Breathing Life Into Legacy Systems with Obsolete NXP SC28C94A1A,518

The Challenge: Sourcing a Discontinued UART Critical to Production

A US-based industrial electronics company hit a roadblock when they needed to replenish their stock of the NXP SC28C94A1A,518, a quad UART long relied upon in their legacy systems. The problem? The part had been declared obsolete, and none of the authorized distributors carried it anymore.

Redesigning their communication interface would have meant months of development work and recertification, not to mention higher costs and missed production deadlines.

So they came to Maketronics looking for a dependable solution to an increasingly common challenge in industrial hardware: component obsolescence.

Why the SC28C94A1A,518 Was Irreplaceable

The component was key to the customer’s embedded platform, offering

• Four full-duplex UART channels

• Seamless serial communication in multi-device systems

• Reliable legacy compatibility with existing firmware and board layout

• Proven long-term stability in industrial and telecom-grade environments

Redesigning the hardware to accommodate a new part would have disrupted production and increased risk.

How Maketronics Solved It

Leveraging our global network of vetted suppliers, Maketronics sourced the required SC28C94A1A,518 units, with a fast turnaround. Our focus was on functionality, consistency, and delivery assurance, and not just finding stock.

We:

• Verified the condition and functionality of each batch.

• Delivered within 10 business days

• Helped the customer avoid delays, rework, and supply chain risks

• Maintained pricing well below the cost of a redesign

Results Delivered

• Prevented disruption in a live industrial production line

• Preserved software and hardware continuity

• Avoided delays and costly requalification

• Reinforced Maketronics’ value as a sourcing partner for discontinued components

Helping You Move Forward, Even When the Industry Moves On

At Maketronics, we specialize in solving the problems most suppliers won’t touch. When a part is obsolete but your product still depends on it, we find a way: quickly, reliably, and with the confidence our customers come back for.

Need help sourcing a discontinued IC or legacy part? We’re ready when you are.

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