AS IEC 62402:2014 pdf free download – Obsolescence managementn – Application guide
7.3.5 Design revision
Design revision (e.g. component revision, item upgrade) includes the following:
a) Equivalent Search for a component which is functionally, parametrically and technically interchangeable with the obsolete component (“form, fit and function”).
b) Alternative (parametric change) Search databases can identify components that provide a limited parametric match, but which, after consultation with the person or organization responsible for the design, may be acceptable.
c) Component emulation In addition to after-market suppliers who purchase production rights (and IPR) to obsolete components, specialist contractors also exist who will design and manufacture new components, under contract, to replace obsolete components. The redesign can be carried out using the original specification or from characteristics gained from an in-depth examination of a working example of the component to be replaced. This process involves significant cost and time and can involve complex IPR issues.
d) Partial product redesign When it is impractical or impossible to re-procure a component which has become obsolete it may be appropriate to invest in a redesign to procure a new design entity which gives a direct form, fit and function replacement at one or more levels higher in the product-design hierarchy.
e) Product replacement When both re-procurement and redesign prove uneconomic, replacing whole products may be considered.
Any design revisions should include an assessment of the need for re-qualification.
7.4.2.1 General
This is a design methodology that depends on the specification of interfaces. The intended consequence is that any technology can be used in manufacture and support provided that the form, fit and function of the individual component or module is maintained. The concept may be extended by the use of open system architectures and standards. Technology transparency relies for effectiveness on the assumption that each individual component or module can be substituted provided that its interfaces are completely specified. This should be independent of the technology used within the component or module. Care should be taken because it is usually only when a substitution fails that the adequacy or otherwise of the interface definition is demonstrated. Bench marking is a method of demonstrating technology transparency in advance of a technology going obsolete. NOTE Be aware that COTS products could vary without notice from OCMs.
7.4.3 Obsolescence monitoring
Obsolescence monitoring involves tracking the processes, materials and components used in the product design. It then involves taking action to provide alternatives when any of them approaches or reaches obsolescence, especially if that would prejudice support of the product. The appropriate action will often be some redesign and can involve planned system upgrades or lifetime buys as described in 7.4.4 or 7.4.5 for all, or component parts, of the product concerned. For an example of monitoring, see Annex B. There are commercial organizations that collect information from manufacturers enabling the life cycle of certain electronic components to be predicted. Internet based information systems exist which enable organizations to avoid the use of components that are obsolescent. These information systems can provide data to assist in spares scheduling and the planning of updates. They can provide an analysis for legacy product to indicate the location and severity of likely obsolescence problems. If no information systems are available, monitoring can be achieved by identifying critical components and consumables for independent investigation.