Group 1 - The article discusses the lifecycle of semiconductor products, highlighting that the lifecycle has been shortening over the years, with current estimates suggesting it may be as short as 2 years [5][7][17] - It emphasizes the importance of understanding the lifecycle of semiconductors to develop appropriate strategies for managing supply and demand [8] - The article references a report from the Japan Economic Federation that shows the relationship between development lead times and product lifecycles across various sectors, indicating that semiconductor lifecycles are significantly shorter than those of the end products that use them [5][7] Group 2 - Factors influencing the lifecycle of semiconductors include the outsourcing of manufacturing processes and industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions [9][14] - The trend of outsourcing has led to increased risks, as companies may prioritize higher-margin products, making it difficult to sustain production of older semiconductor products [14][16] - The article provides data on semiconductor mergers from 2010 to 2019, illustrating the frequency of consolidation activities and their potential impact on product lifecycles [15] Group 3 - The article outlines the process of discontinuing semiconductor products, detailing the timeline from the end-of-life (EOL) notification to final delivery, which typically spans 1 to 2 years [20][21] - It discusses the challenges companies face in determining safe inventory levels during product discontinuation, leading many to over-order to mitigate risks [20][23] - Recommendations are provided for companies to purchase from original semiconductor manufacturers or authorized distributors to avoid issues related to counterfeit components and supply shortages [23][24] Group 4 - The article concludes that proactive management of semiconductor product discontinuation can reduce production interruption risks and address issues related to counterfeit components [24] - It stresses the need for reliable and cost-effective solutions to mitigate potential failures and compatibility issues arising from the use of alternative components [24]