Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Discontinued Parts and Last-Time Buy of Maxim's Parts

1. What is Maxim's Product Discontinuance Policy?
   
   
2. How will Maxim notify me if a product is being discontinued?
   
   
3. Where can I learn which devices are planned for discontinuance in the future?
   
   
4. What is a Last Order Date?
   
   
5. What happens if I need more product after the Last Order Date?
   
   
6. What is the Last Shipment Date?
   
   
7. If I determine that I ordered too much for my final needs, can I cancel my order(s) or return units?
   
   
8. Is there a minimum order quantity for my last-time buy?
   
   
9. Will the part(s) on the Last-Time-Buy list carry the normal Maxim warranty?
   
   
10. Will Maxim offer alternative product(s) for a discontinued part?
    
    
11. Are there any second sources or recommended upgrades for a discontinued device?
    
    
12. Whom should I contact if I have technical questions about alternative devices?
    
    
13. Whom should I contact if I have questions about price or delivery?
    
    
14. Whom do I contact if I have further questions about a discontinued product?
    
    
15. What happens after the 24 months and the product discontinuance is finalized?
    
    

1. What is Maxim's Product Discontinuance Policy?
   Maxim's Product Discontinuance Policy is one of the most liberal in the industry. Our CEO describes the policy, which can be found at: http://www.maxim-ic.com/discontinue.
   
   
2. How will Maxim notify me if a product is being discontinued?
   Maxim will notify all customers who placed an order during the last two years for products that are being discontinued. There are several notification mechanisms:
   
   
   • If you purchased the product directly from Maxim or through Maxim Direct Distribution, you will be notified with a Product Change Notice. The Product Change Notice will detail the Last Order Date and Date of Final Shipment.
     
     
   • If you purchased the product from one of Maxim's franchised distributors, you will be notified by them.
     
     
   • All affected data sheets will carry a banner that identifies the product as discontinued and gives a link to the Product Change Notice.
     
     
   • The Maxim website will list the product as discontinued.
   
   
   
3. Where can I learn which devices are planned for discontinuance in the future?
   Maxim avoids discontinuing products whenever possible. Maxim will use the Product Change Notice process to warn of a product's discontinuance at least six months before discontinuing the device. If you are concerned about the long-term availability of a specific Maxim part, you can inquire at:
   
   
4. What is a Last Order Date?
   The Last Order Date is the date when orders will no longer be accepted for a discontinued product. The date will be six months after the Product Change Notice is released, and identifies the product as discontinued.
   
   
5. What happens if I need more product after the Last Order Date?
   After the Last Order Date, new orders will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis for excess inventory not already committed to backlog. No guarantees can be made on availability of supply after the Last Order Date. Maxim will do its best to serve customers and help them manage their Last-Time Buy requirements.
   
   
6. What is the Last Shipment Date?
   The Last Shipment Date is the latest date for which a product delivery order can be scheduled. This date will be 18 months after the Last Order Date (see Question 5).
   
   
7. If I determine that I ordered too much for my final needs, can I cancel my order(s) or return units?
   Last-Time-Buy parts are noncancellable and nonreturnable. This ensures that the capacity allocated to support Last-Time-Buy orders is utilized and that excess inventory is reduced. Maxim's distributors, however, may have a more lenient Last-Time-Buy policy. You are encouraged to discuss this with distributors if the need arises.
   
   
8. Is there a minimum order quantity for my last-time buy?
   Any minimum order quantity that applies to standard orders will also apply to a Last-Time-Buy order.
   
   
9. Will the part(s) on the Last-Time-Buy list carry the normal Maxim warranty?
   Yes. These products comply fully with Maxim's standard manufacturing flow and carry Maxim's normal warranty.
   
   
10. Will Maxim offer alternative product(s) for a discontinued part?
    The Product Change Notice suggests alternative parts that will serve as a functional equivalent for the discontinued part. Our Applications Staff can also help define a replacement product. For application assistance, go to: www.maxim-ic.com/support.
    
    
11. Are there any second sources or recommended upgrades for a discontinued device?
    Yes, in many cases there are. Each discontinued part's QuickView data sheet will automatically show any recommended alternative parts.
    
    
12. Whom should I contact if I have technical questions about alternative devices?
    You can send your questions to our applications support team. They can be reached at: www.maxim-ic.com/support.
    
    
13. Whom should I contact if I have questions about price or delivery?
    If you are a direct customer of Maxim, contact your local Maxim sales office. If you purchased the part(s) from a distributor, contact your local distributor. A list of contacts can be found at: www.maxim-ic.com/sales.
    
    
14. Whom do I contact if I have further questions about a discontinued product?
    Send your questions to the Discontinuance Coordinator at:
    
    
15. What happens after the 24 months and the product discontinuance is finalized?
    The product discontinuance process is finalized 24 months after the Product Change Notice was issued. Any residual inventory may be scrapped and no longer available for sale. You can inquire about product availability by contacting your distributor or authorized Maxim Representative.