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stored under AS6496 handling conditions, helping medical device manufacturers reduce risk whilst maintaining continuity of supply. In addition to inventory support, Rochester operates as a licensed semiconductor manufacturer. When components are discontinued, Rochester often receives remaining wafer inventory, known-good die (KGD), assembly processes, and original test intellectual property from semiconductor manufacturers. This capability allows Rochester to continue manufacturing
previously discontinued devices to original specifi cations, helping customers avoid redesigns and maintain existing approvals.
Strategies to reduce long-term component risk Medical device manufacturers can strengthen long-term supply resilience by proactively managing semiconductor lifecycles. Key considerations include:
• Designing with maximum cross-reference fl exibility where possible.
• Planning component purchases earlier to account for lifecycle constraints.
• Carrying a strategic inventory of critical semiconductors. • Monitoring component lead times and lifecycle status regularly.
inventory before discontinuation, and storing devices under controlled environmental conditions. While this approach can reduce redesign costs, it
introduces new risks. Long-term inventory storage requires specialised handling, ties up capital, and depends on accurately forecasting future demand. When actual demand differs from expectations, shortages or excess inventory can occur. Unexpected changes in demand, extended lead times, or constrained semiconductor manufacturing capacity can quickly create supply gaps for critical medical products. For highly regulated medical devices, redesigning a
system or approving alternative component sources may not be practical. Requalifi cation timelines, validation costs and software dependencies can make replacing a discontinued semiconductor extremely complex.
Supporting medical device longevity through authorised semiconductor solutions As a 100% authorised semiconductor source, Rochester Electronics supports manufacturers by extending access to active, EOL and discontinued components. Rochester provides secure, authorised inventory that is
• Building dual- or multi-source strategies where appropriate. • Partnering with a 100% authorised semiconductor supplier to maintain supply continuity.
Long-term semiconductor support for medical device manufacturers Rochester Electronics focuses on providing a continuous source of semiconductors that align with the long lifecycle requirements of medical equipment manufacturers. Rochester offers 100% authorised stock of active and EOL devices from more than 70 leading semiconductor manufacturers. As a licensed semiconductor manufacturer, Rochester has manufactured more than 20,000 device types, and maintains access to over 12 billion dies in inventory, supporting the capability to manufacture more than 70,000 device types. This enables Rochester to provide a risk-free source for shortage mitigation, extended-lead-time parts, continued supply of discontinued semiconductors, support for long-service-life medical systems, and manufacturing of compliant replacements, including RoHS equivalents for previously non-RoHS devices.
For more information visit –
www.rocelec.com
www.electronicsworld.co.uk May 2026 07
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