When a part goes EOL, the problem has only started
The factory issues a PCN and stops production — but your product still has to ship for years.
- Manufacturer and distributors both say noOnce the EOL notice goes out, authorized stock clears fast and the quote systems simply return nothing.
- Redesign costs more than sourcingNew PCB layout, new certification, new firmware work — often far more expensive than finding the old parts.
- Unverifiable “stock” on the open marketSome inventory surfaces, but refurbished, re-marked and pulled parts are mixed in — unusable without testing.
- Over-buying traps your cashBuying three years of supply for safety turns into dead stock the moment the product iterates.
- Nobody commits to long-term supplyYou found it this time. What about the next batch? A production line cannot rely on luck.
Three paths, running at the same time
You never get only one option. Obsolete sourcing works best in parallel — whichever path clears first, wins.
- Path 1 · Global stock searchWe search channel inventory and distributor excess across our global network, prioritising sources with original packaging and traceable batch data.
- Path 2 · Pin-to-pin alternativesWe propose pin-compatible parts with close parameters, a line-by-line electrical comparison and free samples — then you switch once it is validated.
- Path 3 · Long-term supply planIf the original part must stay, we hold stock on your behalf and ship in scheduled lots instead of forcing one large buy.
Five situations that fall within our scope
End of life (EOL)
Parts under a PCN notice or already listed as discontinued.
Last-time-buy passed
The LTB window has closed and original channels no longer ship.
Long-term shortage
Not discontinued, but lead times beyond 26 weeks — effectively unavailable.
Low-demand parts
Parts with volumes too small for channels to justify stocking.
Post-merger discontinuation
Product lines dropped after acquisitions — common in analog and memory.
Obsolete packages
The die is still in production, but the package you need is no longer offered.
Obsolete parts attract counterfeits — so the process is stricter
- Triple incoming checksMarking and logo, lot code and date code, packaging and labels — verified item by item.
- Batch records retainedEvery batch records its source channel and lot number, with traceability information shipped alongside.
- Optional third-party testingFor high-value or high-risk batches we can arrange X-ray or decapsulation before shipment.
- Lot consistency reviewFor multi-lot deliveries we provide a comparison note and keep retained samples for reference.
Frequently asked questions
Can you find parts that have been obsolete for years?
We can try. The rarer the part, the more it depends on channel networks. We normally come back within 1–2 weeks with a clear answer: found, found at a higher price, or a recommended substitution. You are never left waiting indefinitely.
How do I know the stock isn’t refurbished?
We only buy through traceable channels and run triple incoming checks. For high-risk batches we can arrange third-party testing such as X-ray or decapsulation, with reports shipped alongside the goods.
Will a substitute affect my product certification?
It depends on the certification type. We outline the key parameter differences alongside any substitution proposal so you can judge whether retesting or additional certification is required.
How do you arrange long-term supply?
We can hold stock against your annual usage and ship quarterly or monthly to avoid a single large buy. Pricing and delivery cadence for the reserved volume are fixed in the agreement.
Do you charge for sourcing?
Sourcing and quoting are free. Payment only applies once you place an order, and samples for substitution validation are covered by us.
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Send us the obsolete part — we'll run three paths at once
Part number, annual volume and target date are enough. The earlier you engage, the more options stay open.