Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Renesas Technology has achieved what it claims to be the industry's first lead-free glass diodes. The technology will be used for main standard packages for glass diodes & sample shipments will begin in July 2006 in Japan. Glass diodes are used for switching & circuit surge absorption in cars, home appliances & toys. Generally, they use low-melting glass containing lead, the company explained, but as regulations have become more stringent, it has become necessary to remove glass diodes for separate disposal when sevices are scrapped. By applying the technology to existing Renesas glass diodes, the firm has created four glass diode products that are understood to achieve equivalent performance without the use of lead.
