Obsolete Electronic Parts Finder

Challenges Posed by Obsolete Components

Before discussing the advantages of an obsolete electronic parts finder, it is informative to understand the challenges these components present to your PCB development and production processes. The most significant of these is the lack of a suitable equivalent component in production, which may require redesign to accommodate an alternative. Additional issues include difficulty locating component information and manufacturer support.

Lack of Equivalent Components

Generally, locating and purchasing an equivalent component will be more straightforward than replacing an obsolete one. Similar components can run the gamut from an exact 1:1 replacement that only varies by a manufacturer’s part number (MPN) to a variant with a similar enough footprint and electrical parameters that it can function as a reasonable stand-in. 

Physically replacing a component without a new layout may prove difficult. However, if the packages vary significantly due to differences in pin dimensions, pitches, etc., redesign may be on the table. Depending on the extent of component replacement needed (by the number of BOM entries and total part quantity), redesign with an alternative component, especially for common passives like capacitors, may provide a quicker path to managing obsolete components.

Lack of Information and Support

Unfortunately, the rate of obsolescence is increasing as a trend. The semiconductor shortage and ensuing backlog formed by the global supply chain disruption starting in 2020 have caused manufacturers to reevaluate product lines for profitability. Leading component manufacturers are more willing to accelerate the transition to new products and leave less popular (or profitable) components to move into obsolescence.

Obsolescence affects more than just physical availability. Manufacturer support may also be challenging to track down or nonexistent altogether. A lack of 3D models and simulation support can leave product developers fumbling in the dark with physical prototypes, resulting in increased board or enclosure revisions as they try to capture the electromechanical features accurately.

How An Obsolete Electronic Parts Finder Assists Design Workflow

Obsolete components may arrive from an aftermarket seller without access to the original manufacturer’s documentation. Older or less popular devices may suffer from poor OEM documentation that can be difficult to find, even across online databases. One solution may be to use software wizard tools that create land patterns for standard packages using IPC rules, but this may not be an option if the component doesn’t fit neatly into one of the package types.

Instead, a custom part creation (or re-creation, in this case) might be the best way forward. Instead of design teams having to locate documentation and then vet these products, a third party handles the process. This model has a few benefits:

• Multi-tool support – Librarians or layout designers usually create land patterns for a single ECAD software tool, which can cause downstream issues for a land pattern required across different tools. For service bureaus, having as many versions of an obsolete part as possible allows a more rapid response to customer requests without relying on tool translations that, at best, are likely to require some cleanup.

• Parallel design – Design teams can reduce the legwork in the design run-up and proceed to layout faster by working simultaneously with a custom part creation service. Rather than allocating valuable engineering hours to handle the obsolescent component(s) internally, partnering with a part-creation service at the outset ensures a seamless layout process that incorporates the completed land patterns without lengthening the design timeline.

• Verifiability – All land patterns must submit to a review that establishes the correctness of the package dimensions, pinout, orientation, and other critical aspects of the land pattern design for solderability, functionality, and performance of their physical part. Design teams will want a custom part creation service that provides excellent validation practices for total peace of mind during PCB layout.

An ECAD model catalog with an expansive land pattern count may have these hard-to-find components complete and ready for a schematic association, with no waiting required. Even better, SPICE models of these obsolete components will allow pre-prototype simulation, significantly reducing downstream development surprises and the accompanying costs and delays. Enclosure design will also benefit from improved thermomechanical modeling with accurately dimensioned 3D component bodies.

How to Best Implement an Obsolete Electronic Part Finder

An obsolete electronic parts finder is crucial for sourcing documentation and models where original manufacturer support is limited or absent. While the quickest procurement path involves finding an adequate replacement for the component, this requires some upfront research that may be beyond the scope of the work. Instead, a comprehensive part model library featuring new, current, legacy, and obsolete land patterns for popular ECAD applications can simplify the design process. Working with Ultra Librarian allows you to efficiently build accurate CAD models that can be readily accessed for components even after transitioning into obsolescence. Component library management has never been faster or easier.

If you’re looking for CAD models for common components or important information on how to best use an obsolete parts finder, Ultra Librarian helps by compiling all your sourcing and CAD information in one place. 

Working with Ultra Librarian sets up your team for success to ensure streamlined and error-free design, production, and sourcing. Register today for free.