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Obsolete and hard-to-find parts
EOL, NRND, allocated and long-lead parts. We search distribution and independent stock, state the risk of each source and agree inspection before you commit.
- Every source named and rated before you order
- Inspection and laboratory tests quoted up front
- Alternatives listed when no acceptable source exists
Four situations we handle
The manufacturer has stopped production. We search remaining distributor and independent stock, quote last-time-buy quantities and state the date codes available, so you can cover production until a redesign.
Still made, but not recommended for new designs. Supply usually continues for a while; we confirm current availability and flag the line so a redesign can be planned without a rush.
The manufacturer limits supply to existing contracts. We look for independent stock and partial reels and state each source’s channel and risk.
Factory lead time exceeds your build date. We look for stock that ships sooner and quote it next to the factory option, so you can compare price and date.
How a hard-to-find search works
1. Confirm the part
Full MPN, manufacturer, lifecycle status and the acceptable date-code range. Ambiguous suffixes come back as questions.
2. Search the network
Franchised distributors first, then qualified independent stockists across Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
3. Rate each source
Channel, date code, quantity, packaging condition and the documents the source can provide.
4. Agree inspection
Visual inspection as standard; X-ray, decapsulation or electrical tests by an independent laboratory when the risk calls for it.
5. Quote with the risk stated
Price, quantity, date code and source status on each line, with the recommended inspection as a separate line.
6. Plan the exit
If supply will not last, we list candidate alternatives for your engineers to evaluate.
Source risk, stated per line
Franchised distributor stock
Low
Visual check of labels and packaging
Independent stock, original sealed packaging
Medio
Visual inspection; X-ray on a sample when date codes are old
Independent stock, opened or partial packaging
Higher
Visual inspection plus X-ray or decapsulation on a sample
Small lots from several sources
Higher
Inspection per lot; lots are not mixed on one reel
Risk ratings are a guide for the inspection decision, not a guarantee. Laboratory reports are issued by the laboratory under its own name.
When to stop searching
Stock of an EOL part shrinks and ages. If the remaining quantity, date codes or price no longer fit your production, a qualified alternative is cheaper than another search.
- Candidates listed with the parameters that differ
- Pin-compatible and functional options shown separately
- Your engineers approve every change in writing
Obsolete parts questions
Can you guarantee that an EOL part is genuine?
No independent source can guarantee that. We state the channel, record what we receive and recommend the inspection that matches the risk; laboratory tests are quoted before you order.
How old can the date code be?
You set the limit. Older stock can be fine if storage and packaging were right; for MSL parts we check the moisture-barrier packaging and may recommend baking.
Do you buy a last-time-buy quantity for us?
We quote the quantity you plan to cover. Payment terms for large last-time buys are agreed in writing.
What if nothing is found?
The line is marked not available, with whether a later date or a different quantity could change that, and candidate alternatives where they exist.
Related: Component sourcing · Quality & traceability · Supply network