Here are six key strategies shared by Fred Pudleitner, Supplier Business Development Manager at Avnet Silica France, to help you build embedded systems that stand the test of time.
1. Choose technologies with a proven lifecycle
Start by selecting components with a stable track record and a clearly defined lifecycle. Always consult the supplier’s roadmap:
- How long will the component be available?
- Are pin-to-pin replacements planned?
- Is the product family stable enough to support future upgrades (e.g., more memory or a faster core) without redesigning the entire board?
Avoid exotic or end-of-life parts for critical designs. Prioritize longevity and roadmap transparency.
2. Design for modularity and replaceability
When choosing between a highly integrated SoC, a system-on-module (SoM), or a discrete architecture, consider not just performance and power, but also:
- Scalability
- Security
- Ease of replacement
A modular design, such as a SoM or a combination of MCU and discrete components, offers flexibility. If one element becomes obsolete, you can replace just that part, not the entire board. This keeps redesign costs under control and supports product evolution over time.
3. Decouple software from hardware
Your software architecture is just as critical as your hardware choices. Use portable, hardware-agnostic RTOS platforms like FreeRTOS or Zephyr for your MCU-based system or Yocto for your MPU ones, to ensure your codebase can migrate across hardware platforms with minimal rewriting.
This abstraction layer reduces the impact of hardware changes and accelerates time-to-market when switching components.
4. Identify a second source early
Don’t wait for a crisis to find alternatives. From the outset, validate a second source for key components, especially analog and power blocks.
Ensure the alternative is:
- Mechanically compatible
- Firmware-compatible
- Readily available
This dual-sourcing strategy significantly reduces risk if your primary supplier faces obsolescence or supply constraints.
5. Implement proactive supply chain management
Work closely with your distributor to stay ahead of lifecycle changes.
Key actions include:
- Subscribing to Product Change Notifications (PCNs) and End-of-Life (EOL) alerts
- Defining safety stock levels for critical components
- Planning lifetime buys to secure multi-year production
These steps can prevent costly production halts and ensure continuity.
6. Foster cross-functional communication
Maintain open lines of communication between R&D, procurement, and your suppliers. Early visibility into roadmap changes or technology shifts allows you to plan redesigns proactively, rather than under pressure.
Obsolescence is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be disruptive. By embedding these six tactics into your development process, you can build resilient, scalable, and future-proof embedded systems.
