Multimode transceivers meet RoHS requirements

"Agilent Technologies has developed RoHS-compliant multimode fibre optic transceivers targeted at 4Gbit/s Fibre Channel storage networking applications such as Fibre Channel switches, disk arrays and host bus adapters. The small-form-factor (SFF) and small-form-factor pluggable (SFP) lead-free modules are fully compliant with the European Union's Restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) Directive. Both the Agilent AFBR-59R5LZ in the 2 x 7 SFF package and AFBR-57R5APZ in the SFP package are compliant with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) FC-PI and FC-PI-2 physical layer standards and support Fibre Channel applications at 1, 2 and 4Gbit/s datarates." Source: electronicstalk.com

The Cost of RoHS

"Based on hundreds of interviews with electronics companies, their contract manufacturers, and suppliers, TFI estimates that meeting RoHS requirements requires a one-time investment of 2-3% of cost of goods sold. She says that companies can minimize the cost of RoHS through a design for environment initiative." Source: purchasing.com

IDT's flip-chip packaged monolithic NSEs now RoHS-compliant

"Integrated Device Technology Inc. disclosed that it has begun volume production of its RoHS-compliant flip-chip packaged monolithic 512Kx36 (18Mb) and 256Kx36 (9Mb) network search engines (NSEs) with dual Network Processor Forum (NPF) Look Aside (LA-1) interfaces. By offering these NSEs in RoHS-compliant flip-chip packaging, said IDT, they are enabling designers of telecommunications equipment to reach line rate performance up to OC-192 and beyond, while at the same time meeting new environmental regulations regarding lead-free products." Source: eetasia.com

Agency warns against RoHS ‘smokescreen’

"The industry must avoid confusion between the two separate European Directives for hazardous substances and waste disposal, according to the standards agency the BSI. According to Simon Bircham, product manager with the BSI, recent changes to the deadline for implementing the WEEE Directive in the UK might have confused some companies over the status of the RoHS Directive. “With the shifting of the WEEE deadline there may be an assumption that the RoHS Directive will slip back as well, which is not the case,” said Bircham." Source: electronicsweekly.com

Farnell InOne warns of RoHS lottery

"Farnell InOne, international distributor of electronic and industrial components, has issued a warning, at the launch of its new catalogue of RoHS compliant products, alerting the electronics industry to possible mayhem if distributors don't take the lead in issuing new part numbers for compliant stock. Farnell InOne believes that this is the only way to ensure compliant and non-compliant parts can be identified easily and properly segregated. The company urges design engineers to avoid the part number lottery by using distributors, such as Farnell InOne, that are changing part numbers and clearly segregating compliant and non-compliant stock." Source: ferret.com.au

Nanotech Firm Says Solved RoHS Issues

"A California nanotech firm has launched an RoHS-compliant solution to printed circuit board failure. Proprietary technology from Interface Sciences Corp. uses dense molecular arrangement on the nanoscale in addition to the use of unconventional molecules. The firm said the solution mediates problems stemming from the use of lead-free solders." Source: circuitsassembly.com

Harwin appoints RoHS compliance project manager

"Interconnect manufacturer Harwin has appointed Wendy Bourne as RoHS Compliance Project Manager to oversee the company’s transition to full RoHS compliance. Bourne has gained product and technical experience working as part of Harwin’s Design and Product Engineering team." Source: eetuk.com

RoHS Compliant Optical Transceivers

"NeoPhotonics today announced here at ECOC 2005 the availability of RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substance) compliant optical transceivers for volume shipment before the end of 2005. The European Parliament RoHS Directive aims to protect human health and the environment through the restricted use of certain hazardous substances. The directive states that from 1st July 2006 lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and polybrominated diphenyl ether will be banned from new electrical and electronic equipment." Source: NeoPhotonics via businesswire.com

RoHS-Compliant 4 Gb/s Fiber Optic Transceivers for Fibre Channel Storage Applications

"Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced RoHS-compliant, multimode fiber optic transceivers targeted at 4 Gb/s Fibre Channel storage networking applications such as Fibre Channel switches, disk arrays and host bus adapters. The small-form-factor (SFF) and small-form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules are fully compliant with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive." Source: businesswire.com

Terminal carriers complete RoHS compliant testing

"Advanced Interconnections has recently completed RoHS compliant testing on its patented Peel-A-Way removable terminal carrier products. All Peel-A-Way PGA, DIP, SIP and board to board connectors with lead-free terminal plating meet the RoHS Directive's requirements for material content, and can withstand the higher temperatures associated with lead-free electronics processing. The Peel-A-Way insulator, made of polyimide film, as well as the screw-machined terminals and multi-fingered contacts passed survivability tests up to 260C for 40s." Source: electronicstalk.com

SMTA launches mini RoHS conference

"The SMTA launched an extremely popular new mini-conference in 2005 entitled Complying with RoHS: Real-World Examples of What Companies Are Doing Today. This one-day event is moderated by Harvey Stone, The Goodbye Chain Group, and will be held again on December 7, 2005, at the Richardson Hotel in Richardson, TX. The technical agenda focuses on actual experiences that companies are having in solving the many difficult challenges of environmental legislative compliance. It will begin with a general session on Complying with RoHS, covering topics such as legal requirements, multi-functional implications, key issues, and current examples. Break-out session topics throughout the day include Gathering Organizational Resources for RoHS-Compliance; Determining Your Post-RoHS Product Mix; Solving the Parts Numbering and Inventory Puzzles. The mini-conference will conclude with a review of key issues and practices." Source: emsnow.com

Assessing the Risks: RoHS Compliance

"To help companies evaluate their own RoHS readiness as well as the readiness of their supply chain partners, Boston-based AMR Research Inc. has suggested a model for product compliance. The model is also designed to assess readiness and risk and show the steps companies still must take to reach compliance. AMR’s model identifies five exposure factors: revenue impact, product exemptions, supply chain location, inventory exposure, and product useful life. Using this list, companies can evaluate their exposure, the company said. Eric Karofsky, an AMR senior research analyst and one of the authors of the report explains that if only 5 percent of your revenue is at risk for non-compliance, the risk may be acceptable." Source: reed-electronics.com

Test house supports SMEs with RoHS website

"With under 10 months until the RoHS deadline, RFI Global Services has launched a website dedicated to the RoHS and WEEE directives. The UK test house has developed a range of tutorials and guides aimed especially at smaller companies. These can be found at www.rohs-weee.uk.com." Source: electronicsweekly.com

IDT offers network engines in RoHS-compliant flip-chip packaging

"Integrated Device Technology Inc. (IDT) has begun volume production of its RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances)-compliant flip-chip packaged monolithic 512Kx36 (18Mbit) and 256Kx36 (9Mbit) network search engines (NSEs) with dual Network Processor Forum (NPF) Look Aside (LA-1) interfaces. By offering these NSEs in RoHS-compliant flip-chip packaging, IDT is enabling designers of telecommunications equipment to reach line rate performance up to OC-192 and beyond, while at the same time meeting new environmental regulations regarding lead-free products." Source: eetasia.com

First RoHS compliant SBC

"ADVANTECH has recently made a small yet significant contribution to environmental protection, by releasing the PCM-9371 single board computer that is Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant. This is the company's first SBC to be fully compliant with European legislation for environmentally-friendly electrical equipment." Source: ferret.com.au

Passing the buck on RoHS

"Already, billions of dollars have been spent on getting parts ready to meet the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. But there’s more - much more - as it turns out, and those costs are going to end up being passed along to consumers in slightly higher retail prices. The current estimates for monitoring compliance within Europe run at about $615m (€500m) to more than $1.1bn (€900m) per year, according to an official at the European Commission in Brussels. The Commission created the RoHS rules, as well as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, which the member states adopted." Source: electronicsweekly.com

