Feature


Navigating technological shifts for long lifecycle applications with Rochester Electronics


Consider Ethernet for automotive


The impact of new technologies 2024 was a record year for the semiconductor industry, with most growth driven by AI applications. As this need rose, so did the demand for high-performance processors, mainly centred on GPUs, high-bandwidth memory, and datacentre-focused networking and storage devices. While there is always a push to adopt new technologies, many long-life applications do not require it. Before adoption, it is critical to understand an application’s design- and life-cycle requirements, as well as the stability of new technologies, and to establish partnerships to seamlessly navigate technological transitions. A closer look shows a large majority of


the industrial market seeing little growth or, in some instances, even a decline. Inventory adjustments from the previous overstock have been resolved, but more traditional and long- lifecycle markets still face uncertainty. Traditional electronics sectors like


industrial, medical and avionics face challenging decisions, as many technological advancements are in a state of transition. Adoption risk depends on variables like market segment and the fi nal application. Customers need to understand the stability of new technologies, the time requirements of the new design cycle, and the life expectancy of existing products. As new device technologies mature, customers must be aware of the potential displacement of existing technology.


Adoption of new device technologies occurs in phases: 1. Leading-edge applications with dynamic lifecycles are the fi rst to take advantage of new technologies and adjust as they mature.


2. Traditional customers adopt when suppliers bring new devices into their mainstream product lines.


3. Customers with long design cycles and extended product lifecycles are oſt en the last to adopt new technologies, as re- designs and re-qualifi cations can be costly and time consuming. T is third type of customer faces the


greatest lifecycle management challenge due to high-reliability requirements and the need for agency certifi cations that mandate proven device stability. Costs associated with revisions and changes during the mid-to-late stages of the design cycle can be substantial, signifi cantly delaying time to market. T ese customers must also ensure the ongoing viability of their existing products. From a lifecycle management perspective,


concerns arise when new device technologies displace established ones. As newer products drive higher volumes, suppliers will shiſt resources. Over time, maintaining older, lower-volume devices will aff ect production and fi nances. T e timeframe for these changes can vary from several years to over a decade.


and industrial applications, for example. T e development of Single Pair Ethernet aided its adoption, and it currently coexists with serial technologies such as CANbus and the various RS232/422/485 interfaces. However, as automotive applications become more data-intensive and Industry 4.0 is more widely adopted, legacy serial technologies are being phased out. As volumes decrease, suppliers refocus their product lines, leading to challenging decisions about ongoing production. Changes and obsolescence occur over


time, and customers must monitor these changes with partnerships to mitigate the impact. Rochester Electronics continually works with customers and suppliers to monitor ongoing trends, maintain inventory of obsolete products and extend the lifecycle of products that would otherwise be unavailable. Rochester is the world’s leading


authorised aſt er-market semiconductor supplier. Trusted by major manufacturers, Rochester can provide ongoing component availability aſt er the normal end-of-life (EOL) and off er unique insight into industry-wide technology trends in wafer fabrication and IC-packaging supply chains. T rough comprehensive market


analysis, Rochester off ers customers a unique perspective on component risk assessment. Our expert team provides independent advice, adding an extra layer of protection to help businesses mitigate risks and avoid costly production or support terminations due to obsolescence. By leveraging our market-wide view, we empower customers to make informed decisions and ensure seamless operations. www.rocelec.com


www.electronicsworld.co.uk June 2026 31


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44