Locating Obsolete Component Replacements

[branbailey9]

I have been re-designing some older products at work to address obsolescence issues. Does anybody know a good resource for locating replacements for obsolete components. The ideal solution would be to find components that would not require any PCB rework, but finding drop in replacements is proving to be difficult. I appreciate any input.

 

[berkeman]

I have been re-designing some older products at work to address obsolescence issues. Does anybody know a good resource for locating replacements for obsolete components. The ideal solution would be to find components that would not require any PCB rework, but finding drop in replacements is proving to be difficult. I appreciate any input.

Yes, this is something that many of us have to deal with.

It depends on the component. What types of components are you needing to replace? ICs, semiconductors, memory chips, etc?

 

[branbailey9]

I am replacing every kind of component but I am having the most trouble with ICs. Since some of these designs are from the 1970s everything is thru hole and almost every potential replacement I find is SMT.

 

[berkeman]

I am replacing every kind of component but I am having the most trouble with ICs. Since some of these designs are from the 1970s everything is thru hole and almost every potential replacement I find is SMT.

One option (although not a great option) would be to make little adapter boardlets from SOIC to DIP, kind of like the Surfboards:

http://www.capitaladvanced.com/9000ser.htm

But with the required DIP pattern instead. You may be able to find them already available, so you don't have to make them yourself. If your volumes are not too high, little adapter boardlets can maybe help with the more difficult ICs.

 

[branbailey9]

Great Suggestion. Thank you very much.

 

[berkeman]

Also, a good website for looking for parts in distribution is Findchips.com

www.findchips.com

I'm not sure how good they would be with obsolete parts, though. Good luck!

 

[Studiot]

It sounds like you are seeking stocks for a service and maintenance department.

Many military and multinational organisations are destocking and interesting job lots of such components (new but obsolete) are frequently offered on Ebay and other auction sites.

There is a supplier in Munich who seems to have an inexhaustable supply of germanium stuff, plus other more recent.

Another such supplier from Liverpool offers all kinds of ex telecom stuff.

 

[turbo]

Have you tried Mouser Electronics? No minimum order, and they have a LOT of stuff.

http://www.mouser.com/?cm_mmc=google-_-ppc-_-brand&gclid=CMaZm9zsj6YCFcnc4AodpA23nA