The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) has announced the publication of recommendations for safeguarding the dependability of high-reliability products as the supply chain converts to lead-free components and materials. The consortium's High-Reliability RoHS Task Force is calling for continued availability of tin-lead (SnPb)-compatible components for exempted products, and for a standardized strategy of migration practices and testing methods to minimize the risk of tin whiskers. "The iNEMI High-Reliability (Hi-Rel) Task Force consists of OEMs and EMS providers whose products are characterized by long service life and high-reliability requirements," says Jim McElroy, CEO of iNEMI. "Maintaining high product reliability is absolutely critical to these companies' survival. They are very concerned about the transition to lead-free and have banded together to provide a unified voice and message to the supply chain. We are currently surveying the components supply base to see if it makes sense to organize an industry forum that will bring together high reliability users and suppliers to further discuss these needs."

For more information, visit http://www.inemi.org.