High Efficiency, Space Saving Multi-Chip Module for DC-DC Converters is RoHS Compliant

"To address the demand for higher current and higher frequency power solutions for DC-DC converters, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)* with its parent company, Toshiba Corporation (Toshiba), today announced that the company has created a multi-chip module (MCM) that combines a driver IC with a MOSFET and Toshiba MOSBD(TM), a single-die combination of a power MOSFET and a Schottky Barrier Diode, in one compact package to achieve greater power output, higher efficiency, a faster response time and improved precision. Toshiba's TB7001FL MCM device for DC-DC converters are Lead(Pb)-Free(1), and are RoHS-compatible." Source: prnewswire.com

Nanotechnology Innovation Solves Printed Circuit Board Failure Caused by RoHS Lead-Free Standards/CAF

"Interface Sciences Corporation (www.interfacesciences.com) today announced the launch of its RoHS-compliant, cost-effective solution to printed circuit board failure. Continued use of conventional materials will cause reliability of medium- and high-performance electronic products to drop to unacceptable levels. Interface Sciences' proprietary application solves circuit board failure. CEO Mitch Hawkins said, "Our patented Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) nanotechnology provides a far-reaching and cost-effective solution to the $3 billion medium- and high-performance board market segment."" Source: Interface Sciences Corporation via Yahoo

EMS Firm Gains RoHS Compliance

"Sparton Corp. an EMS provider, announced its engineering and electronics manufacturing operations are in full compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. Sparton received third-party certification for establishing a fully compliant lead-free design and manufacturing process into its electronics services capabilities, the company said today. The certification includes processes, equipment and training to design, identify components, procure and manage materials and assemble and test electronics products that require compliance with the RoHS directive." Source: circuitsassembly.com

IPC hosts RoHS compliance workshop - implementing IPC-1752

"IPC will sponsor an intensive one-day course titled "Ensuring RoHS Compliance Through Materials Declaration Tools: Implementing IPC-1752" in Northbrook, Ill. Course instructor Richard Kubin, chair of IPC's Supplier Declaration Committee and vice president of E2open, will lead attendees through:
-- IPC-1752, the free, industry-developed materials declaration standard
-- Using the IPC-1752 materials declaration forms to gather necessary hazardous and restricted substance data from suppliers and demonstrate compliance to customers
-- Importing and exporting data from company systems to the IPC-1752 materials declaration forms
-- Completing a materials declaration form during a hands-on demonstration" Source: emsnow.com

Smaller Enterprises Lag in RoHS Compliance

"According to analysts at Boston-based AMR Research Inc., small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs) have not been able to keep up in the shift to environmental compliance. With less little more than nine months left until the RoHS deadline of July 1, 2006, lagging companies present much of the electronics industry with a real problem. “Large companies are really attacking compliance,” says Eric Karofsky, senior research analyst at AMR Research. “They may not be 100 percent compliant, but they have an articulate strategy, they understand the risk, and they’re comfortable with their position. But the SMEs are having problems." Source: designnews.com

RoHS-Compliant SMT Test Point Series

"Components Corporation has introduces TP-108 Series of Surface Mount Test Point designed to provide a secure anchoring point for miniature test points and j-hooks. The loop configuration of the TP-108 series holds probes fast, without the slippage and painful punctures common to posts or turrets. The TP-108’s small footprint — about the same as a 1206 chip capacitor — and profile are suited for advanced surface mount printed circuit board applications." Source: ecnasiamag.com

