FULLERTON, Calif (May 3, 2005) — In response to growing environmental concerns and regulations in the electronic component industry, TT Electronics BI Technologies Electronic Component Division recently developed RoHS-compliant thin film resistor networks. The networks are comprised of a 100% matte tin finish over copper lead frame, and are available immediately. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) are the regulatory guidelines adopted by the industry stating that by July 1, 2006 new electrical and electronic equipment must not contain certain hazardous substances (such as lead, mercury or cadmium).
“We are pleased to offer RoHS-compliant thin film resistor networks that are both backward compatible with existing leaded solder profiles and forward compatible with lead free solder profiles,” said Mike Torres, applications engineer and product marketing manager for BI Technologies Electronic Component Division. “This compatibility will enable OEMs to integrate these networks into existing designs as well as new product designs.” In order to distinguish the RoHS-compliant thin film resistor networks from existing products, a suffix “LF” is added to existing part numbers. The packing labels will also identify the products as RoHS-compliant. BI will continue to support the original lead bearing thin film resistor networks as well. Packaged in all-plastic molded packages, the networks are fully compliant to RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, with no exemptions. The devices undergo a process of anneal baking after tin-plating to reduce tin whisker growth.
The price of the RoHS-compliant resistor networks is comparable to the price of the original thin film resistor networks. Typical pricing is $1.00 in quantities of 1000. Network series available include BI Technologies’ 6XX Nichrome on ceramic, and BI SXX Nichrome on silicon families. There is no change in lead time or performance characteristics for compliant parts.
For more information, contact BI Technologies at 714-447-2345, by fax at 714-447-2400; by mail at 4200 Bonita Place, Fullerton, CA 92835; or visit www.bitechnologies.com.