Frequently Asked Questions
Flip Electronics - FAQs
Flip Electronics is a globally recognized authorized distributor specializing in aging, obsolete, NRND, EOL, LTB, and hard-to-find electronic components through direct, authorized manufacturer partnerships with Infineon, onsemi, NXP, Renesas, Vishay, Lattice Semiconductor, Ampleon, Allegro Microsystems, Cypress, MaxLinear, IDT, Silicon Labs, Fairchild Semiconductor, Broadcom, Spansion, intersil, Dialog Semiconductor, ERP Power, Freescale Semiconductor, Lumileds, SMARTsemi, and more. See our complete list of Manufacturers.
No. Flip Electronics is not a broker. Flip is an authorized distributor and licensed manufacturing provider. This means components are sourced directly from manufacturers or produced under license — not purchased on the open market. Our model prioritizes 100% authorization, traceability, and quality.
Manufacturer Certificates of Conformance (CoCs) are available for most products.
First-time customers are required to pay in advance. Customers may apply for credit terms after completing an initial order.
Accepted payment methods include ACH (U.S. only), bank wire transfer/electronic funds transfer, credit cards (approved regions only), and check.
A $25.00 wire transfer fee applies to all payments made by wire transfer. Credit card payments are subject to a processing fee based on the card type (Amex, Mastercard, Visa, etc.) and payment location (U.S. or non-U.S.). Credit card processing fees are determined by the payment processor and typically range from 3.5% to 6%. These fees are non-refundable. ACH payments from U.S. bank accounts are not subject to processing fees.
The minimum order value is $500.
Full manufacturer packaging is preferred when available. Packaging requirements may vary depending on the quantities available in manufacturer-sealed packaging.
Flip Electronics will make every effort to ship orders the same day when all required information and payment have been received and sufficient processing time remains. Orders received after 3:00 PM EST typically will not qualify for same-day shipment.
Flip Electronics warrants that its products will be free from defects in material and workmanship and will conform to agreed-upon specifications, if any, for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of shipment. View the full warranty policy.
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the seller, Flip Electronics delivers all products under the terms of EXW (Seller’s Dock), Incoterms 2020. All shipping charges and related expenses are the responsibility of the customer.
International shipping requirements vary based on the destination country, part ECCN, and intended end use. All international customers are required to complete a Customer End-Use and Export Compliance Agreement. Flip Electronics does not ship products or to destinations requiring an export license.
Most Flip Electronics products are NCNR (Non-Cancelable, Non-Returnable) and cannot be canceled or refunded. Flip Electronics may assess reasonable cancellation and/or restocking fees as a condition of approving a cancellation. View the full cancellation policy.
Flip Electronics may accept product returns resulting from customer error or changes in demand. To be eligible for return, customers must request a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Flip Electronics within 30 days of the original shipment date. View the full return policy.
Flip Electronics does not currently offer prepaid freight added to the invoice. Customers may arrange pickup with their preferred carrier or provide a standard carrier, shipping method, and account number for UPS, FedEx, DHL, or another approved carrier.
Pictures are not typically provided before an order is placed, as most products are shipped directly from the manufacturer with applicable Manufacturer Certificates of Conformance. On a case-by-case basis, pictures may be provided after an order is placed depending on the reason for the request.
Flip Electronics Manufacturing Services — FAQs
Flip Electronics Manufacturing Services (FMS) is a fully authorized manufacturer of semiconductor components in the latter stages of their lifecycle. Under an authorized agreement with the original component manufacturer (OCM), FMS provides datasheet-compliant products using the OCM’s original intellectual property.
For additional information, contact FMS at [email protected], your Flip Electronics sales representative, or an existing distribution partner.
There are several reasons an OCM may discontinue a product, including declining sales, reduced profitability, or manufacturing obsolescence. Despite these factors, OCMs may license FMS to continue manufacturing the product and ensure ongoing availability for end customers seeking to avoid costly product redesigns or the need for a last-time buy (LTB).
Yes. All electrical parameters meet the OCM’s datasheet and specifications, ensuring that the parts are identical to those originally produced by the OCM.
