Addressing Obsolescence—The Uprating Option

Uprating is a process that assesses the capability of a part to meet the functional and performance requirements for an application in which the part is used outside the specified temperature range provided in the manufacturer's datasheet. This article discusses the use of uprating as a means to address obsolescence. The article begins by explaining the rationale and opportunities for using parts outside the specification range. The technical issues for using uprating to address obsolescence [obsolescence is known in the military community as diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS)] are then presented. Finally, a case study is presented.