Pb Free Components

[KE1GF]

Hey crew,
              I picked up some semiconductor components that are the new Lead free type. Can I still use lead based solder on them or do I have to switch to something else? The thing that makes me ask this is the datasheet says they are "Lead Process incompatible."

Thanks,
-Bill 'GF

[W1RKW]

Hey Bill,

When you mean a leadfree component, is it a component with component tinned with a leadfree solder?

I don't know the answer to your question directly however I have a few obvious things that come to mind that might make the components incompatible with lead based solder and you may have thought of these already.  The first being that the solder won't flow properly.  The second if it does flow will the long term bond last or will the various alloys react to cause a corrosion problem in the solder joint.   I know certain dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosiion but don't know how a lead free component might react over time under a lead based solder joint. Electrical properties might be an issue too, for example connection resistance.  Interesting question.

[WA1GFZ]

Bill,
My ME buddy tells me no problem using lead solder on lead free components.
He has been doing it for years.  fc

[KE1GF]

Okay, that makes things simple enough. Thanks for passing the word along Frank.

-Bill 'GF