Parts obsolescence: A new concern for EEs: Microcircuits you plan to use today may not be available tomorrow

The technologies for electronic microcircuits have evolved rapidly over the past 20 years. But an explosion has occurred in the 1980s. Semiconductor houses have stopped making many parts that were designed just a few years ago. As a result, parts obsolescence problems in the microcircuit arena are mounting up to millions of dollars to groups such as the military services. But why should this be of concern to you? Aren't semiconductor houses providing engineering schools with the latest technology parts? No. The senior projects you are working on and the designs you are becoming comfortable with may include technology up to three years old. By the time you design your first electronic circuit for industry the microcircuits you specify may be obsolete. We have seen it happen.