Summary of CATALYST SEMICONDUCTOR INTRODUCES LEAD and HALOGEN FREE PACKAGES
Catalyst Semiconductor launched an environmentally safe lead-free package initiative for its SPI, I2C, and Microwire serial EEPROM integrated circuits. Partnering with Orient Semiconductor Electronics (OSE), the company offers these lead-free alternatives at competitive prices to meet regulatory requirements in Japan and Europe while continuing to provide lead-based options.
Parts used in the Lead Free Package Initiative:
- Lead free lead plating
- Halogen free package compound
- Die attach epoxy suitable for lead free packages
- SPI serial EEPROM memory integrated circuits
- I2C serial EEPROM memory integrated circuits
- Microwire serial EEPROM memory integrated circuits
Sunnyvale, Calif. (PRWEB) June 16, 2002
Catalyst Semiconductor (Nasdaq: CATS), a major worldwide EEPROM memory supplier, announced today its environmentally safe lead free package initiative. Catalyst now offers lead free packages for its popular SPI, I2C® and Microwire serial EEPROM memory integrated circuits. The new lead free packages are an environment friendly alternative to lead-based packages.
Catalyst can now support OEMs with fully qualified, leadfree packages, said Catalyst Director of Quality Dan Terry. This is especially important for customers in Japan and Europe. Lead free packages are becoming a primary purchasing requirement for major electronic system suppliers, and Catalyst plans to lead the industry with lead free package innovation.
Catalyst Semiconductor has partnered with Orient Semiconductor Electronics (OSE), a prominent supplier of semiconductor manufacturing services with operations in the Philippines, for lead free package technology. We are very pleased Catalyst has been one of the early adopters of our lead free assembly and packaging technology, said S. K. Chew, president of OSE. Our technology and material specialists have provided Catalyst with an environmentally safe product with lead free lead plating, a halogen free package compound and a die attach epoxy suitable for lead free packages.
Price and Availability
Lead free packages are offered at the same competitive price as devices with lead based leads. Catalyst Semiconductor and its sub-contract partners have completed qualification and initial qualification devices have shipped to prospective customers. Catalyst will continue to offer both lead-based and lead-free package options.
Initial products with the lead-free package option are SPI, I2C and Microwire serial EEPROMs. For other device types or questions about availability and volume prices, contact Catalyst Semiconductor or any Catalyst regional sales office.
About Catalyst Semiconductor
Founded in 1985, Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc. is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. The Company designs and markets a broad range of programmable products including Flash Memories, Serial and Parallel EEPROMs with I2C, SPI and Microwire interfaces, NVRAM, Digitally Programmable Potentiometers (DPP), Microcontroller Supervisory circuits and other programmable Mixed Signal products. Catalyst products are used in telecommunications, networking systems, computation, automotive, industrial and consumer markets. Typical applications include optical networks, modems, wireless LANs, network cards, PC BIOS, DIMM modules, cellular telephones, digital satellite box receivers, set-top boxes and Internet routers. Catalyst’s Quality Management System is ISO 9001 certified. For additional information about Catalyst Semiconductor, please visit our web site at http://www.catalyst semiconductor.com.
About Orient Semiconductor Electronics, Ltd. (OSE)
OSE consists of two business groups the Finished Products Group and the Semiconductor Group. Together they make OSE one of the worlds leading companies in the industry. The Finished Products Group is among the top 30 worldwide in the electronics manufacturing services industry. The Semiconductor Group is ranked among the top five internationally in the IC packaging and testing industry.
Established in 1971, OSE provides electronics manufacturing services and IC packaging and testing services to more than 70 customers in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. With headquarters in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, OSE now has 5,000 experienced employees, 16 automated SMT lines and 1,200 wire bonders. OSEs turnover reached NT$ 9.7 billion in 1999. OSE has been listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange since 1994. Contact information for OSE is:
S. K. Chew, President
Orient Semiconductor Electronics
Phils., Inc.
6 King Road, Light Industry & Science Park II
Brgy. Lamesa, Calamba, Laguna 4027, Philippines
- Which Catalyst products now have lead-free packages?
Initial products include SPI, I2C, and Microwire serial EEPROMs. - Does Catalyst offer both lead-based and lead-free options?
Yes, Catalyst will continue to offer both lead-based and lead-free package options. - What is the price difference between lead-free and lead-based packages?
Lead free packages are offered at the same competitive price as devices with lead based leads. - Who is the manufacturing partner for this technology?
Catalyst partnered with Orient Semiconductor Electronics (OSE) for lead free package technology. - Are initial qualification devices available for customers?
Yes, initial qualification devices have shipped to prospective customers. - Why are lead free packages important for customers in Japan and Europe?
Lead free packages are becoming a primary purchasing requirement for major electronic system suppliers in those regions. - What specific materials did OSE provide for the new packages?
OSE provided lead free lead plating, a halogen free package compound, and a die attach epoxy suitable for lead free packages.
