Embedded capacitors OK in lead-free processes

According to an article on the website of the Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC), embedded capacitors now work well in lead-free processes. The article by IPC online editor Terry Costlow notes that as chips and boards continue evolving to higher densities and faster speeds, there’s a growing drive to save space by embedding capacitors within the circuit board layers. “In some ways, the shift to lead-free solders temporarily derailed this thrust by raising concerns that embedded capacitors might not withstand the high temperatures associated with RoHS-compliant solders,” says Costlow.

He notes that Joel Peiffer of 3M’s Electronic Solutions Division has presented data to help calm the fears of using embedded capacitors in lead-free processes, noting that “even materials that have not been around a long time are extremely reliable.”