BergStik® Un-shrouded Headers Provide Lead-Free Solution

ETTERS, Pa. (May 19, 2005) – FCI, a leading developer of connectors and interconnect systems, has announced that its line of BergStik® un-shrouded headers with simplex-plated contacts meet environmental requirements for lead-free and RoHS-compatible components. BergStik headers feature industry-standard 0.025” (0.64mm) square post contacts on 0.100” (2.54mm) pitch. The BergStik product family offers an extensive range of through-hole part options including single- or double-row headers in either straight or right angle orientation. The total number of existing catalog part numbers exceeds 58,000 in more than 300 configurations.

Simplex plated posts with gold or GXT™ (gold flash over palladium-nickel) contact finish have no tin content and are guaranteed to be “whisker-free.” Headers can also be ordered with insulators molded using high-temperature thermoplastic capable of withstanding lead-free reflow soldering temperatures.

“BergStik headers with simplex precious-metal contact finish provide a low- risk path for electronics manufacturers to completely eliminate lead from un-shrouded headers. FCI has been supplying customers with simplex-plated products for more than 25 years.” said Alejandro Aguirre, FCI product manager.

Simplex-plated BergStik headers are manufactured using flexible assembly processes that enable easy customization of pin, mating or solder-tail lengths compared to bandolier-based processes commonly used in the production of duplex plated products. FCI will continue to supply other headers with simplex tin-lead plating and duplex gold/tin-lead plating.

Pricing typically starts at $0.008 per line, depending upon connector configuration. Samples are available for delivery, with production lead times from stock to 3 weeks.

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