Technical Library | 2018-03-13 14:12:34.0
Many companies take their supply chain for granted until they need an obsolete part or a hard-to-find component. Then the importance of having resourceful contract manufacturing partners becomes an incredibly valuable asset.
Technical Library | 2016-11-08 16:47:18.0
Over time most PCB designs need to change – a mistake is found, or a part becomes obsolete, etc. Typically once the changes are complete, a new set of manufacturing files (Gerbers, NC Drill files, BOM, Pick and Place, etc) are generated, and the updated design is stored as separate version within a version control system. Using a version control system makes it possible for design teams to go back later and compare differences between design versions. ****** http://www.numericalinnovations.com/blogs/news/gerber-comparisons-between-revisions-of-the-same-board *****
Technical Library | 2008-10-01 13:03:00.0
Many Original Equipment Manufacturers, (OEM’s), struggle to continue shipping aging or obsolete electronic products. Electronic products designed five to ten years ago are still relevant in the marketplace. Often these venerable old products have gained particular acceptance amongst a select group of customers. In many cases these old products fulfill a need in a unique manner. Examples include: designs that are grandfathered into an application due to regulatory considerations; designs having unique form-fit-and-function; designs running special software ; designs subject to contractual support and service requirements; designs in which a new contract stipulates delivery of older gear as part of a larger system offering. Any one or all of these reasons can lead an OEM to continue the production of electronic equipment well into its end of useful component life
Technical Library | 2015-01-26 15:30:00.0
In 2005 Raytheon Technical Services Company, now Raytheon Information, Intelligence and Services (Raytheon IIS), approached Ensil regarding the repair of their manufactured Radar Control Terminal (RCT) units. The RCT TRS P/N 13563090-2, a key component in the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel System, consisted of outdated parts which caused minor to major unit failures. Ensil repaired the RCT's at every turn, correcting any component with the parts still in circulation (mother boards, displays, power supplies) to provide the client with the best available technology. These repairs were completed to military standards and kept the RCT effective, allowing for the Sentinel radar to remain operational. However, the supply of outdated parts was eventually no longer available. Ensil offered the best possible solution, utilizing the skills of their knowledgeable engineering staff, they would reverse engineer a new computer to replace the obsolete RCT while maintaining the same form, fit and function.
Technical Library | 2023-03-27 19:18:38.0
Electronic waste (e-waste) is currently the fastest growing hazardous waste stream that continues to be a challenging concern for the global environment and public health. The average useful life of electronic products has continued to decline, and obsolete products are being stored or discarded with increasing frequency. E-waste is hazardous, complex and expensive to treat in an environmentally sound manner. As a result, new challenges related to the management of e-waste have become apparent. Most electronic products contain a combination of hazardous materials, toxic materials, and valuable elements such as precious metals and rare earth elements. There are risks to human health associated with the disposal of E-waste in landfills, or treatment by incineration. Americans discard 400+ million electronic items per year recycling less than 20 percent in safe and sustainable manner. E-waste is exported from developed countries and processed informally using unsafe conditions in many regions of developing countries. A mixture of pollutants is released from these informal rudimentary operations. Exposure to e-waste recycling includes the dismantling of used electronics and the use of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, which emit toxic chemicals, to retrieve valuable components. Thermal analysis integrated with chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques are used to determine dangerous chemicals emitted during the burning of e-waste. The information is used to assess the risk of exposure of workers at these semi-formal recycling centers.
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