10 Years of Long-Term Availability for Industrial I/O Modules
Since 2025, DEDITEC has ensured a minimum availability of 10 years for all regular product series. This gives companies long-term planning security for industrial systems, test benches, and automation solutions, allowing existing systems to be maintained, expanded, and operated for many years.
What does long-term availability mean at DEDITEC?
At DEDITEC, long-term availability means that our product series remain available for reorder over a defined long-term period and continue to be available for the maintenance or expansion of existing systems.
Our primary goal is to ensure that the same product remains available for reorder. If this is no longer possible, for example due to the permanent unavailability of individual components, we evaluate suitable replacement components or develop an appropriate redesign if necessary.
In doing so, we aim to maintain compatibility with the previous product. In particular, interfaces, connections, and software control should remain compatible with the original product.
This allows existing systems to remain in operation over the long term without having to switch prematurely to a completely different hardware platform solely because a component has been discontinued.
Which product series are covered by the 10-year long-term availability?
Long-term availability applies to the DEDITEC product series listed in the following overview. The linked series pages provide information on the respective I/O modules, interfaces, and technical variants.
| Product Series | Typical Application / Interfaces | Long-Term Availability | Series Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
Starter-Serie |
Compact entry-level solution for smaller automation tasks with a limited number of I/Os; Ethernet, WiFi, USB, or CAN. | Long-term availability for at least 10 years. | View series |
UC series |
Compact stand-alone modules for digital and analog I/O applications; Ethernet/WiFi, USB-C, CAN, or CANopen. | At least 10 years of long-term availability. | View series |
BS series |
Robust I/O modules in an aluminum housing for digital and analog applications; Ethernet, WiFi, USB, and optionally CAN or RS-232. | Available long-term for at least 10 years. | View series |
RO series |
Flat, individually configurable combination modules for applications requiring many or different I/Os in limited installation space; Ethernet, USB, CAN, or RS-232/RS-485. | Available for at least 10 years. | View series |
NET series |
Modular and flexibly expandable I/O system for comprehensive measurement, control, and automation tasks; Ethernet, USB, CAN, or RS-232/RS-485. | Long-term availability for a minimum of 10 years. | View series |
CAN-Box |
Decentralized I/O solution for vehicles, machines, and existing CAN networks; CAN 2.0A/2.0B with RAW CAN or J1939. | Available for at least 10 years. | View series |
Special product revisions or transitional variants may be excluded from this commitment if they were developed and offered only temporarily as an alternative to a regular product, for example due to a temporary supply shortage.
One example is the NET-CPU-BASE2, which was developed as a temporary alternative to the NET-CPU-BASE due to a supply shortage affecting FTDI. Customers who did not require a USB interface were therefore able to switch to a variant with an Ethernet interface. Transitional variants developed specifically for a temporary supply situation such as this are not covered by the general long-term availability commitment.
How DEDITEC Ensures Long-Term Availability
Long-term availability requires more than simply continuing to use a product name. The key is being able to respond to changes in the availability of electronic components while keeping existing products available for as long as possible.
DEDITEC therefore regularly reviews inventory levels and minimum stock levels, monitors the availability of relevant components, and responds to announced discontinuations or supply shortages.
Depending on the situation, different measures may be used: suitable replacement components, targeted stockpiling, or – if necessary – a redesign of the affected product.
Long-Term Selection of Suitable Hardware Components
During the development of our I/O modules, we consider not only the technical requirements but also the long-term availability of the components used.
If a component used in a product is discontinued by the manufacturer, we first check whether a suitable direct successor is available. If so, the replacement component is thoroughly tested by us and, after successful verification, integrated into the product.
In many cases, components can be replaced in this way without requiring any changes for the user when operating the product.
If no suitable direct replacement is available, we evaluate further measures such as targeted stockpiling or a redesign of the affected module.
Free Software and Firmware Updates
Long-term use of our hardware also includes maintaining the associated software and firmware.
DEDITEC provides software and firmware updates for its products free of charge. Firmware updates may include bug fixes, improvements, and functional enhancements for existing modules. Our software solutions also support the configuration, diagnostics, and integration of the hardware.
As part of our Lifetime Update concept, our customers receive free firmware updates throughout the entire lifetime of the respective product.
The long-term maintenance of software and firmware therefore complements the long-term availability of our hardware.
Stockpiling and Supply Capability
Our inventory and minimum stock levels are regularly reviewed based on sales figures and actual demand and adjusted as required.
For important or difficult-to-replace components, we also rely on forward-looking procurement and targeted stockpiling. This helps support the long-term supply capability of our products even when changes or supply shortages occur in the procurement market.
Long-Term Product Maintenance in Practice
A concrete example of long-term product maintenance at DEDITEC is our RO series. It has been on the market since 2010 and continues to be offered and technically maintained today.
