Linear Technology Corp., a supplier of analog integrated circuits, has announced that all of the company’s products are available in lead-free versions as an ordering option. This is part of the company’s commitment to meeting the European Community’s Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) guidelines. This represents the latest step in Linear Technology’s ongoing commitment to excellence and leadership in protecting the environment.
After evaluating various lead-free alternatives, Linear Technology selected Matte Tin as the optimal plating for lead-free products. The company believes that this provides the best drop-in replacement because it has the lowest reflow temperature of the lead-free alternatives, has excellent solderability performance, and provides excellent quality and reliability. In order to ensure a smooth transition for customers, Linear Technology will continue to offer solder plated products as well, with unique part numbers for both the lead-free and solder plated versions. In addition to offering lead-free plating, Linear Technology also will provide by mid-2005 an improved plastic mold compound that eliminates antimony trioxide and elemental bromine for a more environmentally friendly packaging alternative. The company’s goal is to replace these flame retardants with environmentally friendly alternatives that meet flammability standards, while improving the product reliability.
In early 2002, Linear Technology was certified to ISO 14001 compliance by implementing an environmental management system.
For more information, visit www.linear.com.