automotive Industry), a key member of the IATF,
states:“This organisation does not have manufacturing; it’s subcontracted toanother organisation. If the subcontracted organisation is part of thisorganisation, we can audit the manufacturing subcontractor & Xilinx as a support
function. To simplify the position which is also expressed in the Rules for IATF
recognition as well is that an organization without its own manufacturing activities
is not eligible for TS. What to be understood under "manufacturing" is written
under 1.0 of the Rules. However as this question about the eligibility comes up
more frequent, I asked my colleagues for their opinion as well. Could be that wewill put it on the agenda for the upcoming IATF Meeting again to get a final
confirmation or possibly a change of the eligibility for TS to have those clientscertified as well.”
The current Xilinx ISO/TS16949:2002 certification expires on August 2, 2010,
and, based on the above, Xilinx will not be able to re-certify.

2100 Logic Drive San Jose, California 95124-3400
Telephone: 408 559 7778 Fax: 408 559 7114 Web: www.xilinx.com

This change in certification status is not due to any change made by Xilinx.
We continue to be committed to meeting the requirements of ISO/TS16949
certification. Our commitment to quality and continuous improvement will notchange due to this outcome, and we will continue to support AEC-Q100
qualification and PPAP documentation for all of our Xilinx Automotive (XA)
devices. Xilinx is an industry-leader in implementing our Beyond AEC-Q100qualification process which includes doubling the key AEC-Q100 durations andstresses required. In addition, Xilinx continues to partner with world-class
ISO/TS169494 certified wafer fabrication and assembly suppliers.
Xilinx recognizes the importance of ISO/TS16949:2002 registration, the needsof our automotive customers, and the potential impact on our business due to there-interpretation of this rule.
Therefore, despite the position of the IATF (VDA) with respect to ourISO/TS16949 certification, Xilinx remains a committed supplier in the automotive
market, and, more specifically, to you as our valued customer.
Should this be an issue for your company as a Xilinx customer, please contact us
as soon as possible. We encourage you to speak to your IATF representative toreinstate their original definition of Rule #1. Thank you very much for yourunderstanding and support.

View prior certificates
Certificate ISO/TS 16969-2002 (2005-2008)
Certificate ISO/TS 16969-2002 (2007-2010)

2100 Logic Drive San Jose, California 95124-3400
Telephone: 408 559 7778 Fax: 408 559 7114 Web: www.xilinx.com