4DOnline Parts Universe - Electronics Parts Solution
Manage Electronics Parts Use to Avoid Crises
With a 20 to 50 year service life for equipment in aerospace and defense applications not being uncommon, dealing with obsolescence and end-of-life manufacturing issues is a frequent challenge. Designers, engineers, maintenance personnel, and procurement specialists often need to research electronics parts and components. Using multiple data sources for electronics parts research is time consuming and inefficient, and can lead to errors. IHS Parts Universe gives you access to more than 14 million parts in over 350 categories from more than 500 manufacturers.
Fast Facts on 4DOnline Parts Universe |
Parts Universe - a Reliable Information Source
The Parts Universe database was built using input from customers. This assures that the database content is relevant. IHS uses ISO-registered processes and procedures to maintain and update the Electronics Database to assure accuracy.
IHS Parts Universe is an Internet-based service providing you with access to information that uses flexible search and display options. You are able to customize searches and control displays to provide you with relevant information for making analytical decisions. Key features of Parts Universe for aerospace, aviation and defense applications include lifecycle status, alternate part search and hazardous materials information.
Quickly and Easily Locate Parts Information
Parts Universe offers both Basic Search and Advanced Search options. The Basic Search criteria in Parts Universe are part number, manufacturer, part description and part status. The search options let you perform electronics parts searches using as little or as much information as you know. Parts Universe has the capability to allow you to broaden or narrow your results based on this information. This option works well if you are looking for a single specific part or if you are just beginning research.
If you are working on design or redesign and have built up a list of part attributes, the Advanced Search option will be useful. The Advanced Search in Parts Universe allows you to designate a variety of attributes specific to the part you are researching such as orientation or mounting requirements. You can select military specifications or commercial parts. All the parts matching those criteria are provided in the results.
To facilitate parts comparisons, search results can be displayed in a side-by-side format. Results can also be sorted by row or column headings. The most important criteria can be shown first and parts not meeting your needs deleted from the results. The capability to build and save searches makes complicated or repetitive research projects more efficient. During design and maintenances phases, using Parts Universe reduces research time just when time can be particularly critical.
Multiple Sources Reduce Risk of Supply Chain Problems
Search results from Parts Universe allow you to quickly identify parts that are a concern due to sole source issues. Parts Universe gives you information needed to support management of approved materials lists and approved supplier lists to assure multiple sources for key components. Identifying multiple sources before they are actually needed will prevent issues from escalating to crises. The ability to manage and control procurement lead times enables you to streamline procurement processes and manage schedules.
Alternate Parts are Critical to Aerospace and Defense Equipment
Since aerospace and defense applications have stringent quality and reliability requirements, as well as tight operating ranges and the need to operate in extreme environments, locating acceptable alternate parts is often a long-lead-time task. IHS Parts Universe shortens research time.
Parts Universe allows you to search for alternate parts based on equivalency, upgrade components, downgrade components, form/fit/function and functional criteria. This Parts Universe alternate parts search capability allows you to efficiently research alternate parts options.
Accurate Information Avoids Compatibility Issues
The product information driving Parts Universe is contained in the IHS Electronics Database. Strategic partnerships with manufacturers allow the Electronics Database to deliver complete, up-to-date manufacturer information. Instant access to current and historical manufacturer datasheets, timing diagrams, product change notices and application notes saves you time and provides a solid basis for decisions.
Detailed Information Mitigates Obsolescence
Parts Universe provides up-to-date lifecycle information. Parts are noted as being introduced, phased-out or already discontinued. The lifecycle information and parts change notices provide visibility to future required design changes or supplier changes. With this advance information, you can plan and manage your changes for minimum operational impact.
Access to lifecycle information and alerts allows you to be aware of and manage obsolescence issues, potential availability concerns or potential future functionality problems. IHS Parts Universe provides you with the part status, current life cycle stage, life time buy information, product change notices and predicted years to end of life. Designers, maintenance engineers, managers and procurement specialists benefit from the comprehensive Parts Universe information by being able to plan rather than react. This saves time and assures continuity of operations by minimizing the potential for unplanned down-time or extended shutdowns.
Hazardous Materials Information Avoids Environmental Compliance Issues
RoHS compliance and other hazardous material concerns, such as lead-free requirements, necessitate that you have accurate and complete hazardous material information about the electronics parts and components you use. IHS Parts Universe contains RoHS yes/no data and substance concentration and weight data. IHS leverages strategic relationships with manufacturers to maintain and update the hazardous material information to assure accuracy. IHS understands that having this information available at the start of design shortens component selection time and can provide significant cost savings.
For an integrated BOM and parts analysis solution, look into the IHS 4DOnline solution suite. Parts Universe works with other 4DOnline products, BOM Optimizer and Parts Universe Materials Analysis, for a comprehensive parts selection and management system that saves time and improves workflow.