FMS products are not emulations; they are identical to the original devices. All electrical parameters remain the same, and the silicon is fabricated in the same foundry using the OCM’s mask set. The OCM’s original test program is used for validation, and the product is assembled using the same process flow as the original device.
Qualification requirements are often minimized because FMS uses original intellectual property from the OCM. Additionally, part numbers remain consistent between the OCM and FMS, helping reduce the need for extensive requalification efforts.
The OCM provides FMS with a license agreement and full authorization to build a form, fit, and functionally compliant product. This includes all necessary manufacturing software, hardware, and tooling, as well as any product inventory the OCM has on hand at the time of FMS authorization.
FMS partners with original manufacturers to extend production using identical tooling and technologies, delivering fully datasheet-compatible products.
FMS provides true 1:1 drop-in replacements authorized and licensed by the original manufacturer—not emulations. These replacements maintain the same form, fit, and function as the original components according to the original datasheet, which can help reduce or eliminate qualification costs.
FMS uses the original test programs, intellectual property, and manufacturing processes to produce wafers and assemblies that integrate seamlessly, delivering reliable performance consistent with the original components.
FMS supports Flip Electronics’ mission through extended-life manufacturing and comprehensive EOL planning services. This integration provides authorized, reliable solutions that help customers manage obsolete and end-of-life semiconductor components effectively, ensuring continued access to critical parts and tailored supply chain support.
“The Gap” refers to the challenges customers face when obsolescence events require unplanned product decisions. These events can disrupt operations and create various challenges depending on the approach taken.
Historically, customers have used approaches such as alternative sourcing, which can lead to counterfeit or poor-quality parts from the grey market despite approved options. Last-time buy purchases can involve significant costs and the challenge of accurately forecasting the required quantity. Redesigns, whether involving a new PCB, a moderate change, or a complete system replacement, can require significant resources, incur high costs, and trigger re-certification requirements. Discontinuing a product can also negatively affect customers and result in lost revenue.
FMS offers a modern approach that avoids many of the challenges associated with traditional methods. This approach eliminates the need to change product strategy while providing continued, long-term availability of quality, authorized products with minimal upfront expenses. It eliminates the need for redesigns or requalification, supports end-customer satisfaction, and enables revenue continuation, providing a smoother and more reliable option for customers.
Ampleon Legacy LDMOS Portfolio — FAQs
Flip Electronics has procured an RF product line currently being manufactured by Ampleon to provide continued support for the portfolio.
No requalification will be necessary by the end customer. Ampleon will continue manufacturing the products and will remain the OSAT (Outside Semiconductor Assembly and Test) of record.
No. Flip Electronics is capable of supporting all part numbers in the portfolio, including previously discontinued part numbers.
Flip Electronics will support the product portfolio for an estimated 20+ years. Although some products in the portfolio have been discontinued in the past, Flip Electronics will issue a PCN re-establishing all corresponding part numbers to active status.
No. With the ability to support the portfolio for an estimated 20+ years, no redesign is necessary.
Yes. With Flip Electronics’ ability to support the portfolio for the next 20+ years, existing designs can be completed using components from the portfolio, and new designs are also encouraged. The portfolio is expected to have the same availability of products with no End-of-Life or Last-Time Buys projected. New design requirements can be supported through an existing distribution design partner.
The portfolio includes a portion of Ampleon’s broad-market LDMOS product line. For a complete list of included products, view the full portfolio.
Yes. Flip Electronics intends to support customer demand through the existing distribution partner network.
All open orders with Ampleon will be honored under the terms previously agreed to with Ampleon, including estimated delivery dates, pricing, and other applicable terms. Existing contract pricing will also be honored. No pricing changes are anticipated at this time.
Flip Electronics and Ampleon have joined forces to extend the availability of Ampleon’s LDMOS portfolio of high-performance RF transistors to customers worldwide. In recognition of the portfolio’s performance, use, value to customers, and long-term customer needs, Ampleon chose to transfer the corresponding part numbers to Flip Electronics rather than discontinue the products. This provides seamless and continued support while allowing Ampleon to focus on emerging customer applications and newer technologies.
For additional information, contact Flip Electronics at [email protected], your Flip Electronics sales representative, or an existing Ampleon products distribution partner.