Pb Free Feasibility Program: Assembly and Testing of a Functional Military Avionics Unit

ABSTRACT Although the implementation of the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive officially started on July 1, 2006, a significant portion of the avionics electronics supply chain began a variety of transition actions prior to the implementation deadline in an effort to recognize material issues and fabrication concerns. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of avionics equipment were either exempt (military products) or excluded (commercial products) from the EU RoHS requirements due to the legislative directive being a single market initiative. However, because components used in avionics are largely common with those used in the affected consumer markets, Rockwell Collins began proactively addressing these issues/concerns in 2003. The objective of this investigation was to conduct a feasibility study using a full-rate production, avionics product, to determine printed wiring board design and potential printed wiring assembly issues/concerns when using Lead-free (Pbfree) soldering processes/procedures for military avionics products.