Component discontinuations do not automatically mean the end of a product series. For certain CPUs used in the RO series that are no longer available, for example, corresponding stock levels were built up to safeguard continued production over the long term.
If components can no longer be procured and no suitable direct alternative is available, we also evaluate a redesign of the affected module. Our goal remains to continue the existing hardware platform for our customers for as long as possible while maintaining compatibility.
The way we handle a product series that has been established for many years demonstrates the importance that long-term product maintenance already has in practice at DEDITEC.
Benefits of Long-Term Available I/O Modules
Planning Security for Long-Term Projects
A later hardware change may require adjustments to software, interfaces, wiring, mechanical design, and documentation. Depending on the application, additional testing, approval, or certification processes may also become necessary.
If the platform in use remains available over the long term, existing systems can continue to be operated and further developed for many years on a familiar technical basis.
Securing Long-Term Maintenance and Spare Parts Supply
Our goal is to continue supplying the originally used product. If this is no longer possible due to components that are no longer available, suitable replacement components or a compatible redesign can be used.
This makes it easier to plan maintenance, repairs, and future expansions without having to switch to a completely different hardware platform solely because a product has been discontinued.
Reducing Storage Costs
Long-term availability directly from the manufacturer can reduce the need for customers to maintain their own inventory, thereby saving storage space and reducing tied-up capital.
The quantity of spare modules that is still advisable depends on the specific application and the individual requirements for system availability.
Reducing the Effort Required for System Changes and Recertifications
For tested or certified systems, additional testing, approvals, or certifications may also become necessary.
Long-term product availability can avoid or significantly reduce this product-related conversion effort.
Long-Term Availability, Product Warranty and Statutory Warranty
Long-term availability describes the period during which our product series can continue to be purchased or reordered. Since 2025, DEDITEC has ensured a minimum availability of 10 years for all regular product series.
Product warranty refers to a voluntary warranty provided by the manufacturer and is subject to the applicable warranty terms and conditions. The guaranteed long-term availability does not automatically extend the warranty period of a purchased product.
Statutory warranty concerns the statutory rights relating to defects within the respective contractual relationship and is also independent of the guaranteed product availability.
A minimum product availability of 10 years therefore does not mean that a product automatically comes with a 10-year product warranty or statutory warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Availability
How long are DEDITEC I/O modules available?
Since 2025, DEDITEC has ensured a minimum availability of 10 years for all regular product series.
From what point does the 10-year period begin?
The guaranteed period of at least 10 years is calculated starting from the year 2025.
Which DEDITEC product series are covered by long-term availability?
The commitment applies to the UC Series, BS Series, NET Series, RO Series, Starter Series, and CAN Box.
Special transitional revisions may be excluded if they are offered only temporarily as an alternative to a regular product due to a specific supply situation.
Can I still reorder a module I use today several years from now?
This is exactly what our long-term availability strategy is designed for. Our primary goal is to keep the same product available for reorder over the long term.
If this is no longer possible because certain components are permanently unavailable, suitable replacement components or a compatible redesign may be used.
Will exactly the same product remain available throughout the entire period?
However, with electronic products, individual components may be permanently discontinued by the manufacturer. If this makes continued production of the original design impossible, the module may be technically revised.
In this case, we ensure that the revised product remains compatible with the previous product in terms of interfaces, connections, and software.
What happens if an electronic component is discontinued by the manufacturer?
If no suitable replacement is available, measures such as building up corresponding stock levels or redesigning the affected product may be taken.
The measure used depends on the specific component and the affected product.
Do new and older modules within a series remain technically and software compatible?
We pay particular attention to the compatibility of interfaces, connections, and software so that existing applications can continue to be operated with as few adjustments as possible.
Is the 10-year long-term availability a 10-year guarantee?
Warranty and statutory warranty periods apply independently of this.
Why is long-term availability important for industrial I/O modules?
If the hardware in use is discontinued at short notice, replacing it may require changes to hardware, software, wiring, mechanical design, or documentation. For tested or certified systems, additional approvals or certifications may also be required.
Long-term product availability reduces this risk and provides additional planning security.
Are software and firmware updates subject to a charge?
As part of our Lifetime Update concept, firmware updates are available throughout the entire lifetime of the respective product.
Find a Long-Term I/O Solution for Your Project
Are you planning a machine, system, or test setup with long-term requirements for spare parts or future expansion?
DEDITEC supports you in selecting a suitable I/O platform and in evaluating the technical characteristics of our product series.
Select the Right Product Series
Find the right module with the appropriate interface and the required I/Os for the respective system.
Support with Module Selection
Support in selecting the appropriate module – tailored to the technical requirements and the existing system.
Latest Updates on Long-Term Availability at DEDITEC
In our news section, we provide information on specific measures and developments relating to the availability of our products – from stockpiling important components and handling component discontinuations to the long-term continuation of established product series.