Alternative Solutions
Electronic equipment suppliers and manufacturers in the electrical and electronics industries face 5 key challenges:
-The shortage of electronic components.
-Obsolescence of essential parts.
-Extended lead times for delivery.
-Discontinuation of production for specific components.
-Bans or restrictions in certain countries, coupled with high procurement costs.
Why Are Electronic Alternatives Needed?
Manufacturers usually issue End-of-Life (EOL) notices for the following reasons:
1. Technological progress and product updates
With the rapid development of technology, the emergence of new technologies or new products may make existing products obsolete or no longer competitive.
2. Decline in market demand
When market demand for a product decreases significantly and sales are insufficient to support continued production, the manufacturer may choose to cease production.
3. Rising production costs
Over time, the cost of maintaining older production lines can rise.
4. Supply chain issues
Certain key raw materials or components may no longer be available, causing manufacturers to be unable to continue producing certain semiconductor products.
5. Product life cycle strategy
Manufacturers often have pre-established product lifecycle management plans. When a product is nearing the end of its life cycle, the manufacturer may proactively issue an EOL notice to encourage customers to migrate to newer solutions.
6. Regulatory or environmental requirements
Some products may be eliminated because they do not comply with new environmental or safety regulations. For example, products containing hazardous materials such as lead may be phased out.
For example, if I'm continuously producing a best-selling product, but one of the components has reached the end of its lifespan and the manufacturer issues an EOL notice, and we are unable to procure it, the procurement team may be forced to immediately purchase a long-term supply to prevent production downtime, if no alternatives are available.
Please refer to: TI end-of-life (EOL) and obsolescence policy
How to Find Alternative Electronic Components
1.Consult manufacturer resources
Sometimes, component manufacturers themselves will provide alternative components for their products, or contact engineers via email or posting on the manufacturer's forum, stating the quantity used, application product, designed use, etc.
2.Explore obsolete component services
Find obsolete electronic components suppliers that source discontinued parts, which have an extensive inventory and access to a global supply network.
If you are dealing with obsolete/EOL components, consider specialised obsolete electronic components suppliers, ICHOME can help you and provide you with reliable obsolete components.
3.Use parametric searches
Use Digikey and Mouser's parameter comparison
Use Digikey's alternative packaging
Use Digikey's recommended alternative models
Use parametric search on electronic component distributor websites to filter components based on specific parameters, such as power, operating temperature, package type. This helps you find alternative electronic components with same specifications.
Ensure you evaluate how any deviations might affect your overall design.
Types of Alternative Electronic Components
1. Alternative Manufacturer
Expensive ICs are often hard to find substitutes for, but most electronic components usually have multiple alternatives. Resistors, capacitors, diodes, and even transistors and op amps are available from multiple manufacturers through multiple suppliers.
Example：MCR18EZHF3300 Rohm Semiconductor
Digikey offers 11 replacement models including Bourns, Vishay, TE Connectivity, YAGEO, etc.
2. Equivalent component
A component with identical or closely matching electrical specifications to the unavailable or out-of-stock part. It might be a variant of the original MPN, offered in a different package, or include extra features. It could originate from the same manufacturer, serve as an upgraded version.
