The semiconductor industry is constantly evolving, and Product Discontinuation Notices (PDNs) are on the rise. A series of shortages and gluts have forced manufacturers to reassess product profitability and make cuts to product lines. This can be a major challenge for businesses that rely on mission-critical obsolete components.
“Whether it is 3rd-party or OCM-owned fabs cutting older geometries, packaging houses choosing to end support of older package styles, such as PLCCs or small-SOICs, or the withdrawal of tester platform support, PDNs are increasing and becoming more unpredictable,” writes EPS News.
One way to mitigate the risks of PDNs is to build a reliable supply chain, says EPS, but this involves tracking the lifecycles of core semiconductors and anticipating EOL dates – a job that is best left to distributors with access to full market data.
Another way is to look for licenced semiconductor manufacturers who are producing components no longer supplied by the original component manufacturer (OCM). A licensed manufacturer can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Access to previously discontinued components that are still manufactured to the original specifications.
- No additional qualifications or software changes required.
- Reduced risk of counterfeit or poor-quality components.
When choosing a licensed manufacturer, it is important to do your research and select a company with a good reputation. You should also make sure that the manufacturer has the capacity to meet your needs.
By taking these steps, you can build a reliable supply chain that will help you to mitigate the risks of PDNs and ensure that you have access to the components you need to keep your products and systems running.
To avoid electronics supply-chain disruptions, you may also wish to consult an expert in electronics component supply. With more than three decades of supply-chain expertise, Astute Electronics is ideally placed to work with you on your daily component requirements.
For more help with looking at supply chain options, contact Astute Electronics
