Integrated circuit components (IC components) are complex interconnections of circuitry etched into semiconducting material. The components work together to make common integrated circuits more powerful and effective.

In integrated component circuitry, components such as transistors and resistors as well as diodes and capacitors form on a silicon crystal surface. The component designs range from very basic, such as in analog switches, to complex, such as in microprocessors for computers. Some points you might want to consider if you wish to buy circuit components include:

1. Purchase integrated component circuits from manufacturers specializing in military usage;

2. Find obsolete integrated circuit components to work with existing equipment;

3. And consider purchasing IC components from manufacturers with a varied inventory.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase integrated component circuits for military use

Military service providers often need to buy integrated circuits component parts with specified use requirements. Purchase from a knowledgeable distributor who specializes in supplying components for military use to get the most current and effective components for your equipment.

I recommend: Arrow Electronics provides components specific to military use. This AS9100 and ISO9002 certified company combines expertise with service, offering clients reliable components and other products. Kampi Components claims to be one of the largest full-line suppliers of components for the military in the United States. Its product line includes integrated circuit components such as connectors and indicators.

Find obsolete integrated circuit components by contacting distributors specializing in this area

Some distributors carry hard-to-find and obsolete integrated circuit parts as a main part of their inventory. Purchase from a distributor who has an easy-to-use database of these components, or who works with customers one-on-one to find obscure parts.

I recommend: 4 Star Electronics, an ISO 9001:2000 and ESD compliant distributor, claims to be the world's leading supplier of obsolete components for electronics. It has a global part search utility, which allows customers to access its database 24-hours a day, and it also gives customers the option of selling back excess inventory on components no longer used. Online Technology Exchange offers obsolete and hard-to-find integrated circuit components to businesses ranging from military to industrial. Its inventory ranges from communications to custom hybrid.

Cut the integrated circuit component price by buying from distributors with varied surplus inventory

Whether you purchase an IC component for microelectronics or IC component chips or other type of components, consider purchasing from a distributor with a varied inventory. These distributors often deal with large quantities of stock, thus offering cut prices on surplus components.

I recommend: Technomag Electronics offers a wide range of integrated circuit component inventory including surplus materials. It has distributors and OEMs around the world, offering services and components to aerospace, telecommunication and medical industries, among others. Jameco Electronics offers numerous integrated circuit components ranging from passive components to active. It carries products such as the optocoupler.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy integrated circuit component parts that upgrade easily, since the market in this area constantly evolves.