Technological Progress in Electronic Components: A Life Cycle Support Problem.

摘要

Given the current rate of technological change in electronic components, repair parts support over the total life cycle of a weapons system or item of electronic equipment in the defense inventory is becoming increasingly difficult. The technological evolution of a selected group of components, including receiving vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits and micoprocessors is briefly reviewed. Case histories of life cycle support problems are used to emphasize circumstances encountered when changes in technology result in either a discontinuance, or a reluctance to continue production. The significance of governmental dependence upon commercial production bases is indicated. Approaches to design and support planning which may reduce future problems caused by technological change are discussed and ranked. Specific examples of current application of these approaches are included. A relevant new DOD Directive, concerned with diminishing sources of supply and material shortages, is introduced. This Directive, in draft, is currently being staffed with DOD Components. This study should serve as a useful source of information to acquisition managers and others responsible for systems development and support planning. (Author)