Frequently asked questions about the VIA Green Computing Initiative and RoHS compliance. This FAQ is divided into two sections:
- General F.A.Q.
- Technical F.A.Q.

General F.A.Q.

1. What is RoHS?

RoHS is the name for a directive passed by member nations of the European Union (EU) that restricts the use of certain substances in production of electrical and electronic equipment. Defined as the Removal of Hazardous Substances, this directive (2002/95/EC) specifically restricts six substances – Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, PBB and PBDE. This directive is sometimes referred to as the EU "lead-free" legislation, but is in fact more far-reaching.

2. Why do I need RoHS compliant products?

If you wish to produce or sell electrical and electronic equipment in the EU after June 2006, then the products must be compliant with this ROHS Directive. Products that are not RoHS-compliant by this time will not be allowed to be sold in the EU.

3. Will VIA products be RoHS compliant?

Most VIA products are available RoHS-compliant now , upon request. By June 2006, nearly all products manufactured by VIA will be RoHS compliant. For more information please contact your local VIA sales representative, or send an email to mkt@via.com.tw

4. How can I identify RoHS compliant VIA products?

There are two ways to identify ROHS-compliant VIA products:

a) ROHS-compliant VIA silicon components denote a "G" after the part number identification on the top marking, as shown.

b) VIA products available RoHS-compliant have this logo at the top of their product page on this website.

5. Does RoHS compliance mean lead-free?

RoHS compliance does not mean lead-free. The EU Directive defines certain content limits of the six hazardous substances, which vary according to the product being made and the hazardous substance required for its manufacture. For semiconductors, the main substance targeted for reduction is lead, which is found mainly in the external packaging.

However, VIA, as part of its Green Computing Initiative, is working towards the elimination of lead from nearly all of its products. In fact, many VIA components are already available in a lead-free* option. For more information please contact your local VIA sales representative or send an email to mkt@via.com.tw

*As defined by the EU, lead-free products are those which contain <1000ppm of lead.

6. What is the price difference between RoHS and non-RoHS products from VIA?

Please contact your local VIA sales representative for more information on pricing or send an email to mkt@via.com.tw

Technical F.A.Q.

1. What does VIA change in its products to make them RoHS compliant?

Lead is the only material banned by in RoHS directive that VIA uses in the manufacturing and packaging of its silicon component products. VIA's RoHS-compliant products replace lead, where feasible, with a combination of Tin (Sn), Silver (Ag) and Copper (Cu).

Creation of high-reliability connections between chip and package substrates with a higher melting temperature, however, as allowed by the RoHS directive will contain >85% lead.

Other materials that VIA uses in the creation of its products, that contain impurities banned by the RoHS directive are used only if they meet levels, as defined by the directive.

2. What quality control measures do VIA have in place to ensure it measures banned materials correctly?

VIA requires detailed material content analysis and third party certification (as proof of compliance) of materials claiming to be RoHS compliant.

3. Do RoHS compliant products sold by VIA still have a high standard of quality?

Yes. VIA maintains the same level of quality across its product range irrespective of RoHS compliance.

4. What soldering or reflow temperatures can VIA RoHS compliant products withstand?

VIA products can withstand reflow and soldering temperature of up to 260 degrees C.

5. Does VIA have substitutes for halogenated flame retardants used in packaging?

VIA Networking Technologies, Inc. packages do not use halogenated flame retardants. VIA is currently investigating alternatives for the BGA (Ball Grid Array) packaging used in the packaging of a small number of our products.

6. Is moisture sensitivity testing a part of the VIA qualification process of RoHS compliant assembly?

All VIA products undergo moisture sensitivity testing. This includes RoHS compliant products.

7. Who should I contact if I have further questions on RoHS compliance?

Please contact your local VIA sales representative for more information on pricing or send an email to mkt@via.com.tw

Resources

World's First Lead-free VIA Eden Platform Based Mainboard VIA and Yamashita press release