“Form, Fit, and Function” (FFF, or 3F) is a fundamental guiding principle when determining if one component can substitute for another. It provides a concise checklist: does the new part have the same form (physical characteristics), fit (interconnectivity and installation), and function (performance and behavior) as the original?
Cross-referencing in the context of electronic components refers to the process of identifying alternative parts that can perform the same role as a target component in an electrical or electronic system. It plays a vital role in ensuring continuity, design flexibility, and resilience within manufacturing and supply chain operations. While the practice is often seen as a simple lookup for compatible parts, its real-world application spans a diverse range of needs and scenarios from cost optimization to risk mitigation and lifecycle support.
Obsolete components threaten your production schedule and expose your entire supply chain to risk. And you won’t always get a warning.