14.01.2025
The importance of working with trustworthy partners in procuring power electronic components
Component shortages can often force buyers to consider out-of-franchise sources, GD Rectifiers explains why it’s essential to work with trustworthy partners in procuring power electronic components
Counterfeit activity has risen significantly during the last few years and as more companies are forced to consider the out-of-franchise route to plug procurement gaps, it’s essential to work with a partner you can trust.
GD Rectifiers has been in the franchised power electronic component distribution business for 60 years. Component sourcing and obsolescence support is an important proposition for our customers and our team offers expert technical support for obsolete and hard to find components.
As an SME, when conditions are challenging, GD Rectifiers must remain flexible as a supply partner. The company works hard to establish a wider network of trusted verified suppliers so they can often source products for lines they are not franchised for, protecting customers and keeping production schedules on track.
The importance of working with trustworthy partners in procuring power electronic components
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and electronics, the demand for reliable power electronic components is more crucial than ever. Whether for consumer electronics, industrial applications or renewable energy systems, these components form the backbone of countless devices and infrastructures. Partnering with trustworthy suppliers and manufacturers is paramount. Here are the key reasons why reliability in your distributor partners is essential.
- Ensuring Quality and Reliability
High-quality components are crucial when it comes to power electronics. Subpar components can lead to device malfunctions, reduced lifespan and even hazardous situations such as electrical fires. Trustworthy partners typically adhere to stringent quality control standards and provide components that meet or exceed industry certifications. This assurance of quality minimises the risk of failure and enhances the overall reliability of products.
- Access to Genuine Components
The power electronics market is fraught with counterfeit products. These imitations often look identical to genuine parts but fail to meet necessary specifications and performance standards. Trusted partners source components directly from the original component manufacturers, ensuring authenticity. This not only guarantees the integrity of the components but also protects customer trust and brand reputation.
- Consistency in Supply Chain
A stable and reliable supply chain is critical to maintaining production schedules and meeting market demands. Trustworthy partners are known for their consistent availability and timely delivery of components. They have robust logistics and inventory management systems that can handle fluctuations in demand without causing disruptions. This consistency helps in planning and executing production timelines efficiently.
- Technical Support and Expertise
Technical support for new projects and component obsolescence projects can prove invaluable. Reliable distributor partners provide access to knowledgeable engineers and technical experts who can assist with component selection, integration and troubleshooting. The technical support offered by a distributor is a significant asset, reducing the time and resources spent on problem-solving and ensuring projects run smoothly.
- Long-term Partnerships and Cost Efficiency
Establishing long-term partnerships with trustworthy suppliers can lead to better pricing and terms over time. Reliable partners value long-term collaborations and are more likely to offer competitive pricing, flexible payment terms and volume discounts. Additionally, the cost of component failures and replacements is far greater than the upfront cost savings from purchasing from dubious sources.
- Compliance and Standards
The power electronic components industry is governed by various international standards and regulations. Non-compliance can result in product recalls and financial penalties. Trustworthy partners are well-versed in these regulations and ensure that their components comply with all necessary standards.
- Innovation and Access to the Latest Products
Technology is constantly advancing and staying up to date with the latest innovations is essential to remain competitive. OCM’s continuous investment in research and development means you have access to cutting-edge products that can give your projects a technological edge.
- Risk Mitigation
Working with unreliable partners can cause significant risks, including component failures, production delays and financial losses. Trustworthy partners help to mitigate these risks by providing dependable components and custom services.
GD Rectifiers: The Trustworthy Partner
What makes us different?
For GD Rectifiers, we are well positioned to avoid pitfalls and pre-empt problems by keeping buffer stocks, and having close relationships with suppliers often allows us to secure more product on behalf on key customers. We carry our full due diligence to help mitigate risk and provide Certificate of Conformance (C of Cs) and manufacturer warranties on goods supplied.
When we source power electronic components we buy directly from OEMs, on the rare occasion we need to top up supply of a part because of a long lead time or short shipped order, we will check that any distributor has industry-recognised systems and accreditations in place, whilst understanding their counterfeit-avoidance policy.
Our in-house heatsink and power assembly manufacturing facility allows us to provide complete custom power services through heatsink and assembly design, selection and build.
At GD Rectifiers, our custom designed heatsinks are tailored to electronic device’s size, power requirements and thermal characteristics. Our heatsinks ensure optimal thermal management by considering the device’s power dissipation, airflow and space constraints. We work closely with customers to create heatsinks that maximise heat dissipation and minimises the risk of overheating.
At GD Rectifiers, we work with customers on custom heatsink designs to determine:
- Space available for heatsink application – including the width, length and height
- Power of the source in watts and size
- Air speed and the direction of air flow
- Maximum operating case or junction temperature
- Local ambient temperature
- Preferred attachment method
- Thermal interface products and any required accessories
- Estimate annual usage, budget constraints and end application
Our custom power assemblies combine semiconductors with bespoke thermal management products providing a value-added assembly designed and manufactured in-house in the UK. We work closely with customers from enquiry to design phase and full production, creating a power semiconductor assembly that meets the requirements of your application.
At GD Rectifiers, we work with customers on custom power semiconductor assemblies to determine:
- Power assembly circuit description – assembly type, circuit, semiconductor type, assembly type
- Input voltage, operating voltage and output current voltage
- DC current
- Ambient/water inlet temperature
- Duty Cycle
- Quantity
- Lead time
- Target pricing
- Size constraints
- Auxiliary component options – fuses, DV/DT, thermal trips etc.
Procuring power electronic components made easy
Our cost-effective, reliable provision of regular franchised components assured sourcing of hard-to-find components and experience in EOL, and obsolescence ensures your supply schedule runs without disruption. As a power electronics component distributor and heatsink/power assembly designer and manufacturer, we are well placed to provide customers with complete custom power services and solutions. We partner with some of the world’s leading OCM’s including IXYS, Westcode, Eaton Bussmann, Mersen and Enerdoor.
Our proven track record and commitment to quality reduces the uncertainties associated with procurement, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. From ensuring quality and compliance to providing technical support and maintaining a consistent supply chain, these partners play a critical role in the success of projects. By choosing a partner with a proven track record of reliability and excellence, you safeguard your operations, enhance product quality and place your business in a better position for sustainable growth.
For further information on our GD Rectifiers product range or to discuss an enquiry with our sales team, please contact us on 01444 243 452 or email [email protected].
