News: Rochester Electronics
Understanding the power of traceability in the semiconductor industry
The future of semiconductor reliability and supply chain resilience
This article, by Rochester Electronics, explores the critical role of traceability in the semiconductor industry. It examines how evolving standards, combined with the assurance of authorised sources, are helping to strengthen supply chain resilience, safeguard authenticity, and ensure long-term component reliability.
T
he semiconductor industry drives advancements in critical sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive, and industrial automation. However, despite
the transformative impact of semiconductors, the industry’s logistics face significant challenges, particularly in maintaining the continuity and reliability of supply chains. Traditional methods, notably “two-year date code” restrictions, struggle to meet modern traceability and quality assurance demands. When semiconductor date codes were introduced in the 1960s, the goal was to ensure the traceability of parts based on manufacturing or seal dates, processes, and bills of materials, along with a 2-to-3-year “sell-by” date. Historically, components were believed to become unusable after their assigned date codes. However, date codes are no longer reliable indicators of component quality and may hinder the use of perfectly viable components.
6 October 2025
Over the past five years, global supply chain pressures, “just-in-time” manufacturing, and supply issues during the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the limitations of existing practices. This period triggered a crucial re-evaluation of traceability standards, as industries relied on legacy semiconductor components, challenging the strict enforcement of date codes while still maintaining component quality.
The evolution of traceability standards reflects the semiconductor industry’s ongoing efforts to balance quality, reliability, and efficiency. Early practices such as “two-year date codes” were bound by the limitations of their time, but advancements in materials, processes, and standards have rendered such constraints obsolete. Today, robust traceability systems, supported by frameworks such as AS6496 and JEP160, provide a more effective approach to ensuring component reliability.
Components in Electronics
Rochester Electronics – traceability through authorised sources Traceability is not only important but essential for semiconductor reliability and supply chain resilience. The most effective way to achieve it is by sourcing exclusively through authorised channels.
Rochester Electronics is said to provide the world’s largest continuous inventory of semiconductors, over 15 billion devices from more than 70 leading manufacturers, all 100 per cent authorised, traceable, and guaranteed. Every part is sourced directly from the original manufacturer or produced by Rochester through continuing manufacturing rights, ensuring complete confidence in authenticity and quality.
Beyond supply, Rochester’s investments in advanced warehousing, controlled environments, and comprehensive component testing ensure that traceability is maintained from origin to delivery. Each device is supported by full manufacturer
documentation, certificates of conformance, and compliance with industry standards. This authorised and verified approach to traceability allows customers to reduce risks, avoid counterfeits, and secure reliable products for mission-critical applications. By partnering with Rochester, customers can achieve true supply chain resilience. With guaranteed authenticity, complete traceability, and long-term availability, Rochester delivers the assurance industries need to support their most demanding applications now and into the future.
For more information, visit:
www.rocelec.com
www.cieonline.co.uk
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