SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expanding on the
company's environment-conscious, lead-free packaging solutions announced
earlier this year, Actel Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTL) today unveiled its roadmap
to offer "green" packaging options for its ProASIC 500K, ProASIC Plus, eX and
SX-A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) families by the end of 2002. The
company also disclosed plans to deliver "green" packaging solutions for its
remaining antifuse- and flash-based FPGA product families by the end of 2003.
Actel defines a "green" package as one free of lead, halogenated compounds and
antimony oxides. An alternative to standard, lead-based packages, the "green"
packaging option demonstrates the company's continuing commitment to market
innovative products that comply with global environmental initiatives aimed at
the replacement of lead in the manufacturing process of electronic devices.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001019/ACTLLOGO )Japan, the first country to manufacture lead-free assemblies, requires all
semiconductors manufactured in that country to have lead-free packaging. The
majority of Japanese-based companies insist that vendors comply with these
regulations. Environment-conscious initiatives in Europe and the U.S. are
gaining momentum as well. Europe's Wastes from Electric and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) directive mandates the replacement of lead in electrical and
electronic equipment by January 1, 2008, a deadline recently delayed by one
year. While the U.S. has no pending legislation to ban lead, the Computer
Hazardous Waste Infrastructure Program (CHIP), which promotes the recycling of
electronic products, is currently under consideration.
"The increased use of integrated circuits, coupled with shortened product
life cycles, has raised concerns about the disposal of electronic components
and its impact on the environment," said Barry Marsh, vice president, product
marketing at Actel. "As a result, nations worldwide are working to establish
initiatives within the electronics industry to eliminate the use of lead and
other alloys used in the manufacturing process that prove harmful to the
environment long-term. Today, Actel is reaffirming its commitment to
environmentally friendly packaging by disclosing its roadmap to deliver
'green' packaging to its customers for their communications, consumer,
industrial and avionics applications."
Pricing and Availability
"Green" packages for the company's ProASIC 500K, ProASIC Plus, eX and SX-A
FPGA families are expected to be available by the end of 2002, with both lead-
free and "green" packaging solutions for Actel's remaining product families
expected by the end of 2003. Both lead-free and "green" packaging options are
offered at the same competitive prices as Actel's standard products. Actel
will continue to offer multiple package options for all its device families.
For further information about volume pricing and availability, please contact
Actel.
About Actel
Actel Corporation is a supplier of innovative programmable logic
solutions, including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) based on antifuse
and flash technologies, high-performance intellectual property (IP) cores,
software development tools and design services targeted for the high-speed
communications, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) replacement and
radiation-tolerant markets. Founded in 1985, Actel employs approximately 500
people worldwide. The Company is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol ACTL and is headquartered at 955 East Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale,
Calif., 94086-4533. Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL (992-2835). Internet:
http://www.actel.com .
NOTE: The Actel name and logo are registered trademarks of Actel
Corporation. All other trademarks and servicemarks are the property of their
respective owners.
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Source:
Actel Corporation
