Our aim is to offer guidance on the ever-changing decision-making processes in the electronics sector and become the "go-to" guide for industry professionals looking to source top components.
At embedded world 2026, Nigel Watts provided a compelling look at how two different, yet complementary, business models are tackling some of the semiconductor industry’s most pressing challenges – from component obsolescence to the growing difficulty of identifying and engaging new customers. Watts is the driving force behind both Trailing Edge Technologies and Searching for
The electronics supply chain has traditionally been organised around product lines, authorised territories, and legacy channel structures. Distributors have largely been defined by the manufacturers they represent and the products they carry. For a long time, this model functioned well enough. Production was regional, demand was mostly predictable, and channel responsibilities were clearly defined. Today
Volatility has become the new norm for the electronic components industry, and it looks to stay that way for some time. After a relatively calm year in 2024, 2025 saw the market shift unexpectedly multiple times, including the US-China tariff war affecting the global landscape, the surprise end-of-life announcements for DDR4, and the Nexperia trade
AI chipmakers are rattling the cage when it comes to semiconductors, but all that noise is obscuring the fact that most applications rely on mainstay electronic components such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, FPGAs, power management ICs, clock and frequency generators, and prior-generation chips to drive performance and functionality. For engineers and procurement teams, reliable access to
Rochester Electronics explores the challenges of sourcing power and power management devices in an increasingly constrained semiconductor market, highlighting how long product lifecycles, safety certifications and extended lead times make redesigns impractical, and explaining how authorised, traceable end-of-life inventory enables customers to maintain proven designs without costly requalification. Power sourcing and power management devices are
In a recent webinar hosted by Procurement Pro and sponsored by Flip Electronics, I led a panel of senior industry leaders through an in‑depth discussion on how procurement teams can future‑proof their supply chains in 2026 and beyond. The panel brought together perspectives from technology providers, distributors, and supply chain specialists: Simon Thompson – VP
The components selected during design shape financial outcomes long after schematic freeze. Initial procurement numbers rarely capture the product’s real price. Technical decisions made early introduce hidden expenses. When lower-grade parts enter production, defects surface, warranty claims increase and reputational damage follows. The savings may show up now, yet remediation later often carries a far
For much of the 1990s and early 2000s, the military and aerospace (mil/aero) sector was a subdued corner of the European semiconductor industry. Growth hovered around 2-3%, design cycles stretched seven to 10 years, and only a handful of companies focused on the space. There was a common perception that mil/aero was technically interesting but
When maintaining legacy systems, customers often ask: “Can you rebuild this?” At Rochester Electronics, the answer is almost always “Yes.” Our proven processes and deep technical expertise enable us to support long-lifecycle programmes and ensure component continuity. Rochester continuously invests in strategies that sustain legacy systems by managing the components, materials, and tooling used in
Selecting the right sensor is a critical step in electronic system design, influencing accuracy, reliability, and long-term performance. As products become more connected and application-specific, engineers must consider more than basic specifications – factors such as operating environment, power consumption, integration constraints, and supply continuity now play a central role. With a wide range of