AVX Corp. (Myrtle Beach, SC) announced that it will convert its commercial line of surface-mount (SMT) tantalum capacitors to lead-free technology during the first six months of 2003. The conversion involves changing the termination from tin/lead to 100-percent tin. The pure tin termination is fully compatible with standard tin/lead solders as well as lead-free solders. The lead-free components can be assembled with existing mounting equipment and production solders with no changes in solderability or quality of the joint.
The change will cover the company’s commercial TAJ, TPS and THJ Series of SMT capacitors. Military products and special-order commercial products will continue to be available with tin/lead solder terminations. All electrical parameters and performance will remain the same. TACmicrochip™, TRJ and OxiCap™ will continue to be supplied as lead-free components. Through special order, limited production will be available for customers who still require tin/lead terminations.
