Cirronet Wireless Data Module Now RoHS-Compliant

Duluth, GA -- Cirronet announces the immediate availability of RoHS-compliant wireless OEM modules. The first compliant Cirronet product to ship is the WIT2450 module, with the company's complete line of OEM module products shipping in compliance by the end of the first quarter.

The European Union's RoHS (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances) directive, which will go into effect on July 1, 2006, limits the allowed amount of six hazardous materials in electronic equipment sold in European Union member countries. For wireless data radio modules such as those manufactured by Cirronet, the primary material in question is lead, which comes from various components and from lead-based solder used in manufacturing.

"We have been working closely with our component suppliers and manufacturing partners for the past year, adjusting our manufacturing processes to ensure that we are RoHS-compliant well ahead of schedule," says Tim Cutler, Cirronet vice president of marketing. "By providing our customers with compliant modules well ahead of the deadline, Cirronet is ensuring that their Cirronet-based end products can be RoHS compliant well in advance of the July 1 deadline, simplifying inventory management and distribution chain issues."

Because of the complexity of converting to RoHS compliance, Cirronet treats each compliant module as a new product, subjecting it to the same testing and validation process as new products. In addition, Cirronet worked with metallurgy specialists to gain insight into a lead-free soldering process.

"Companies that have only recently embarked on RoHS programs have their work cut out for them to meet the July 1 deadline," says Cutler, "and OEM customers that receive RoHS-compliant modules just before the July 1 deadline will face a complicated inventory management problem. The challenge is even tougher for OEM customers using a distribution channel, as they face the return of non-RoHS compliant product from distributors on July 1."

Cirronet RoHS-compliant products use the original part number with a "-G" added at the end. For example, the RoHS compliant WIT2450 is part number WIT2450M2-G. Cirronet is allowing customers with orders already placed for the non-RoHS compliant WIT2450 to change those orders to the RoHS compliant part. There is no difference in price for the RoHS compliant module.

SOURCE: Cirronet