Cal Sensors manufactures lead-containing photoconductive sensor chips. Many of our customers use these in instrument and control or medical devices which are exempt from RoHS requirements. While we have put forward the case for our product as lead-ceramic device (and therefore exempt by EU Directive 2002/95/EC ANNEX Line item 7e) we find that we can not offer a blanket compliance statement at this time. Each customer must consider their end usage which will determine whether the devices are exempt.

In addition to sensor chips, Cal Sensors also supplies various devices in packages with thermoelectric coolers. Our standard thermoelectric coolers are fabricated with lead-containing solder. Upon request, we can provide thermoelectric coolers and packaging that are lead-free. Please contact the Sales and Marketing Department for lead free options. Cal Sensors standard Emitters are compliant with EU Directive 2002/95/EC. Please contact the Sales and Marketing department to verify whether non-standard emitters meet the EU Directive.

We have been concerned with how our sensors will be treated in the future under RoHS. It is interesting to note that ERA Technology, the engineering organization hired by the governing body to review future exemptions, has issued a report which is directed at future regulation of sensors.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/pdf/era_study_final_report.pdf

You will note that Lead Sulfide and Lead Selenide are covered in this report. The report recommends that in the future, these sensors (along with many other sensors) should be given an exemption regardless of where used. The rational behind this is that the application of RoHS regulations should be done without stifling innovation and without any possible degradation of health equipment, safety equipment or communication infrastructure equipment. Even the cost of this equipment is important. They recognize that the highest performing sensors are important to these goals.

We feel confident that the governing body will move in this direction. While it is inconvenient that we can not offer a blanket RoHS exemption for our sensors today, in the future we expect be able to do so.