IDT Offers Leading Network Search Engines in RoHS-Compliant Flip-Chip Packaging

"IDT(TM) (Integrated Device Technology, Inc.) (Nasdaq:IDTI), today announced it has begun volume production of its RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances)-compliant flip-chip packaged monolithic 512Kx36 (18-Mbit) and 256Kx36 (9-Mbit) network search engines (NSEs) with dual Network Processor Forum (NPF) Look Aside (LA-1) interfaces. By offering these NSEs in RoHS-compliant flip-chip packaging, IDT is enabling designers of telecommunications equipment to reach line rate performance up to OC-192 and beyond, while at the same time meeting new environmental regulations regarding lead-free products." Source: businesswire.com

Innov-X Announces RoHS/WEEE Compliance Seminars beginning in October

"To help the American Manufacturer mitigate risks associated with the European Union's RoHS - WEEE Directives*, the Alliance of Service Providers & Manufacturers and Innov-X are launching a six-city series of meetings to build awareness and provide information and knowledge on RoHS/WEEE Directives. They are intended to build on the success of ASPMFG's recent Panel Discussions held in Silicon Valley. " Source: ereleases.com

World's First RoHS Compliant PC

"Toshiba of Canada Information Systems Group (Toshiba ISG) today introduced the Tecra S3 and Tecra M3, the latest additions to the powerful Tecra line of commercial notebook computers. The Tecra S3 is believed to be the first PC in the world to fully comply with the new environmental RoHS(*) regulations set forth by the European Parliament, an achievement that comes well in advance of the July 1, 2006 compliance deadline. The introduction of the Tecra S3 is the latest in a long line of initiatives that speak to Toshiba's role as an industry leader in environmental awareness and protection. In 1998, Toshiba launched the first halogen-antimony free PCB notebook PC. It was also one of the first to do away with the use of lead-based solder and is now the first to fully comply with the new, stringent RoHS Regulations. Beginning with the Tecra S3, all newly developed notebook computers from Toshiba will comply with these environmental directives." Source: CNW Group

New Rabbit(R) 4000 Microprocessor is RoHS Compliant

"Today, Rabbit Semiconductor, Inc. is proud to announce the Rabbit 4000 as the newest addition to the Rabbit line of low-EMI microprocessors. The Rabbit 4000, like its predecessors, is designed specifically for embedded control, communications, and Ethernet connectivity. Rabbit 4000 brings forth new and improved features which make it a clear choice for today's demanding embedded applications. Building upon the highly successful Rabbit(R) 3000, the Rabbit 4000 is offered in two RoHS compliant packages, 128-pin TQFP and 128-pin TFBGA configurations. The new features include integrated 10Base-T Ethernet, DMA, 16-bit memory device support, page-mode memory device support, and memory enhancements with physical address space of up to 16 MB. It also features hardware security features, hardware breakpoints, improved I/O, and variable-phase PWM. 500 new instructions have been added to increase the processing speed and efficiency." Source: Rabbit via businesswire.com

ULi Announces the Availability of RoHS-Compliant ''Green'' Chips

"ULi Electronics Inc. (ULi), a leading core logic chipset manufacturer, today announces the availability of "Green" and lead-free solutions for all lines of products including core logic chipset, PC peripheral host controller and video/audio device controller. ULi is responding as a globally responsible corporation, to be fully committed to provide eco-friendly products as an alternative solution for customers, where bond wire and substrate are finished with lead-free and halogen-free materials. ULi's move to lead-free manufacturing started in 2003, reflecting its high priority by incorporating environmental awareness into all corporate management policies throughout the whole company." Source: ULi via businesswire.com

EMA Strengthens RoHS Compliance Design Methodology

"EMA Design Automation(TM), a full-service provider of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) solutions, today announced that it has added PTC(R) InterComm(TM), a suite of electronic design communication and collaboration products, to its set of design tools. This enables any product design team to hold much more accurate and in-depth design reviews while streamlining the process. These tools are especially helpful with distributed design teams or companies with heterogeneous design environments. "InterComm is an integral part of the design methodology we use to solve the RoHS problem," said Manny Marcano, president of EMA Design Automation. "With InterComm, we enable the entire product team to review designs for compliance, rather than just the CAD tool users."" Source: EMA via businesswire.com

Why Comply with RoHS and WEEE?

