ANAHEIM, Calif., OFC/NFOEC, March 7, 2005
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced it is now shipping fiber optic transceivers that are fully compliant with the European Union's (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. Agilent's entire portfolio of fiber optic transceivers is expected to be fully compliant with the RoHS directive by October 2005, well in advance of the July 2006 deadline.
The transition to lead-free products is a complex task that affects all electronics component suppliers and poses many supply chain, handling and reliability challenges. It involves the replacement of materials used in solder finishes and printed circuit board assembly with non-lead-based material. Agilent has conducted extensive studies and implemented rigorous testing procedures to ensure that the materials and processes used in manufacturing RoHS-compliant transceivers do not compromise the transceivers' functionality, quality and reliability.
"Ensuring a smooth transition for our customers by supplying products that comply with existing technical specifications and the requirements defined by the RoHS directive is of utmost importance to us as we roll out our lead-free transceiver portfolio," said Tom Fawcett, director of worldwide marketing for the Fiber Optic Products Division in Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group. "As a technology leader, our goal is to foster innovation by delivering the most advanced technology to the market in an environmentally friendly manner."
The elimination of hazardous materials from products is a global initiative, with each region or country imposing its own legislation to eliminate these harmful substances from the environment. The EU has led the way with its RoHS and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives, enacted in 2003. The Japanese Ministry of Transportation and Trade and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have enacted similar laws as a starting point toward eliminating these materials from all new electronic equipment and controlling their disposal from existing products.
More information about Agilent's lead-free fiber optical transceivers is available at www.agilent.com/view/lead-free.
About Agilent's Fiber Optic Component Solutions
Agilent Technologies is the world's leading provider of fiber optic components. Agilent offers the broadest portfolio of transceivers, addressing enterprise, storage, metro and long-haul applications. Agilent's patented manufacturing and testing procedures produce the industry's most reliable devices, and the company's support and order fulfillment organizations provide unmatched service and delivery worldwide. More information is available at www.agilent.com/view/networking.
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About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
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Contact:
Elvia Soltero
Weber Shandwick, for Agilent
+1 408 530 8400, ext. 2226
[email protected]