Determining Optimum Redesign Plans for Avionics Based on Electronic Part Obsolescence Forecasts

Abstract

Many electronic parts have life cycles that are shorter than the life cycle of the product they are in. Life cycle mismatches caused by the obsolescence of electronic parts can result in significantly sustainment costs for long life systems. In particular, avionics often encounters part obsolescence problems before being fielded and nearly always experience part obsolescence problems during their field life. This paper presents a methodology for determining the optimum design refresh (redesign) schedule for long field life electronic systems based on forecasted electronic part obsolescence and a mix of obsolescence mitigation approaches ranging from lifetime buys to part substitution.

A cost estimating framework for electronic, electrical and electromechanical (EEE) components obsolescence within the use-oriented product–service systems contracts

“…Singh, Sandborn and Feldman, from the University of Maryland, designed a software tool that enables the prediction of the optimum design refresh plan (MOCA tool) [34,35]. This tool simultaneously optimises multiple redesigns and multiple obsolescence mitigation approaches, based on forecasted electronic part obsolescence [32,36].…”

Minimizing the Risks of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages: Evaluating Electronic Avionics Lifecycle Sustainment Strategies

“…Diminishing Material Supplies and Material Shortages is the loss or impending loss of manufacturing suppliers of a product, and/or its components or parts, to include shortages of raw materials to produce items required to support a DoD weapon system (Overstreet, 2002;Meyer et al, 2004;Singh et al, 2002;Pecht and Das, 2000;Sandborn, 2007;Solomon et al, 2000;Feldman and Sandborn, 2007). While the majority of DMSMS cases involve electronic parts, primarily integrated micro circuits, and conductors, DMSMS can and does impact all Federal Stock Classes (FSC) of equipment.…”

“…New for-hire companies, like QinetiQ, have also emerged specializing in DMS support, offering short-term and long-term assistance (Electronics Weekly, 2002). Hardto-find parts brokers and after-market semiconductor manufacturers, like Lansdale Semiconductor, Rochester Electronics, and Austin Semiconductor, provide critical services when DMSMS issues arise (Wilson, R., 2002;Johnson, 1999;Singh et al, 2002;Solomon et al, Frank and Morgan, 2007;Manor, 2006;Neal, 2004).…”

Complex Low Volume Electronics Simulation Tool to Improve Yield and Reliability

“…the electronic components' industry since the mid-1990s has accelerated component obsolescence and decreased sources of manufacturing of electronic components [1] and, (ii) environmental regulations restricting the use of certain materials in electronics products [2]. Companies are also making use of commercial-off-theshelf (COTS) components [3] which have short design and production lives that make it difficult to support existing designs, hence forcing expensive re-designs or purchasing stocks of components as they reach end of production life [4]. These challenges impose a tougher competitive situation that has led to increasing attention being paid to customer satisfaction, of which timely and customised services are the key concepts.…”