The idea that embedded boards can have a legacy or impact as enduring as the pyramids may seem strange in a world that is always looking for the newest and most innovative technology. Their importance in electronics, both in history and in the present day, can be easy to overlook, but like historical sites such as the great pyramids, embedded circuit boards stand as a testament to the ingenuity of previous generations. 

Legacy embedded boards represent the foundation on which our modern systems were built, from life-saving medical equipment to flight-critical aerospace systems. They have and continue to support countless industries, allowing the global marketplace to continue their operations with little interruption and preventing disruptions that would have far-reaching consequences. If every technical advancement required a complete overhaul of the previous system, there would be massive chaos across the world. Instead, legacy systems provide a foundation for new upgrades, a gradual and incremental process of innovation that does not jeopardize their core functionality. 

Legacy boards are more than just components and code–they embody the skills and ingenuity of past engineers, preserving their expertise in a way that allows future generations to learn and grow from their past successes and failures. 

Legacy sustainment is more than just maintaining old systems. This is an ideal, a field of study, and an investment in the future by ensuring continued access to older OEM designs. The collaboration of OEMs and  legacy equipment manufacturers, LEMs, demonstrates this commitment to responsible innovation and respects the technological heritage that has paved the way for today’s progress. 

Legacy sustainment is not a burden, but a valuable inheritance, just like the pyramids and many other historical sites today. It’s an inheritance that should be nurtured as a foundation for the progress of future generations, as well as a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity. By embracing the importance of legacy sustainment, we can ensure the smooth operation of many long-term critical systems, pave the way for innovation, and contribute to a richer technological tapestry for generations to come. 

Would you like to learn more? Check out the full video on Youtube!