Electronic Component Obsolescence Trends for Defense Applications

Electronic Component Obsolescence Trends for Defense Applications

The rapid evolution of technology presents significant challenges in maintaining and updating military electronic systems. Designing for obsolescence in this context involves proactive strategies to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of component discontinuation, ensuring the longevity and reliability of defense equipment. This article explores the latest advancements and trends in managing electronic component obsolescence within military applications.

 

Market Growth and Proactive Management

The defense electronics obsolescence management market has experienced notable growth, with projections indicating an increase from USD 2.96 billion in 2023 to approximately USD 4.97 billion by 2030, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.67%.  This expansion underscores the critical need for sustainable practices and proactive obsolescence management in military systems.

 

Emulation Programs

To address the challenges of obsolete components, the Department of Defense has implemented initiatives like the Generalized Emulation of Microcircuits (GEM) program. Managed by SRI International since 1988, GEM focuses on the full-scale production of obsolete electronics that match the form, fit, function, and interface of original devices. This approach ensures a continuous supply of critical components, thereby reducing system downtimes and extending the operational life of military platforms.

 

Visualization Tools for Risk Assessment

Advancements in risk assessment tools have enhanced the ability to manage obsolescence. A notable development is a visualization tool designed to evaluate the risk of obsolescence in system components. Developed using the R statistical software program, this tool focuses on factors such as component design life, procurement lead time, cost growth, and the number of manufacturers producing the component. By integrating these factors, the tool provides a comprehensive measure of obsolescence risk exposure, enabling more informed decision-making in the sustainment of military systems.

 

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite these advancements, the defense sector continues to face challenges related to supply chain visibility and the rapid pace of technological change. Component obsolescence and end-of-life issues remain significant obstacles, necessitating ongoing efforts in obsolescence analysis, forecasting, and the development of adaptable system architectures. Looking forward, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into obsolescence management processes holds promise for predictive analytics, enabling more proactive and efficient mitigation strategies.

 

Managing electronic component obsolescence in military applications requires a multifaceted approach that combines proactive management, innovative emulation programs, advanced risk assessment tools, and continuous adaptation to emerging challenges. These strategies are essential to maintain the readiness and effectiveness of defense systems in an era of rapid technological advancement.

 

Other Obsolescence Mitigation Strategies

 

In industries that are particularly susceptible to obsolescence, like defense, where the life of a system greatly exceeds the active life of an electronic component, there are several options when an electronic component is no longer available from the original manufacturer.   These options include:

 

• End-of-Life Component Distributors. There are several distributors, like FLIP Electronics, that specialize in the management of end-of-life components.   These are typically franchised distributors that buy the remaining stock of a component once the manufacturer has announced the product is no longer being produced. 
• Open Market Sourcing. Hard to find parts can often be found on the open market.  These parts usually come from excess inventory stocks and do not have traceability to the original manufacturer.  
• Third Party Licensed manufacturing. These are products that the original manufacturer has licensed to be produced by a third party.  The level of control the original manufacturer maintains to ensure the accuracy of the design, processes, and quality level of the third party manufactured products can vary significantly. 
• Form, fit, function replacements. These are components that have been redesigned via functional emulation or other means to replicate the functionality and performance of a part.   They are not the original part but are intended to be an accurate replacement of the original part.   

These options require a careful approach to management, sourcing, and validation of the components being purchased.   When sourcing from the open market, third party licensed manufacturers, or replacement parts, testing is critical to validate the authenticity, quality level, functionality and performance of the components.   This also applies to countries with poor regulatory control of their manufacturing base.  

 

Global companies like SMT Corp, with offices and test labs in the U.S. and U.K. can provide a wide range of options to customers for components that are obsolete, diminished supply, hard-to-find and / or non-viable due to pricing or lead times