"The RoHS and WEEE directives are shaping up to have the largest global impact of any environmental regulation ever. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive (WEEE) is already in force as of 13 August 2005. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS) will take effect 1 July 2006. Both impact electrical appliances and electronic products sold in European markets. While RoHS carries some exemptions, the global supply chain is effectively demanding full compliance across the board. If your business is in the affected industries, you will likely face compliance requirements. Even if you do not sell directly into European markets, some of your customers might do so. They will pass their compliance requirements down to you. The rest of this article will help explain more about the regulations, their scope and impact, and what you can do to protect and grow your business in this new, greener, business environment." Source: rohswell.com

Omron to Release World's First RoHS-Compatible UHF-Band RFID Reader/Writer

"OMRON Corporation (TSE: 6645; NYSE: OMRNY), a global leader in automation, sensing and control technologies, announced today it will release its RFID reader/writer which is compatible with UHF frequency bands. This unit, to be released at the end of September 2005, conforms to European RoHS directive(*1) (EU Directive on the Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment) for the U.S. retail industry - the first of its kind in the world. The reader/writer is a monostatic type(*2) that uses an integral transmission and reception antenna element and can be connected with up to four antennas. Omron plans to ship 2,000 reader/writer units to the North American market during fiscal 2005 with a sales goal of 500 million yen. Following this, Omron also plans to market an RoHS-compatible UHF-band RFID reader/writer for the European market." Source: japancorp.net

PEMSTAR Achieves RoHS Milestone

"PEMSTAR Inc. (Nasdaq: PMTR), a leading provider of global engineering and electronics manufacturing services (EMS), today announced that it has received full qualification status for lead-free SMT processing. "This qualification status marks another important milestone in helping PEMSTAR's customers to comply with pending global environmental protection initiatives, including the European Union's (EU's) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation. This legislation will require the restriction of a number of hazardous substances, including lead, from electronic components by July 1, 2006." said Roy Bauer, President and COO of PEMSTAR. "We have been working closely with our supply chain and with our OEM customers to proactively prepare for the new design and manufacturing requirements resulting from these environmental initiatives. This qualification milestone builds on the lead-free manufacturing processing that PEMSTAR has been providing to its customers over the past 15 months in its North America, Europe, and Asia facilities."" Source: prnewswire.com

Unshrouded headers meet RoHS requirements

"BergStik unshrouded headers with selective plated contacts meet environmental requirements for lead-free and RoHS-compatible components. BergStik headers feature industry-standard 0.64mm square post contacts on 2.54mm pitch. The BergStik product family offers an extensive range of through-hole and surface mount part options including single- or double-row headers in either straight or right angle orientation." Source: electronicstalk.com

RoHS compliance tool for OEMs

"MENTOR Graphics Corporation, represented in Australia by In-Circuit Design, has announced PCB tool support that enables original equipment manufacture (OEM) customers to achieve Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance. Mentor's solution helps OEMs ensure compliance early and throughout the design process, eliminating costly alterations." Source: ferret.com.au

Toshiba Announces Lead(Pb)-Free Transition Plan for Memory Products

"As the next step in the company's transition to Lead(Pb)-Free manufacturing, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)* announced the availability on its Web site today of a Lead(Pb)-Free(1) Memory Products Plan, developed by Toshiba Corp. (Toshiba) for designers, engineers, and developers of electronic components worldwide. As outlined in the document, the first phase of Toshiba's Lead(Pb)-Free Memory products plan was to offer Lead(Pb)-Free versions of its memory products upon request by the end of 2003. The initial phase of this important step in the "green" movement was completed on schedule, and many products have already been shifted to Lead(Pb)-Free according to customer's requirements. In order to further support our customers as they strive to comply with the various environmental regulations around the world, Toshiba is beginning the next phase of its conversion plan, working with customers to gradually convert all memory product shipments to Lead(Pb)-Free, with a goal of completing this transition by the end of 2005." Source: prnewswire.com

