Obsolete Semiconductor Manufacturer
Since 1986 Force Technologies has supported customers with testing, re-manufacturing and storing obsolete components
What is an obsolete semiconductor supplier?
An obsolete semiconductor supplier helps customers obtain semiconductor devices that are no longer in current production. This may involve supplying remaining legacy stock, locating discontinued parts or identifying suitable alternatives.
However, for long-lifecycle and critical applications, such as in aerospace, defence and rail, stock may not be available, and if devices do exist, their provenance may need to be verified.
When a component becomes obsolete, an obsolete semiconductor broker or distributor may be able to help locate remaining stock. Where stock is unavailable, unsuitable or cannot be verified, a semiconductor continuity specialist may be needed to assess other options, such as compatible replacements, remanufacture, repackaging, upscreening or redesign.
What is the difference between an obsolete semiconductor supplier and manufacturer?
A supplier finds existing stock of a discontinued part; a manufacturer makes the part again. Re-manufacture is possible when the original silicon die still exists, either held in storage or recovered through die extraction, and can be assembled into the package your board expects. Where no die exists at all, the remaining route is a form, fit and function replacement: a newly designed device that drops into the same footprint and behaves identically in circuit.
| Route | What actually happens | When it is the right answer |
|---|---|---|
| Independent sourcing | A broker locates discontinued stock worldwide. It may need AS6171-aligned anti-counterfeit testing to verify the component | Stock still exists in the market and the programme needs it quickly |
| Last-time buy and long-term storage | You buy lifetime stock while the part is still made; we hold it in controlled nitrogen storage under the Titan programme | The end-of-life notice has landed but production has not yet stopped |
| Re-manufacture from die | Original die from banking or die extraction is assembled and tested to the original specification | Stock is exhausted but the silicon still exists |
| Form, fit and function replacement | We design a drop-in replacement device matching the original electrically, physically and functionally | No original stock survives anywhere but original die or equivalent exists |
| Redesign | As a last resort, the component may need to be redesigned | All other options have been investigated |
Why do critical industries need a specialist obsolete semiconductor supplier?
Because the maths of system life against production life does not work. Defence platforms, aircraft, rail signalling and industrial control systems are designed for 20 to 30 years of service, while a commercial semiconductor is typically produced for far less. The US Department of Defense formalised this problem decades ago as DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages), and its SD-22 guidebook recommends exactly the mitigations we deliver: lifetime buys held in controlled storage, alternate sourcing with authentication, and re-engineering.
The pressure is increasing rather than easing. Portfolio rationalisation by major chip makers is shortening last-time-buy windows, and industry counterfeit reporting has been rising as demand for discontinued stock outstrips legitimate supply. Consequently, anti-counterfeit testing becomes a crucial part of the picture.
Commercial or industrial rated devices may be suitable for upscreening against MIL-STD-883 based methods for harsh environments. Die and assembled devices can be held in Titan long-term storage in a controlled nitrogen atmosphere until your programme needs it.
Hear how we do it: Force Tech Talks
Our engineers and our CEO discuss obsolete semiconductor supply openly on our podcast. These episodes cover the exact work described on this page.
Why choose Force Technologies?
We have been solving semiconductor obsolescence from our UK facility since 1986, certified to AS9100 Rev D and audited annually.
| What buyers ask for | What Force provides |
|---|---|
| Proof parts are genuine | Anti-counterfeit testing in our UK Sovereign Test Lab, in line with AS6171 |
| Harsh-environment assurance | MIL-STD-883 based testing and customer-specific test specifications |
| Long programme cover | Titan long-term storage in a controlled nitrogen atmosphere with continuous monitoring |
| Parts nobody stocks | Re-manufacture from banked or extracted die, assembled and tested to the original specification |
| Parts nobody can rebuild | Custom form, fit and function replacement design |
| Accountability | AS9100 Rev D certified, audited annually, UK based since 1986 |
Frequently asked questions
Can obsolete semiconductor devices still be supported?
Devices can be re-manufactured by assembling banked or extracted die into the original package and testing to the original specification. Where no die survives, a form, fit and function replacement is designed instead.
How do I know an obsolete chip is not counterfeit?
Only through physical and electrical testing. Inspection aligned with the AS6171 standards, including X-ray, decapsulation and electrical test against the original datasheet, is the accepted method in aerospace and defence.
How long can obsolete semiconductors be stored?
Components held in controlled long-term storage, at stable temperature in an inert nitrogen atmosphere with continuous monitoring, can remain usable for decades. In uncontrolled conditions, degradation through oxidation and moisture absorption can begin within months.
Does Force Technologies supply outside the UK?
Yes. Force Technologies supplies aerospace, defence and industrial customers worldwide from its UK facility, with UK sovereign testing that supports sovereignty requirements on defence programmes.
Looking for a part nobody makes any more?
Send us the part number, the quantity and the application. If stock exists, we will find it and prove it is genuine. If it does not, we will tell you honestly and show you the re-manufacturing or replacement route instead.