February 27, 2006 - Fairchild Semiconductor announced today it is shipping its complete portfolio of basic marked components - totaling more than 34,000 products - in configurations that conform to the European (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) directive. This directive bans new electrical and electronic equipment containing certain chemicals, including lead (Pb), from the EU market starting July 1, 2006.
In order to make it easy to do business with Fairchild, customers can order RoHS compliant products in two ways:
-- All basic marked product is now RoHS compliant and may be ordered under the original base part number. This accommodates those customers mandating no part number change; and
-- RoHS compliant product may also be ordered to a unique Fairchild part number for those customers desiring a distinct part number delineating RoHS compliance.
Fairchild is implementing a new RoHS compliant symbol for all of its boxes and reels. In addition, the devices themselves are marked with a unique alpha-numeric date code to easily denote RoHS compliance. The company is currently implementing the JEDEC standard (JESD97) for part labeling conformance and is implementing the newly released IPC standard (IPC1752) for uniformity in material declaration. Fairchild continues to work with customers and distributors to identify and isolate non-compliant inventory, which many customers are still requesting for RoHS-exempt applications.
"Fairchild is pleased to be able to offer full RoHS compliance, reaffirming our commitment to provide environmentally friendly products. Fairchild's RoHS compliance conversion process began in 2002 and is part of the company's environmental, health and safety initiative to supply environmentally friendly products," said Mark Rioux, Fairchild's vice president of Quality and Reliability. "Fairchild will work to meet future environmental requirements around the world.
"In an effort to assist customers with their conversion process, Fairchild maintains a RoHS web site with easy-to-use information including product conversion information, reliability requirements and cross reference data," continued Rioux. "Additionally, we've added a RoHS knowledgebase to the web site, offering self-service technical support where customers can obtain help for complex technical questions via email dialog with an expert in the company. We developed this web site as the logistical challenges of managing this transition can be daunting for customers. Fairchild strives to exceed our customers' expectations. RoHS compliance and our supporting web-based tools are important elements in providing customers relevant information to manage their own conversion process."
For more information on Fairchild's RoHS program, part marking data and an easy-to-use search tool, go to http://www.fairchildsemi.com/products/lead_free
All Fairchild products will continue to be covered by Fairchild's standard product warranty.