Webcast: ‘The Roadmap to RoHS’

"A live keynote interview on RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) will air Sept. 14, 2005, 11 a.m. EST, part of “ECN’S EOEM Design Conference & Exhibition Online.” ECN, a Reed Business Information publication, says the webcast will be available for archive viewing after-ward, as well. Participants are Aimee Kalnoskas, editor-in-chief, ECN Magazine, and Paul Tallentire, president, Newark inOne." Source: manufacturing.net

Calumet Electronics presents new RoHS Compliance informational video

"Calumet Electronics Corp. (CEC) has released the first in a series of informational videos entitled "Lead-Free with CEC". This video focuses on Lead-Free Finishes and related manufacturing process considerations and addresses specific printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing solutions introduced by CEC in response to the upcoming European RoHS Directive. "Lead-Free with CEC" provides an overview of surface finish alternatives in production at CEC. The video provides current and future CEC customers with a dramatic inside look at the production cells, the equipment, and the people producing printed circuit boards with alternate finishes. CEC ships RoHS-compliant PCB's to its current customers on a daily basis and is "RoHS-ready" well in advance of the approaching deadline." Source: emsnow.com

Help at hand for lead-free design and manufacture

"Following its 200-delegate sell-out event in February, the SMART Group is holding another lead-free seminar on November 1 at Wycombe Football Club. The SMART Group is bringing two of the speakers will be from U.S. and for the first time the RoHS enforcers in the UK — National Weights & Measures Laboratory — will be present. Subjects will include a legislation update from the DTI, Chris Smith of NWML will explain RoHS Enforcement in UK, JJS Electronics, a contract manufacturer will provide users experience, while Indium will describe teardown strategies for RoHS compliance." Source: eetuk.com

RoHS-compliant Square Nano and PICO II fuse series

"Littelfuse, represented in Australia by Soanar, has released the new RoHS-compliant Square Nano and PICO II Fuse Series. The Nano2 and PICO II fuses meet the requirements of the RoHS directive for the reduction of hazardous substances and are compatible with higher temperature reflow cycles. The fuses offer the same performance specifications as existing Nano2 and Pico II fuses but replace all external lead surfaces with approved substances." Source: ferret.com.au

Even MRO is Affected by RoHS

"When it comes to replacement parts, you don’t have to worry about using lead-free components because the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) segment is exempt, right? Meanwhile, the components industry is going through such a massive switch to lead-free parts, you may find that the replacement part for your refrigerator is lead-free, even though it doesn’t have to be. And soon, if you want that non-compliant leaded version -- because you’re in the defense industry and don’t trust lead-free parts -- it may cost you more than the new lead-free part. So even though MRO components are exempt, they are certainly not unaffected by the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations." Source: reed-electronics.com

Fujitsu launches environment-friendly notebook

"Fujitsu Siemens Computers has announced the launch of an environment-friendly notebook that meets new EU requirements restricting the use of hazardous substances. The Professional Notebook AMILO Pro V2030 Edition complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, due to come into force in July next year the first notebook to meet the requirements." Source: computerweekly.com

New High Linearity 1-Watt, Broadband Amplifier is RoHS Compliant

"WJ Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF solutions for the wireless infrastructure and RFID markets, today announced a new 1-watt, high linearity driver amplifier targeted for mobile infrastructure, CATV/DBS, VHF/UHF broadband, and defense and homeland security applications. The AH202 covers the 50-2200 MHz frequency range, is available in a 6x6 mm 28-pin QFN SMT package and is lead-free/RoHS compliant." Source: WJ via businesswire.com

