Cover Story
Column
Unfortunately, we oſten see products released just as key components become obsolete, highlighting the need for proactive planning and design decisions. “Design focus oſten remains on achieving the best performance,
with less emphasis on durability or long-term reliability. While some markets, like aerospace and energy, demand lifecycle support spanning decades, broader industry still prioritises fast upgrades and cutting-edge performance. Tis approach overlooks the stable, long-term reliability crucial for certain applications. “For example, take aerospace. Airbus introduced NEO (New
Engine Option) to extend the life of existing platforms by integrating more efficient engines. Such decisions oſten occur mid-program, requiring redesigns that weren’t foreseen during initial development. We supported Airbus by recreating flight system chips, saving significant requalification costs. Another example is from the Covid-19 pandemic. With semiconductor shortages, we helped a customer remanufacture a ventilator design, fulfilling urgent market demand. Tese scenarios underscore the importance of anticipating lifecycle needs during the design phase.” “It’s never too early for designers to involve us. Engaging
at the design stage ensures that longevity and sustainability considerations are embedded into the product. Identifying critical components and planning for modularity can save significant costs and effort down the line. “Modular designs simplify upgrades and replacements, especially
for critical components like FPGAs, which may have shorter lifespans than the overall system. By structuring designs around replaceable modules, companies can maintain support without redesigning entire systems. Tis approach balances mechanics and functionality, addressing lifecycle mismatches effectively.”
100 per cent authenticity Engaging with an organisation capable of supporting a product’s design process through multiple generations of technologies and engineering staff is of little value unless the OEM has total confidence in the quality of the process and the finished parts. Stephen explained: “Rochester owns and maintains 15 billion
parts in physical stock and 12 billion dies stored for in-house manufacturing. Tis inventory is entirely owned by us, giving us complete control over quality and availability. Every part we supply is sourced directly from original manufacturers under formal agreements, ensuring 100 per cent authenticity. “Rochester’s processes are fully internalised. Our ability to
recreate obsolete components is unparalleled. We use the original manufacturing specifications and test programs, replicating components to their exact original standards. Tis guarantees that the parts meet the same performance and quality expectations as when they were first introduced. Every detail is preserved, but the product is built for modern use. Tis level of precision and authenticity sets us apart from others in the market.” Ken continued: “When manufacturers or users notify us of a
potential long-term demand, we can proactively secure those parts as an authorised partner. We’re willing to invest in finished goods
during last-time buys, leveraging our broader market perspective. Additionally, we aim to capture wafers and intellectual property. Simply having wafers isn’t sufficient; we also require the original test programs to ensure we can guarantee the product is 100 per cent authentic to the original specification. Tis enables us to use the same part numbers as major original manufacturers. “In certain cases, we go further. For example, if no silicon
is available because the technology has been discontinued, we sometimes obtain the masks, detailed design data such as GDSII, SPICE models and other critical elements. If all conditions align, we can create a product identical in hardware and soſtware to the original. “Our process ensures identical performance, to the point that
customers can avoid requalification, even at stringent aerospace standards like DO-178C DAL-A (flight-critical systems). We’ve executed this successfully with major aerospace clients, allowing them to maintain system certification without requalification, which is a testament to our capabilities.”
Two-pronged approach Given that some examples of obsolescence can be accurately predicted and managed, while others are randomly driven by factors beyond OEMs’ control, a two-pronged approach addressing both shortages and traditional obsolescence is essential. Stephen said: “Rochester supports both component shortages
and obsolescence management. Regarding shortages, we provide a lifeline to customers during supply chain disruptions. Over the past two years, the global market faced severe shortages, but Rochester stepped in with five billion active components in stock, ready for immediate shipment. Tese are live production-grade parts still being manufactured and every piece comes directly from the original manufacturers. Tis capability ensured continuity during the crisis and introduced many customers to our services for the first time. “On obsolescence, we manage an unparalleled inventory of 10
billion parts that have gone out of mainstream production. Tis lets us support customers with older systems, providing them with authentic, high-quality parts they can trust. Our commitment to sourcing directly from manufacturers ensures a completely secure pipeline, free from the risks associated with the grey market. Tis dual focus on shortages and obsolescence positions Rochester as a key partner in navigating complex supply chain challenges.” In conclusion, designing for durability demands a proactive,
collaborative approach that begins early in the product development process. By integrating obsolescence management, sustainability considerations and modularity at the design stage, OEMs can extend product lifecycles, reduce waste and enhance long-term reliability. Rochester Electronics exemplifies this approach, offering the expertise, authentic components and lifecycle support that empower engineers to tackle the challenges of durability and sustainability. With the right partnerships and forward-thinking design strategies, manufacturers can achieve a balance between performance, reliability and environmental responsibility, paving the way for more sustainable, resilient products in an evolving marketplace. For more information visit:
www.rocelec.com
This article was originally published in SE Magazine and is republished here with permission
www.electronicsworld.co.uk March 2025 07
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 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
