Read country of origin and country of diffusion as separately named fields, using the relevant manufacturer’s definitions. Semiconductor fabrication, assembly and distribution can involve different locations. Before ordering, preserve the original field names and ask the supplier to connect each answer to the quoted component and supporting record.
Find out which manufacturing step the field describes
A semiconductor passes through fabrication and then assembly and test before distribution. A location reported for one stage answers a different question from the location reported for another.
Manufacturers can use different abbreviations. TI’s published terminology identifies the following fields. Use that terminology when reading TI information, and check another manufacturer’s own definitions when reviewing its records. TI manufacturing terminology
TI field | Meaning in TI’s terminology |
|---|---|
ACO | Country where assembly occurs |
ASO | Assembly facility |
CCO | Country where fabrication occurs |
CSO | Fabrication facility |
PDC | Distribution warehouse or storage location |
COO | Country-of-origin information, with the applicable definition depending on its purpose and context |
A supplier spreadsheet headed only “Country” leaves the manufacturing stage unclear. Ask what that column represents before copying it into a purchasing requirement.
Use a manufacturer’s answer for the particular question
In an August 2026 public support exchange about AD9361BBCZ-REEL, a customer asked why a device marking showed Korea while the label showed Taiwan. An Analog Devices employee identified the label field as COD, or country of diffusion. A further reply identified COA as country of assembly and confirmed Korea for that device. The employee advised the customer to ask the supplying distributor or channel partner for the related shipment documentation. ADI’s original support exchange
This example shows why the field name matters. It is a response about that product and the information presented in that exchange. For a new offer, obtain the definitions and supporting records applicable to the offered material.
Keep the original fields in your purchasing file
Record the supplier’s answer as supplied. Add your interpretation in a separate column, with the source used to establish it. That preserves what the supplier actually reported and gives the reviewer a way to check your interpretation.
Purchasing record | Detail to retain |
|---|---|
Component identity | Manufacturer, full quoted MPN and quotation reference |
Original field | The complete heading or abbreviation on the source record |
Reported value | The location exactly as supplied |
Field definition | Manufacturer explanation and its source link or document reference |
Material connection | Available package, lot or shipment reference linking the information to the offer |
Requirement | The specific location information your customer or internal process asks for |
Review outcome | Resolved question, remaining gap, reviewer and date |
The same part number can appear in several offers. Keep each offer’s records together rather than transferring a country value from an unrelated catalogue row or earlier shipment.
Ask for the missing field before committing
If your request needs the fabrication location and the response gives an assembly country, identify the unanswered field in your follow-up. Ask which source supports the answer and which offered material it covers.
When two records appear inconsistent, first establish whether they describe the same stage, material and document context. Refer unresolved differences to the appropriate reviewer. If the issue concerns the scope of a supplied document, use the guide to CoCs, inspection reports and test reports. If a manufacturer notice reports a site change, review the affected parts and dates through the PCN and end-of-life notice guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is country of diffusion always the same field as CCO?
Check the manufacturer’s terminology. ADI’s support reply uses COD, while TI’s terminology lists CCO for fabrication country. Preserve the field used by the source when recording either.
Can I use the shipping warehouse as the manufacturing country?
Record the warehouse as the shipping or distribution location. Ask for the manufacturing field your purchasing requirement actually needs.
Does a different country on the label mean the part is counterfeit?
Investigate what each field describes and how the records relate to the offered material. Country text alone is insufficient to settle authenticity.
Can two offers for the same MPN have different location information?
Review each offer’s records and field definitions. If a location requirement affects acceptance, ask for information that applies to the offered material before choosing between them.
Does this comparison determine the origin used for import purposes?
A manufacturing-field comparison provides context for the purchasing review. Route any required formal origin determination through the responsible process and obtain the documents it requires.