Richardson RFPD, Flip Electronics Partner on Legacy Chips
The global agreement enables authorized production of legacy LDMOS transistors, helping OEMs extend equipment lifecycles.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Richardson RFPD has entered into a global franchise agreement with Flip Electronics to provide authorized manufacturing services for legacy semiconductor products. This partnership is designed to extend the product lifecycle for original equipment manufacturers using established hardware.
Why it matters
This agreement provides a supply path for legacy components that are otherwise nearing obsolescence, enabling manufacturers to avoid expensive system redesigns. It addresses a critical maintenance bottleneck for long-running industrial and communication infrastructure.
The agreement centers on the production of 8th Generation LDMOS (Laterally Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor) RF power transistors. These components, which are essential for high-frequency radio applications, are now available through licensed manufacturing paths rather than just secondary-market salvage.
The players
Richardson RFPD
An Arrow Electronics company specializing in radio frequency, wireless, and power management semiconductors.
Flip Electronics
A manufacturing services firm focused on providing authorized solutions for legacy semiconductor products.
The details
Flip Electronics provides lifecycle management by establishing authorized manufacturing solutions through direct partnerships with original semiconductor vendors. This model bypasses the need for costly board-level redesigns by ensuring that active-replacement components remain compatible with legacy system architectures. The process relies on formal licensing agreements with component originators, allowing for legitimate production of silicon that may no longer be mass-produced by the original manufacturer.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Richardson RFPD announced the global agreement with Flip Electronics.
The Tech Race
This agreement aligns with the broader push to maintain critical infrastructure using legacy silicon instead of forcing forced hardware migrations. It mirrors established strategies for sustaining military, industrial, and telecommunications equipment that must remain operational for decades.
Original equipment manufacturers and industrial designers can now source 8th Generation Ampleon transistors through verified channels. This shift reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions for systems currently relying on these established radio frequency power components.
The takeaway
This partnership formalizes the supply of critical legacy hardware, offering a practical buffer for companies managing long-lifecycle equipment. Engineers should monitor for additional semiconductor product lines added to this franchise model as the supply of other mature-process silicon tightens.
Further reading
For broader trends in component manufacturing and lifecycle management, explore the Semiconductors section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Microwave Journal.
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