Sourcing hard-to-find components

[Alan]

I'm really curious, where do you usually find those hard-to-get or out-of-date parts? Do you have any go-to suppliers or clever tips that make the hunt a little easier?

 

[ohmsweetohm761]

If you're having trouble finding a part, Octopart can help you cross-reference it. For older parts, try Rochester Electronics or eBay. Surplus auctions can also be a great place to find what you need.

 

[mich4el.crx]

I'm really curious, where do you usually find those hard-to-get or out-of-date parts? Do you have any go-to suppliers or clever tips that make the hunt a little easier?

Same with @ohmsweetohm761. I've seen it best to move away from major authorized distributors towards specialists. Rochester Electronics is top-tier for that! I've also had decent luck with smaller, regional component distributor. They sometimes have that random reel of old stock sitting unlisted. And you definitely need the extreme caution on eBay! Starting your search with part number aggregators like Octopart or FindChips is definitely helpful! They scan the stock of hundreds of distributors, often uncovering that last available piece!

 

[Circuitsmith]

Great choice with Octopart and FindChips! They've really helped me discover some hard-to-find parts that I'd probably never come across otherwise. I've also had success looking at manufacturer EOL notices to get leads on where stock might be available.