RoHS Compliant Ceramic MLCCs Feature 10 V Capacitance Extensions

"Voltage and capacitance extensions in surface-mount commercial X5R MLCCs (Multi Layer Ceramic Capacitors) are available with X5R dielectric as well as K (±10%) and M (±20%) tolerances. RoHS-compliant devices offer capacitance ranges from 1.2–22 µF in 0603, 0805, and 1206 EIA case sizes with 10 V ratings. Components provide circuit functions such as decoupling and output filtering to computer, power supply, and automotive markets." Source: thomasnet.com

Multi-application RoHS Compliant Wireless Antennas

"Pulse has introduced the W1000-series of omni-directional antennas designed for original equipment manufacturers and which are 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth and ZigBee compatible. They also are compatible with other devices operating on the ISM band and are RoHS-compliant, the company said." Source: mrtmag.com

Kits offer handy check for RoHS compliance

"BLT Circuit Services is expanding the range of LeadCheck swabs stocked for European sales to include the latest Indirect LeadCheck kit which includes fine tipped Q-tips, alcohol wipes, sample trays and 24 LeadCheck swabs all in one convenient kit. This enables dry testing of PCBs, components and finished assemblies with up to four tests per chemical swab making for a more cost effective method for testing for RoHS compliance. Within the expanded range also includes mercury, cadmium, arsenic and ChromateCheck swabs to complete the chemical testing package." Source: electronicstalk.com

Study: RoHS Cost 2-3% of COGS

"Meeting RoHS requirements requires a one-time investment of 2% to 3% of cost of goods sold, a top research firm said today. The firm released its findings to counter what it called "false information and speculation" about the cost of compliance. In a press release, Pamela Gordon, president of Technology Forecasters, said, "We are hearing statistics from some mistaken consultants that name-brand electronics companies need to spend 10% of their R&D budgets to comply to RoHS."" Source: circuitsassembly.com

Additional RoHS Exemptions Sought

"Comments are being sought from companies whose designs would either be rendered impracticable with RoHS-free substances or where the negative environmental and consumer safety impacts caused by switching would outweigh the benefits. While the ROHS Directive 2002/95/EC bans lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE, the annex to the Directive lists a limited number of applications which are exempted. However, under pressure from industry, the European Commission is accepting input on requests for possible additional exemptions. On the list of requested exemptions is lead used in solder on small PCBs and tinned leads of primary components, and lead used in industrial electronics." Source: circuitsassembly.com

SMTA LA / Orange County chapter to focus on RoHS compliance

"On October 27th, 2005, from 9:00am - 4:30pm at Skyworks Solutions in Irvine, CA, Dr. Harvey Stone of The Goodbye Chain Group will present a tutorial program on Complying with RoHS: Key Issues, Best Practices, and Critical Steps. The course is meant to provide information, stimulate discussion, and allow attendees to share their own experiences and ask questions in order to identify the steps needed to reduce financial risk, cut costs, and gain competitive advantage from RoHS compliance activities." Source: emsnow.com

TranSwitch Shipping 'Beyond-RoHS-Compliant' Devices for Retrofits and New Designs

"TranSwitch(R) Corporation (NASDAQ: TXCC), a leading provider of high-speed semiconductor solutions for voice, data and video communications, today announced that Green versions of its Envoy(TM)-CE2 and Envoy-CE4 multi-port carrier-class Ethernet controllers are shipping to customers. The devices, among the first Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) or Green-compliant products available, are being incorporated into new and existing designs. Many OEMs provide Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), such as micro-MSPPs, and customer edge switches and routers, which can be classified as 'commercial' or 'industrial' equipment. These products need to comply with the European Union (EU) Directive on RoHS by July 1, 2006 in order to continue shipping into Europe and Asia. TranSwitch's Envoy-CE4, a powerful Ethernet to SPI-3 controller for carrier-class networks, is now being deployed by a Tier One wireless communications OEM for the RoHS redesign of its high performance network security platform. Telecommunications equipment suppliers have until January 1, 2010 to meet the European RoHS requirements for systems classified for 'network infrastructure' use. " Source: businesswire.com