Frequently Asked Questions About Altera's Lead-Free Products
Q: When will Altera offer lead-free products?
A: Altera has been offering and shipping lead-free products since 2002 in production quantities. Please visit our Lead-Free Devices web page for complete details.
Q: Eventually, I will need to transition to lead-free products, but I do not have a set date. Is there anything I need to do right now?
A: Altera's Lead-Free Product Offering list provides an easy way to check the availability of devices you will need. As long as the device you want is listed on the availability sheet, no additional work is required until your transition date is set.
Q: What are the special terms regarding devices not available in the lead-free option?
A: Altera's high volume products are already offered as lead-free solutions. For limited usage devices, Altera requires a volume commitment from a customer for the lead-free option. Please contact your local Altera sales representative for details.
Q: How do I order Altera® lead-free products?
A: All devices on Altera's Lead-Free Product Offering list are standard lead-free devices, and are available directly from your distributor or through your normal sales channel.
Q: Will lead-free packages obsolete leaded packages?
A: No, Altera will continue to sell and support devices with both lead-free and leaded package options. However all parts remain subject to a yearly end-of-life review, the results of which may impact future availability of some device and package combinations.
Q: What issues should I be concerned about when dealing with lead-free products?
A: You should note that some alternative compounds have a higher melting point than the tin-lead compound. As such, a substantially higher re-flow temperature may be required for lead-free alternatives. Manufacturing equipment to handle material with these high temperatures, such as a multi-zone oven, is costly, and will require significant investment from your company or your contract manufacturer.
In addition, since lead-free is still a relatively new technology, the industry is still in the process of compiling its long-term reliability data. However, Altera has extensive expertise in this field, and works closely with customers to ensure a successful transition to lead-free products.
Q: Will the higher re-flow temperature cause charge-loss in non-volatile devices?
A: Non-volatile devices, such as MAX® and configuration devices, are 100% tested for charge-loss under extremely stringent conditions. Therefore, higher re-flow temperatures will not cause any problems with charge-loss in these non-volatile devices.
Q: Can I use both leaded and lead-free parts on the same board?
A: Yes, both leaded and lead-free parts can be used on the same board. There are high-volume consumer products that are currently using both types of packages. However, using both lead and lead-free parts together will add to the complexity of the manufacturing process. Altera does not recommend this design for volume production.
Q: Is there a price premium for lead-free packages, and if so, what is it?
A: No. There is no price premium for lead-free products.
Q: When will Altera use a lead-free solder bump?
A: Altera does not have a set schedule to introduce lead-free solder bump flip-chip products at this time. Internal solder bumps are exempted from the RoHS Directive until 2010, and Altera is closely monitoring the industry progress with a plan to start qualification in the near future.
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