> "[Phoenix] repackages off-the-shelf semiconductors into devices that are virtually identical to the phased-out chips."

I'm slightly surprised that _virtually_ identical chips are allowed. I expected truly identical chips to be required…

I guess it depends on your definition of "allowed" vs "required". I believe that in commercial aerospace applications a device change (e.g. change of manufacturing process or process parameters, let alone different masks) would require the entire assembly to be recertified. That's why Boeing procures all spares for the product lifetime up front.

At some point, I'd assume that beggars can't be choosers. If the new chip works and does not introduce issues while still allowing the plane to continue to fly, I'm guessing they'll take the plane still flying.