Power
Enhancing design flexibility in power semiconductors
GD Rectifiers’ managing director, Paul Bentley, offers advice on how to analyse component design flexibility and how to combat supply shortages
T
he semiconductor industry is continuing to face unprecedented demand, particularly due to the automotive industry and
worldwide focus on the roll out of electric vehicles. The automotive industry has been brought to its knees by semiconductor scarcity with automakers being forced to cancel production runs of ten million cars so far, however industry forecasts suggest that a further eight million cars could be cancelled this year as the demand for semiconductors outstrips supply by 10 per cent.
The long lead times demonstrate just how much we rely on semiconductors in everyday products today and how much product design are centered around selected chips. Component shortages continue to impact both large and small companies, with the biggest impact on smaller companies who do not have the resources to buy inventory well in advance of demand, and purchasers that have limited design flexibility with the components they use.
A combination of shortening product lifecycles and supply chain shortages highlight to the industry that long-term product availability and flexible purchasing solutions is key, particularly in the rail and submarine markets where product approvals are strict and time-consuming. Purchasers need to focus on long term product availability, strong supply chain strategies and realistic component forecasting.
How do you determine design flexibility?
In order to fully establish a component and manufacturer’s design flexibility purchasers should consider eight important questions during the design phase.
34 November 2022
1. What are the OCM commitments to long-term availability?
2. What is the expected performance outcome of the part in question and are there more inferior parts within this range that can be used as an alternative?
3. Can a bespoke part be designed in and manufactured for this project?
4. Can the manufacturer demonstrate a controlled EOL process and offer suitable alternatives within their portfolio?
5. How long is the EOL transition process, does this allow for LTBs?
6. Will the OCM or distributor still provide technical application support once the component is obsolete?
Components in Electronics
7. Are there any similar alternatives available on the market from other manufacturers that could be designed in?
8. Is the purchaser working directly with a distributor or OCM to proactively monitor component lifecycles?
How can purchasers increase design flexibility?
When long term product availability is vital, companies need to ensure a reliable source of components – even after the component is made obsolete.
n Monitor PDNs
It is crucial that purchasers keep up to date with Product Discontinuation Notices (PDNs) which can either be received directly from the OCM if customers have a direct account or shared via a distributor.
Purchasers should speak to their distributor about proactive monitoring and ask to be sent future PDNs from relevant OCMs
n Make the most of LTBs Last time buys are inevitable, especially if a purchaser is unaware of the product lifecycle, but a supplier with an established EOL process can offer the opportunity of ongoing authorised stock and production if demand increases or redesigns are delayed. Last time buys help provide continual supply and can often buy designers time to design in a new component
n Purchase from authorised sources
Obsolete parts are often still in circulation and can be purchased for up to 10-20 years after the product's EOL, depending on demand. This is likely because customers
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