Most Frequently Asked Questions about RoHS/Lead-Free Products

A) RoHS Policy

1. What's driving the move to RoHS/Pb-Free processes?
2. What is MINI-CIRCUITS' definition of RoHS Compliance?
3. How do you determine RoHS Compliance?
4. Does your company have a roadmap for RoHS development and product availability?
5. What is MCL policy on DecaBDE?
6. What is Mini-Circuits' position on the REACH legislation?
7. What is MCL policy on dessicants with DMF(dimethylfumarate)?

B) Identification

1. How will one be able to distinguish between RoHS Compliant and non RoHS Compliant products?
2. If a model does not have a + suffix, does that always mean that it is not RoHS compliant?

C) Process

1. Are changes necessary in the customer's process to use RoHS Compliant devices?
2. Can Mini-Circuits' RoHS compliant models withstand higher temperatures of lead-free reflow?

D) Materials

1. For Pb-Free devices, what plating finishes will be used?
2. What if I want to continue to use lead containing products after the Pb-Free version is made per the published Pb-Free schedule?

E) Testing

1. What qualification test will be done?
2. If 100% tin-plating finish, what qualification process is used to evaluate the risk of tin whiskers?
3. What issues are present when using XRF as a test tool for RoHS compliance?

F) General Information

1. Where do customers send requests for RoHS part?
2. What if I need a RoHS Compliant product prior to the published schedule?
3. Who does a customer contact if they have questions?
4. Transition policy, creating or converting?
5. Do Mini-Circuits products contain PFOS/PFOA?

1. What's driving the move to RoHS/Pb-Free processes?

   Mini-Circuits has instituted a RoHS/Pb-Free program in response to legislation and environmental standards proposed by the EU, Japan and customers. As an ISO-14001 certified company, Mini-Circuits is committed to providing quality products that are in harmony with the environment. Please see our "Statement of Policy"

2. What is MINI-CIRCUITS' definition of RoHS Compliance?
   

   Our definition of RoHS Compliance is based on that of the EU RoHS Directive, taking into account the minimum allowable PPM concentrations of six substances called out.

3. How do you determine RoHS Compliance?
   
   

   Our method of determination of RoHS compliance is based on supplier provided information, part weight breakdown, or calculated results.

4. Does your company have a roadmap for RoHS development and product availability?

   Our goal, is to be RoHS/Pb-Free compliant in advance of the EU requirement of July 1, 2006. During this time, product may be available as RoHS Compliance, non-compliant, or both, depending on the model. Special request for either condition should be forwarded to our Sales Department

   Products will generally become available as a family. We will update our website when information is available.

5. What is MCL policy on DecaBDE?

   Due to the non-availability of substitution for Deca-BDE, EU RoHS has exempted this hazardous substance in October 2005 (Decision 2005/717/EC). The European Court of Justice (2008/C 116/02) has annulled the decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca-BDE) exemption to the EU RoHS directive, dated October 2005 and entered it into force on July 1, 2008.

   To the best of our knowledge, Mini-Circuits' RoHS products (including RoHS 5/6 with lead in solder exemption) do not contain DecaBDE in concentration exceeding 0.1% (weight) in homogeneous material as identified in EU Directive 2002/95/EC and 2005/618/EC.

6. What is Mini-Circuits' position on the REACH legislation?

   All models sold by Mini-Circuits are defined as ARTICLES per RIP 3.8 of the EU REACH legislation. In addition, there is no intended release of SVHCs (substances of very high concern) or high volume use of SVHCs (as yet TBD). Therefore, there is no registration or notification requirement for our models. As a service to our customers in determining their obligations, we provide material declarations that identify all substances used to 0.01%.

7. What is MCL policy on dessicants with DMF (dimethylfumarate)?

   To the best of our knowledge, Mini-Circuits complies with the European Union 2009/251/EC ban on Biocide Dimethyfumarate (DMF) and its use in dessicant pouches. This is based on supplier provided certification.

1. How will one be able to distinguish between RoHS Compliant and non RoHS Compliant products?
   
   

   Parts that are RoHS Compliant will have a "+" suffix. (Example: JMS-1 will become JMS-1+ to indicate Compliant Status).

   The "+" will be marked on models that are currently marked with a part number (this excludes open transformers and some MMICs). This part number will appear on reel labels or packaging. We will also be adopting the for labels, as well as the JESD97 (eX) method of identifying metallization finish.

   In addition, we have begun to include the word "RoHS" on labels of parts that are compliant. (Sept, 2006).

