Component Lifecycle Specification - Revision 2 - Release Date 2014-12-10 - English Technical Document

1. Document Overview

This technical document provides a formal record of the lifecycle status and revision history for a specific electronic component. The primary purpose is to establish a clear, auditable trail of the component's development and release state. This information is critical for quality assurance, supply chain management, and ensuring consistency in manufacturing and design processes. The document's validity is defined as permanent, indicating its status as a historical reference point.

2. Core Specifications and Data Interpretation

2.1 Lifecycle Phase Definition

The lifecycle phase is a critical classification that indicates the maturity and support status of a component within its product line. The phase documented here is Revision. This signifies that the component is in an active state where updates, corrections, or minor improvements are being implemented. It is distinct from phases such as 'Prototype', 'Production', or 'Obsolete'. Understanding this phase helps engineers assess the stability and future development path of the component for their designs.

2.2 Revision History

The document explicitly states Revision: 2. This numerical identifier is essential for version control. It indicates that this is the second formally released iteration of the component's documentation or specifications. Engineers must always reference the correct revision to ensure they are working with the latest parameters, mechanical drawings, and performance data. Mismatched revisions can lead to design errors and product failures.

2.3 Release and Validity Information

The Release Date is precisely recorded as 2014-12-10 09:55:17.0. This timestamp provides an exact point of origin for this revision. The Expired Period is noted as Forever. This is a significant declaration meaning the document does not have a planned obsolescence date and is intended to remain a valid reference indefinitely. However, 'Forever' in this context typically means it will not be automatically superseded by a time-based rule, though it may still be succeeded by a higher revision number.

3. Application and Design Guidelines

3.1 Intended Use and Context

Documents of this nature are foundational for several key activities in electronics development and manufacturing:

• Design Verification: Engineers use the revision number to confirm they are integrating the correct component version into their schematics and layouts.
• Manufacturing and Assembly: Production floors rely on this data to procure the exact component revision specified in the Bill of Materials (BOM), preventing assembly of devices with inconsistent parts.
• Quality Audits and Traceability: The release date and revision provide traceability, which is crucial for regulatory compliance, failure analysis, and recalling specific production batches if necessary.
• Long-term Support: For products with extended lifecycles (e.g., industrial, automotive, aerospace), knowing a component's revision and its 'forever' valid documentation supports long-term maintenance and repair strategies.

3.2 Design Considerations and Best Practices

When utilizing a component with this type of documentation, consider the following:

• Always cross-reference the Revision number on the physical component (if marked) or its packaging with the number stated in this document.
• Archive this document alongside your project files. The 'Forever' validity underscores its importance as a permanent reference.
• While the document itself does not expire, be aware that the component it describes may eventually reach an 'Obsolete' lifecycle phase. Monitor manufacturer notifications for any such changes.
• In design documentation (BOM, spec sheets), always append the revision number to the component's part number to avoid ambiguity.

4. Technical Comparison and Industry Context

4.1 Understanding Lifecycle Management

Component lifecycle management is a standard practice in the electronics industry. A typical lifecycle progresses through stages: Concept/Design, Prototype, Pilot Production, Mass Production (Revision), Mature Production, and finally, End-of-Life (EOL) or Obsolescence. The 'Revision' phase, as seen here, is often the longest and most active period, where the product is widely available and may undergo incremental improvements. This structured approach benefits both suppliers and customers by managing expectations regarding availability, cost, and support.

4.2 The Importance of Timestamping

The inclusion of a precise release timestamp (down to the second) is a hallmark of rigorous documentation control, often aligned with standards like ISO 9001. It allows for impeccable traceability. If a performance issue is discovered, it can be correlated precisely with when a particular revision of documentation was issued, potentially narrowing down affected manufacturing periods.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

5.1 What does 'LifecyclePhase: Revision' mean for my current design?

It indicates the component is stable and in active production. It is generally safe for new designs, but you should check the manufacturer's website for any subsequent revisions (e.g., Revision 3) that may contain important updates or errata fixes.

5.2 The Expired Period is 'Forever'. Does this mean the component will never be discontinued?

No. 'Forever' applies to the validity of this specific revision document, not the production status of the physical component. The component itself will eventually transition through its lifecycle and may be discontinued. You must monitor the manufacturer's product change notifications (PCN) or end-of-life (EOL) notices for that information.

5.3 How should I handle this document in my company's quality management system?

This document should be treated as a controlled document. It should be stored in a designated repository (e.g., a Product Data Management system) with its revision number and release date clearly recorded. Access should be provided to all relevant engineering, procurement, and quality personnel.

5.4 I have a product built in 2015 using this component. What revision should I use for repairs?

For repairs and maintenance, especially to ensure functional consistency, you should always aim to use the same component revision that was used in the original production. This document (Revision 2, released Dec 2014) defines that part. Sourcing a later revision (e.g., Rev. 3) might work but could introduce subtle variations. If an exact match is unavailable, a thorough compatibility analysis based on the detailed specifications of both revisions is necessary.

6. Practical Use Case Scenario

Scenario: A manufacturing engineer is preparing the production line for a new batch of a communication device. The BOM lists a critical integrated circuit.

Action: The engineer retrieves this lifecycle document for that IC. They verify that the BOM specifies "Revision 2". They then instruct the procurement team to source components marked with this exact revision. Upon receipt at the warehouse, the quality inspector checks a sample of components against the document's release date context to confirm they are from the correct manufacturing period. Before assembly begins, the line setup is verified to use the correct solder paste profile and handling procedures as defined in the associated technical datasheet for Revision 2. This end-to-end process, anchored by the revision control in this document, minimizes the risk of introducing defects due to component variability.

7. Foundational Principles

The structure of this document is based on established principles of configuration management and technical documentation. Its primary objective is to provide unambiguous identification and temporal context for a specific artifact (the component specification). The use of sequential revision numbers follows a linear versioning model, a simple and widely understood system for tracking changes. The 'Forever' expiry is an administrative flag indicating the document is not subject to periodic review for currency but rather is superseded only by a new revision. This model ensures that at any point in the future, the exact state of the component as of December 10, 2014, can be precisely reconstructed.

8. Industry Trends and Evolution

The trend in component documentation is towards greater digitization and integration. While this document represents a static snapshot, modern practices often involve:

• Digital Thread: Linking this revision data directly to CAD models, simulation parameters, and supply chain databases in a seamless digital thread.
• Automated Compliance: Systems that automatically check a BOM against the latest lifecycle status of all components, flagging those nearing obsolescence.
• Blockchain for Traceability: Exploring the use of distributed ledgers to create immutable, shared records of component revisions and provenance across complex supply chains.
• Dynamic Documents: Moving away from static PDFs to web-based, living documents that can be updated more fluidly, though the core need for clear revision baselines, as shown here, remains constant.

The fundamental need captured in this document—precise, controlled identification of a technical specification—remains a cornerstone of electronics engineering and manufacturing integrity, regardless of the underlying technology used to manage it.