Rochester Electronics understands the time and resources designers require when selecting a microprocessor. The end choice is typically long-lasting and influences current and future designs. Performance, price, power, and package are key metrics, but microprocessors have the added dimension of operating systems, application software, and development tools. Once selected, there is an expectation and desire for support throughout several generations of products.

Over the decades, the semiconductor industry has developed an extensive array of microprocessors to satisfy almost all conceivable application requirements. An optimal choice is often complex and extends beyond the current design's key parameters. Selection is influenced by portability to other designs and the product’s expected lifecycle. The choice may be either a multi-sourced or a proprietary architecture. Each has benefits, and once selected, the choice is narrowed to the best option within a family based on performance, power, and peripheral mix.

Even with careful selection, technological changes, the supplier landscape, and unforeseen market events can lead to obsolescence or availability constraints. When issues arise, the first step is thoroughly analyzing alternatives based on the same architecture and product family. Viable options may be identified based on different die revisions, a superset of peripherals, higher speed grades, and wider temperature ratings. Sometimes, a minor board change to accommodate a new package may be considered.

Rochester is all too familiar with the challenges that microprocessor designs can face in long-lifecycle applications. To help mitigate obsolescence, we closely monitor industry trends and collaborate with our supplier partners. We maintain over 17 million units of microprocessor inventory in stock and offer 5,000 part-number options. All devices are 100% authorized, traceable, and certified.

Our goal is to maximize the available options beyond the standard lifecycle by:



• Providing 100% authorized stock on both active and end-of-life (EOL) devices
• Purchasing stock during discontinuation cycles to maintain inventory beyond a last-time-ship dates
• Providing fully licensed manufacturing solutions for obsolete products where demand continues after available inventory depletion

These solutions are accomplished through strategic planning with our customers and supplier partners.