LEDs cut out the lead

Agilent Technologies today announced it is now shipping hundreds of millions of lead-free LEDs annually into applications that range from consumer electronics to industrial applications.

Agilent Technologies is now shipping hundreds of millions of lead-free LEDs annually into applications that range from consumer electronics to industrial applications.

Driven by market demand, legislation and adverse environmental impact, Agilent is working toward removing lead from its products.

Agilent LEDs meet the European Union (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances Directive) requirements, which take effect in 2006.

The majority of Agilent's LED portfolio is lead-free.

The company's surface-mount ChipLEDs, PLCC (plastic leadless chip carrier) LEDs, subminiature lamps, through-hole lamps and smart alphanumeric displays have been fully lead-free since November 2004.

The company's annunciators, seven-segment displays and clusters also started converting to lead-free in November 2004 and are expected to be fully lead-free by May 2005.

Lead and tin (SnPb) - the primary combination of materials used in solder finishes and printed circuit board assembly - are being replaced with non-Pb-based solder material.

Agilent has thoroughly tested its tin-based products and found them to have excellent performance and reliability.

Tin is also compatible with existing SnPb assembly processes.

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