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

Buy from memory integrated circuit manufacturers and distributors offering support and solutions

When buying integrated memory circuits, consider purchasing from an experienced distributor or manufacturer who suggests new products and offers technological solutions for pre-existing products.

I recommend: All American Semiconductor has knowledgeable, certified engineers with factory training in many areas including integrated circuits. The engineers assist customers in determining the best components for equipment, reducing design time. Digi-Key has an experienced technical-support team, which offers suggestions for new products. It offers solutions via live online chat.

Locate specialty memory integrated circuits from distributors with a varied inventory

A distributor with a large, varied inventory is more likely to have specialty memory chips in stock than a smaller company. Plus, you may save time by having your main choices located in one place.

I recommend: Specialty Parts & Electronic Components offers customers over 93,000 line items in its inventory. It provides components such as Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Memory Digital Integrated Circuits to customers throughout the world. Mass Integrated Systems, an ISO 9001:2000 certified stocking distributor in integrated circuits, has offices around the world, claims to have prices customers appreciate and offers high-quality products.

Cut integrated flash-memory prices by finding a distributor specializing in obsolete products

When looking for hard-to-find integrated circuit and memory products, consider using a distributor with an inventory of obsolete parts. Often, these companies carry items that you won't find at companies specializing in the latest technology. This saves you time and effort in finding the components, and often ensures proper service and support from the distributor.

I recommend: Ambassador Components supplies components for integrated circuits from reliable companies. It specializes in offering customers hard-to-find and obsolete components and even offers customers the option to bid on its excess inventory. Access Group purchases excess inventory and finds discontinued memory integrated circuits and other parts for customers around the world. It is a member of Electronics Resellers Association International.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consult with an expert to determine which specialty memory ICs are most effective with your existing equipment.