Freescale Semiconductor Inc. (Austin. TX), a subsidiary of Motorola Inc. (Austin, TX), has joined STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies and Philips to further lead-free electronics packaging and promote a greener industry. Formerly E3, the group is now called E4 (environmental 4) and focuses on accelerating the use of lead-free packages while stimulating further development of environmentally friendly package technologies.
In July 2001, Philips, STMicroelectronics and Infineon Technologies teamed up to develop standards for lead-free products. It's the aim of the E4 to provide a high quality drop-in solution for lead-free applications to all customers of the E4 members. Member companies will share databases and methodologies, collaborate on standards and develop a common conversion strategy for the transition to lead-free. This will promote a smooth introduction of new environmentally friendly semiconductor products.
