In possibly one of the quietest revolutions in the history of Power Semiconductor electronics manufacturing, the European Parliament's August 1st decision marked the beginning of the end for the use of lead (Pb) in solders in automotive electronics. This usage had previously fallen under one of the exemptions of the 2000/53/EC "End-of-Life Vehicle" directive, but per annex II is now slated for review in 2009 (see Annex II: 8.a and 8.b).
Most of us in the solder industry are aware that alternatives to Pb-containing (lead-based) solders are available, but usually there will be trade-offs. We'll talk about these in the next few weeks. Some of the alternatives available are shown here, but there are very many more, and if you need help choosing one, please send me an email amackie@indium.com and let me and the team help you decide on the best choice.
Since the beginning of 2008, all of our Power Semiconductor customers, including the biggest names in the industry, have been asking for Pb-free solder alternatives.
We will make sure to keep you posted on how Indium Corporation is responding to this global need for Pb-free die-attach solder technology.