A continuous lifetime electronic component supply is a key factor to a program's success for all involved companies during a car's lifespan. Lifetime is defined as the time from a program start to the time when the end user decides to recycle the car. This period can be as long as 25 years and needs the joint efforts among carmakers, system suppliers and manufacturers as well as semiconductor suppliers working with a commonly agreed process of responsibilities and costs shared by all participants.
There are 5 defined basic phases covering the start of the development to the “After Series Availability” which need urgent discussions to come to an agreed methodology as each process step increases the number of dependencies and inter-process relationships.
At present, everybody focuses on the first 4 phases but tries to ignore the last one as this one only creates emotions, anger and offers the person involved “no chance to build their own career on”.
Different papers on this subject, like the White Book from ZVEI (German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association), have been published and the highest level of Management from all involved parties talk about these as “time bombs”.
This paper will mainly open discussions between all participants on possible semiconductor strategies and approaches, as well as limitations, for providing Seamless Technology, to help define a process or method to ensure continued component supply.