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Apacer announces the world's first
"green" DDR2 modules using lead-free processes
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| As the first memory module maker to implement lead-free processes in manufacturing its DDR2 modules, Apacer Technology Inc announced availability of the world’s first green DDR2 module. Made with lead-free dies from Infineon Technologies AG, all of Apacer's green memory modules are absolutely pollution-free during manufacture. Moreover, Apacer has been promoting lead-free technology to DRAM, PCB, resistor and capacitor makers to ensure total conformity to the truly lead-free process. All Apacer green memory modules have passed the certification requirements of leading motherboard and system makers, ensuring consumers are free to buy and use Apacer memory modules with confidence. |
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According to Grace Lo from Apacer DRAM department, “Apacer focused on developing lead-free technology because we realize that leaded memory modules will contaminate the environment, and thus introduce more hazards to our living environment. Introducing a lead-free module is an act borne out of a customer-centric focus and concern for environmental protection. In fact, we have implemented lead-free processes for DDR Long DIMM and SoDIMM manufacture since the second half of 2003, and these products have achieved certification and have been used by leading motherboard and system makers.“ Apacer’s green module range covers DDR2, DDR DIMMs and DDR SoDIMMs. They are suitable for use on desktops, laptops and servers. |
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| To ensure all green modules are manufactured with pollution-free processes, and to assure excellent quality and performance of modules, Apacer has taken the lead in using a high-tech nitrogen facility for module manufacture in order to attain the highest yield rate and the best performance from the lead-free process. It has also provided special training and education for engineers, applied exacting control over the constant temperature of module process, and reinforced post-production testing.
According to statistics, the global electronics industry has used nearly 20,000 tons of lead in soldering and packaging, which accounts for about 5 percent of the world’s total lead production. Therefore, how to effectively control lead use has become a major issue for the electronics industry. According to Dr. Cheu-min Hsu, deputy director of ITRI and director of the ITRI-ERSO, “EU countries, the USA and Japan have adopted a green-product-focused environmental policy and have been promoting related lead-free standards and bills for the past few years to ensure the effectiveness of environment protection policies. The EU has announced the prohibition of leaded electronics imports by 2006. The USA has dedicated substantial resources to the R&D of lead-free electronic materials and processes through collaborative research among manufacturers, government agencies, suppliers and academic institutions. In response to this lead-free trend, Japan has also announced the prohibition of leaded products by 2005. The concerted actions of these countries and regions have given rise to research on lead-free manufacturing and packaging processes.“
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The EU passed the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directives in October 2002. (http://www.eeb.org/activities/waste/weee.htm) Member countries including the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, Belgium and Italy have proposed related specifications. Finland and Germany will propose related bills in the near future.
The WEEE focuses on the recycling and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment, and will be officially enacted in 2006. The RoHS emphasizes restricting the use of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and PVC, and will be enacted in July 2006. Japan proposed the prohibition of lead-free electronic and electrical products in 2002 at the New Energy & Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (NEMI) of USA also proposed the initiation of the green design campaign in 2004.
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About Apacer Technology
Apacer Technology Inc. was founded in 1997, as part of the Acer Group. It has marketing and sales offices and operations across the globe. The company's mission is to be the "innovator of digital storage applications" and is dedicated to digital storage applications and services. Apacer is the only company in Taiwan with capabilities covering both the memory module and the multimedia digital domains, in addition to integrating both hardware and software research and development. The company is ranked globally as the fourth largest memory module manufacturer and the ninth largest flash storage product supplier. Its products include various types of memory modules and many innovative, fun and convenient digital storage products, such as portable digital photo burners, USB flash drives, memory cards, card readers.
Additionally, the company also operates the year-round "Apacer Digital Experience Hall" in Taipei providing consumers the most direct and personalized service. It is hoped that through Apacer's digital storage technology and service, everyone is easily able to enjoy a modern digital lifestyle.
Press contact: Jessie Chu jessie_chu@apacer.com TEL: 3789-7797
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