Addressing Obsolescence—The Uprating Option

Uprating is a process that assesses the capability of a part to meet the functional and performance requirements for an application in which the part is used outside the specified temperature range provided in the manufacturer´s datasheet. This article discusses the use of uprating as a means to address obsolescence. The article begins by explaining the rationale and opportunities for using parts outside the specification range. The technical issues for using uprating to address obsolescence [obsolescence is known in the military community as diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS)] are then presented. Finally, a case study is presented.