Linear Technology Latest To Join Lead-Free Ranks

Milpitas, CA -- Linear Technology today 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.

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 since 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 will also 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.

"We are fully committed to protecting the environment for our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve," Lothar Maier, CEO of Linear Technology, stated. "By making Linear Technology's entire product line available in lead-free versions, we are taking a leadership role in reducing lead content, while ensuring that our customers continue to receive products of the highest quality and reliability."

In early 2002, Linear Technology was certified to ISO 14001 compliance by implementing an environmental management system.

Source: Linear Technology