6 Managing Component Obsolescence in 2025: A Proactive Strategy for U.S. Electronics Supply Chains
Recent data from Z2Data’s Obsolescence Trends in 2024 report shows a dramatic scale of obsolescence: nearly 750,000 electronic parts went obsolete in 2022, and although the rate decreased, 470,000+ parts still reached End‑of‑Life in 2023, underscoring the sheer magnitude of the issue. [1]
Sourceability’s 2024 lifecycle data shows continued high EOL activity, especially in memory and advanced semiconductor categories - echoing 2023's volume of over 328,000 EOL notices. At the same time, average lifespans for advanced chips have fallen to just 2–5 years, compared to the 10–30‑year range of legacy parts. [2]. Factors driving this include rapid tech evolution, corporate restructuring, and global economic shifts like trade tensions.
Why Obsolescence Is Accelerating
1. Faster tech cycles – Advanced semiconductors are now active for only 2–5 years, a 60% reduction compared to legacy parts [2].
2. Market and corporate shifts – Companies often discontinue legacy product lines post-merger, triggering abrupt obsolescence, sometimes with little or no notice.
3. Geopolitical & supply shocks – Trade wars, tariffs, and pandemic-era supply fragility have accelerated the decline of non-core component lines.
4. Regulatory levers – Sectors like aerospace and medical must manage obsolescence through frameworks like DMSMS to maintain compliance and life-cycle integrity.
Consequences of Poor Obsolescence Management
- Escalating costs due to last-time buys, redesigns, or counterfeit risks.
- Production disruptions and delays.
- Regulatory risks and compliance issues.
Proactive Strategies That Work
1. Lifecycle Monitoring & Forecasting –
Leverage AI and market analytics to predict which parts are nearing obsolescence. Partnering with a service provider like PCB Power reduces electronic component obsolescence risk - our team actively monitors component lifecycles and suggests alternatives without compromising on performance or lead time.
2. Design-for-Obsolescence (DfO) –
Design with flexibility: use generic footprints, multiple qualified components, and avoid vendor lock-in. PCB Power helps customers build DfO into their PCB and enclosure projects early in the design cycle.
3. Integrated Digital Workflows –
Use ECAD tools like Altium 365, integrated with live part-status data, to catch obsolescence risks before they reach production. Our internal systems sync with these tools, enabling a smoother design-to-procurement transition.
4. Governance & Regulatory Alignment –
For sectors like aerospace, medical, and defense, a structured DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages) approach is critical. PCB Power aligns with your compliance frameworks to ensure no surprises during product validation or audits.
Bottom Line
Component obsolescence is a systemic risk. Proactive, data-driven management embedded in your design and sourcing process is essential to avoiding delays, redesigns, and compliance issues.
Why Partner with PCB Power?
At PCB Power, we don’t just fabricate and assemble PCBs - we help you future-proof your designs.
- Our team tracks real-time lifecycle data and flags EOL risks early.
- We suggest drop-in alternatives that maintain compatibility, without lead time penalties.
- Our sourcing intelligence ensures you stay ahead of obsolescence and avoid costly disruptions.
Think beyond PCB fabrication - think lifecycle-ready electronics with PCB Power.
Talk to our team today.
Sources
[1] Z2Data, Obsolescence Trends in 2024
[2] Sourceability / Sourcengine, Component Obsolescence is Rising (Feb 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is component obsolescence in electronics?
Component obsolescence happens when electronic parts are no longer made or supported, making it hard to repair or build products using those parts.
2. Why is obsolescence a big issue in 2025?
In 2025, global supply chain issues, fast tech changes, and new regulations are making parts go obsolete faster than ever before.
3. How can I manage electronic parts going end-of-life?
You can plan ahead using tools that track part lifecycles, buy enough stock early, find replacements, or redesign products if needed.
4. What are the 6 strategies to reduce obsolescence risk?
They include early forecasting, using approved parts lists, last-time buys, multi-sourcing, redesign planning, and tracking with software tools.
5. How do I find out if a part is going obsolete?
Use part lifecycle management tools or platforms that track manufacturer alerts, regulatory updates, and EOL (end-of-life) notices.
