What is RMA?
A return merchandise authorization (RMA), return authorization (RA) or return goods authorization (RGA) is a part of the process of returning a product in order to receive a refund, replacement, or repair during the product's warranty period. As the product purchaser, you must contact the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer to obtain authorization to return the product. The resulting RMA or RGA number must be displayed on or included in the returned product's packaging.
What is RMA for Microchip?
The supplier you bought the tool/device from processes RMAs. The RMA number is provided by the distributor. Requesting an RMA means you would like a refund.
Another service used only for replacements and repairs of tools/devices is called the Service Authorization Request (SAR).