A perspective of the IPC report on lead-free electronics in military/aerospace applications

Significant progress towards lead-free technology implementation has been made in the last decade. However, majority of the successful transition has been done within consumer electronics industry while high reliability military/aerospace products are yet to fully transition. This study discusses viewpoint on the recent IPC report published on lead-free electronics in military and aerospace applications. Additionally, reliability considerations are discussed, and guidelines along with standards for robust transition and implementation towards lead-free technology is presented. A “preventive” transition approach based upon more accurate models of failure mechanisms and life prediction than are currently available will be required in order to assess successful implementation within military/aerospace products and for high reliability to be achieved.