2. If a model does not have a + suffix, does that always mean that it is not RoHS compliant?
   
   

   This is not always true. Many of Mini-Circuits' models were RoHS compliant before the EU requirement was established. These models were named before the policy to use the + suffix as an identifier was instituted.

   We are working hard to unify the part numbering system and many of these parts have already been renamed using the + suffix. Because we have so many model families, not all have been changed yet. We appreciate your patience.

1. Are changes necessary in the customer's process to use RoHS Compliant devices?
   
   

   No changes in the customer's process is required to use compliant products. Mini-Circuits RoHS Compliant products will be "backwards compatible" with SnPb soldering processes.

2. Can Mini-Circuits' RoHS compliant models withstand higher temperatures of lead-free reflow?
   
   

   Mini-Circuits' RoHS compliant models can withstand a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260°C; ( + 0°C;) for up to 30 seconds as required by IPC/JEDEC STD - 020C.
   NOTE: Please follow your solder paste supplier's recommended reflow profile.

1. For Pb-Free devices, what plating finishes will be used?
   
   

   Currently, SnPb surface plating is used on several external and internal components. The Pb-Free substitute will depend on the process of manufacturing those components, along with availability in the marketplace. Among the proposed choices currently under consideration are:

   • Leads : 100% Matte Tin over Nickel Barrier
   • Leads for certain MMICS: SnAgNi
   • Pin Unit Headers: SnAg over Nickel Barrier
   • Chip Components: 100% Tin over Nickel Barrier
   • PCB (softboard): ENIG
   • PCB (ceramic): ENIG, 100% Tin over Nickel Barrier
   • Solder: SnAgCu

2. What if I want to continue to use lead containing products after the Pb-Free version is made per the published Pb-Free schedule?
   
   

   Mini-Circuits may continue to offer the current SnPb (Tin/Lead) plated products for customers that require the Pb containing materials and are not ready to accept Pb-Free products at this time. Please contact your Sales Representative.

1. What qualification test will be done?
   

   All product and processes under consideration for redesign will be tested and qualified per our practice.
   Each product category will be tested according to its specific requirements to insure quality and reliability for its intended use by the customer.

2. If 100% tin-plating finish, what qualification process is used to evaluate the risk of tin whiskers?
   
   

   At this time there is no standard test for Tin Whiskers. Mini-Circuits has done testing based on the conditions below:

   • Storage - 1000 hours
   • Aging - 1000 hours
   • Thermal Cycling - 500 cycles
   It should be noted that we also make use of several process and material choices in order to mitigate the formation of intermetallics and whiskers, including:
   • Use of Matte Tin
   • Long Grain
   • Nickel Barrier
   • Fusing or Reflow to reduce stress
   • Controlled Plating Thickness
   • Leadless packages resulting in customer solder encapsulation
   • 90 degree lead orientation in MMICs

3. What issues are present when using XRF as a test tool for RoHS compliance?
   
   

   XRF is a popular and economical tool used to detect substances of concern. There are, however, severe limitations to its application as an accurate means of verifying RoHS compliance. These often lead to false negative readings.

   • XRF will detect substances such as lead (Pb) and bromine (Br). The presence of these substances, however, does not indicate non-compliance. For example, the EU standard prohibits PBB and PBDE, not all forms of Bromine. Additionally, lead is anaturally occuring exempt substance in certain metal alloys and glass-ceramic.
   • XRF cannot adequately distinguish between plating and base metals because of depth of penetration. Pb-free platings may be comingled with lead oxide present in base metal and give false negatives.
   For these and other reasons, our policy is to use destructive analysis and reports such as those provided by SGS Laboratories. We ask this of our component suppliers or perform the tests at ourselves as needed.

1. Where do customers send request for RoHS parts?
   
   

   Customers should contact their Sales Representative or Customer Service Representative to place orders for RoHS product and samples.

2. What if I need a RoHS Compliant product prior to the published Pb-Free schedule?
   
   

   We will try to accommodate your request. Please contact your Sales Representative.

3. Who does a customer contact if they have questions?
   
   

   For further information regarding Mini-Circuits' RoHS Program, please contact our Representatives and Sales Offices, or email us: RoHS@minicircuits.com

4. Transition policy, creating or converting?
   
   

   Mini-Circuits will be creating a parallel line of RoHS compliant parts in addition to our existing product line. This policy applies to most of our model families. There are, however, models that have always been RoHS and these will be renamed with the + suffix to be consistent with our identification policy.

5. Do Mini-Circuits products contain PFOS/PFOA?
   
   

   To the best of our knowledge after review of supplier material declarations and internal analysis, we have not found PFOS or PFOA as a listed substance.