Lifecycle Phase Revision Document - Revision 3 - Release Date 2014-07-31 - English Technical Specification

1. Document Overview

This technical document provides a detailed specification for a product or component currently in the lifecycle phase designated as 'Revision 3'. The core information pertains to the revision status, its effective period, and the official release timestamp. This data is fundamental for version control, quality assurance, and ensuring the use of the correct technical specifications in design, manufacturing, and procurement processes. The document's primary function is to serve as a definitive reference point for this specific revision.

2. Core Technical Parameters

The document defines several key parameters that govern the validity and application of the technical data contained within.

2.1 Lifecycle Phase

The lifecycle phase is a critical indicator of the document's and the product's maturity and stability. The value 'Revision: 3' signifies that this is the third major revision of the document. This implies that the underlying product specifications have undergone two previous iterations of updates, corrections, or enhancements. A revision number is essential for tracking changes, managing engineering change orders (ECOs), and preventing the use of obsolete data in production or design.

2.2 Expired Period

The 'Expired Period' is specified as 'Forever'. This is a significant parameter indicating that this revision of the document does not have a predefined expiration date. It will remain valid indefinitely until superseded by a subsequent revision (e.g., Revision 4). This contrasts with documents that may have a time-limited validity, often used for preliminary specifications or datasheets subject to frequent change. The 'Forever' designation suggests a high degree of stability and finality for the technical content described in Revision 3.

2.3 Release Date

The 'Release Date' is precisely timestamped as '2014-07-31 17:03:22.0'. This parameter provides the exact moment when Revision 3 was officially issued and became the active reference. The granularity down to the second is important for audit trails and in environments where multiple documents may be updated in rapid succession. This date serves as a baseline for determining the applicability of this revision to projects initiated after this point.

3. Interpretation and Application Guidelines

Understanding how to apply the information in this document is crucial for its effective use in technical and operational contexts.

3.1 Version Control and Traceability

All designs, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing instructions referencing this product must explicitly specify 'Revision 3'. Using an incorrect revision can lead to component incompatibility, performance deviations, or non-compliance with specifications. A robust document management system should ensure that only the current revision is accessible for active projects, while previous revisions are archived for historical reference.

3.2 Validity in Design and Procurement

For new designs started after July 31, 2014, Revision 3 is the authoritative source. For existing designs, a review should be conducted to assess the impact of migrating from a previous revision to Revision 3. This may involve checking for changes in electrical parameters, mechanical dimensions, or material specifications. In procurement, purchase orders must specify the exact revision to ensure the correct component version is supplied.

3.3 Implications of "Forever" Expiration

The indefinite expiration period means there is no scheduled end-of-life (EOL) notice associated with this document revision itself. However, it does not guarantee the perpetual availability of the physical product it describes. Product lifecycle management (PLM) processes for the component are separate. The 'Forever' status applies only to the validity of this specific document version's technical content.

4. Common Questions and Technical Clarifications

Based on the core parameters, several typical questions arise in practical application.

4.1 How does 'Revision 3' differ from previous revisions?

This document does not contain a delta or change log detailing the specific modifications from Revision 2 to Revision 3. To obtain this information, one must consult the revision history section typically found in a full product datasheet or the official engineering change notice (ECN) that authorized the revision. Changes could range from typographical corrections to significant updates in performance ratings or safety certifications.

4.2 Can this revision be used for safety-critical applications?

The suitability for any specific application, especially safety-critical ones, cannot be determined solely from this lifecycle metadata. The document itself (the full datasheet it represents) must be consulted for detailed ratings, reliability data, qualification reports, and applicable safety standards (e.g., UL, IEC). The revision number ensures you are assessing the most current set of this critical information.

4.3 What happens if a new revision is released?

Upon the official release of a subsequent revision (e.g., Revision 4), this document (Revision 3) becomes superseded. Best practices dictate that new projects should adopt the latest revision. Existing projects using Revision 3 should evaluate the new revision through a formal change management process to decide whether to re-qualify and transition or to continue with the previous revision under a 'fit, form, and function' agreement with suppliers.

5. Practical Use Cases and Examples

The lifecycle information drives several key workflows in electronics development and manufacturing.

5.1 Design Engineering Case

A design engineer selects a component for a new power supply circuit in Q4 2014. They download the datasheet marked 'Revision 3, Released 2014-07-31'. They incorporate all electrical parameters, thermal derating curves, and footprint dimensions from this document into their schematic and PCB layout. The BOM generated for the prototype build explicitly lists the component part number suffixed with '-Rev3' or notes the revision in a separate column. This ensures the procurement team sources the correct version.

5.2 Manufacturing and Quality Assurance Case

The manufacturing department receives a shipment of components for the power supply board. The quality assurance (QA) inspector checks the packaging label and the component markings against the approved manufacturer list (AML), which specifies 'Revision 3'. The inspector also verifies that the incoming inspection checklist and test procedures are aligned with the specifications in the Revision 3 datasheet, not an older version. This prevents assembly of boards with components that may have different performance characteristics.

5.3 Sustaining and Failure Analysis Case

Two years later, a field failure is reported. The failure analysis team must first identify the revision of the component used in the failed unit. By examining the board's serial number and build record, they confirm it was assembled with components specified to Revision 3. They then use the Revision 3 datasheet as the baseline for electrical testing and stress analysis to determine if the component failed within its specified operating limits or if an underlying design issue related to the Rev3 specs exists.

6. Underlying Principles of Document Lifecycle Management

The structure of this data reflects standard practices in technical documentation and configuration management.

6.1 Configuration Management Principle

The pairing of a revision level with a release date is a cornerstone of configuration management. It creates a unique identifier (Rev3 + Timestamp) for a specific configuration of product information. This allows all parties in the supply chain to be synchronized on the exact set of requirements, enabling consistent quality and performance.

6.2 Traceability and Accountability Principle

The precise timestamp provides an audit trail. In the event of a product issue, it is possible to trace back to determine exactly when a particular specification was released and, by extension, which manufacturing batches or design releases were governed by it. This is crucial for root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.

7. Industry Trends in Technical Documentation

The format and delivery of such metadata are evolving alongside digital transformation in engineering.

7.1 Digital Thread and Smart Documents

While this example shows a basic text-based metadata block, the trend is towards embedding this information in machine-readable formats within PDFs or using digital product passports. This allows lifecycle data to be automatically read by PLM and ERP systems, creating a 'digital thread' that links the specification directly to design files, BOMs, and test results.

7.2 Dynamic Updates and Cloud-Based Datasheets

The concept of a static 'Forever' expiration may change with the adoption of cloud-connected datasheets. In some forward-looking models, the document could be dynamically updated, and the 'revision' might be a continuous version stream, with users subscribing to change notifications. However, the fundamental need for version control and a defined baseline, as exemplified by 'Revision 3', will remain essential for product integrity.

In summary, this document, through its concise metadata, establishes Revision 3 as a stable and enduring reference point for a specific set of technical specifications released on July 31, 2014. Its correct interpretation and application are fundamental to ensuring consistency, quality, and traceability throughout the product lifecycle, from initial design through to manufacturing and field support.