DEVELOPING A NASA LEAD-FREE POLICY FOR ELECTRONICS LESSONS LEARNED
Michael J. Sampson
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA michael.i.sarn~soniii,,nasa.aov
ABSTRACT Sn60Pb40 and Sn63Pb37. It was clear as July 1, 2006 approached that there was no direct form, fit, function The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Pb-free substitute for SdPb solder alloys waiting to be (NASA) is not required by United States or international used. law to use lead-free (Pb-free) electronic systems but international pressure in the world market is making it Instead, there was an extensive array of Pb-free solder increasingly important that NASA have a Pb-free alloys, some proprietary, whose performance and long- policy. In fact, given the international nature of the term reliability in harsh environments continue to be the electronics market, all organizations need a Pb-free subject of ongoing research and technical debate. policy.-. 2. THE CHALLENGES OF LEAD-FREE Note: The chemical symbol for lead, Pb is often used in SOLDER ALLOYS this paper, to avoid confusion with termination leads. A * The symbolfor tin, Sn is sometimes used-forsymmetry. It has been known for more than ten years, that alloys based on mixtures of tin, silver and copper (SAC This paper describes the factors which must be taken alloys), possess the basic properties required to make into account in formulating the policy, the tools to aid in solder joints between electronic components and the structuring the policy and the unanticipated and difficult printed wiring boards used to make electronic circuits. challenges encountered. NASA is participating in a Other candidate Pb-free alloys include those containing number of forums and teams trying to develop effective tin-bismuth, tin-copper and tin-nickel-copper (SNiC). In approaches to controlling Pb-free adoption in high the United States, the SAC alloys have become the reliability systems. The activities and status of the work primary choice despite having higher melting points being done by these teams will be described. NASA than Sn63Pb37 and Sn60Pb40 solder. Initially the front also continues to gather information on metal whiskers, runner for reflow applications was SAC405 (4% silver, particularly tin based, and some recent examples will be 0.5% copper, balance tin), later SAC305 became shared. The current lack of a policy is resulting in industry's choice. According to McCormick et a1 of "surprises" and the need to disposition undesirable Celestica [3], this was probably driven by economics conditions on a case-by-case basis. This is inefficient, since the reduced silver content reduces the alloy cost; costly and can result in sub-optimum outcomes. there is little difference in the performance of the two alloys although SAC405 may be marginally better in 1. INTRODUCTION some respects. On July 1, 2006 the European "Restriction of the Use of The concern for the hi-reliability electronics assembler, Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and including NASA and other space agencies is that there Electronic Equipment" or RoHS directive went into is very limited experience with the use of Pb-free alloys, effect.[l] Even though this directive is not enforceable certainly nothing equivalent to the decades for SdPb. in the United States and is not applicable to spaceflight The higher melting point of the SAC alloys raises hardware, it was apparent that NASA would need a concerns about the risk of damage and reduced life time policy to cope with its consequences. The RoHS for electronic parts that have been designed to work requires the control of six chemicals: lead (Pb), with SdPb alloys. The limited testing that has been cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, accomplished so far, has demonstrated differences in polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated performance between Pb and Pb-free alloys, sometimes diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants. Of these, Pb the Pb is superior, sometimes it's the Pb-free. Given this has the greatest potential impact on NASA spaceflight situation, it was clear that NASA should delay adoption systems. The RoHS limits the concentration of Pb to of Pb-free solders for as long as possible, in order for 0.1% by weight [2]. Pb has been used in the solder industry to work out the problems and to select the best alloys used to assemble the electronics in every alloys and combinations for various assembly processes spaceflight system ever launched by NASA, at and application conditions. concentrations that far exceed this limit (typically -40% Pb). Decades of mission success have been founded on Pb alloys have also been used extensively to make the properties of SnPb solder alloys especially solderable finishes on component terminations and solder pads on printed wiring boards. These applications power stations in the United States and abroad have introduce a further risk in a Pb-free world. experienced shutdowns as a result of tin whiskers [4]. Whiskers have been studied for more than 60 years but 3. LEAD-FREE FINISHES, TIN WHISKERS it is still not known why they grow or exactly how they AND TIN PEST grow, so the risk of any given tin-plated surface A suitable termination or solder pad finish needs to be growing whiskers is unpredictable, as is the density of readily solderable, tarnish resistant to remain solderable the growth or the distribution of lengths and growth rate during extended storage, easy to apply, economically of the whiskers. The research has tried to identify ways viable and compatible with a range of solders so as not of limiting or eliminating whisker growth and various to develop brittle intermetallics or destructive corrosion. studies have found that techniques such as use of nickel Suitable termination finishes include gold, silver, tin underplating, annealing at elevated temperatures and and tin-lead. Obviously, there is a big difference in cost reflow of the finish to be effective; unfortunately an between precious metal and base metal finishes, so for equivalent number of studies have shown these most general purpose applications the choice has been techniques not to be effective [6]. It is clear that these between tin and tin-lead. Therefore, in a Pb-free world, studies did not control for dne or more important the termination plating of choice is tin, essentially pure variables with a strong effect on whisker growth. tin. However, pure tin finishes have one unfortunate Extensive experience has shown that the most effective property, the propensity to grow tin whiskers. way to limit the risk of tin whiskers is to alloy the tin with Pb. While SnPb finishes occasionally whisker, the Tin whiskers are crystalline growths that grow whiskers are short and sparse and rarely represent a spontaneously from tin-coated surfaces. Whiskers are reliability risk. The established industry minimum Pb generally only one to five microns in diameter but over content has been set at 3%, although less than 1% is time they have been noted to grow to lengths probably effective [7,8]. There is very little evidence approaching 20 millimeters [Fig. 11. that alloying the tin with any other element than Pb is as effective at whisker suppression. For surfaces finished with pure tin, the only proven mitigation for whiskers is conformal coating with an appropriate polymer [9] but it can be impossible or undesirable to completely coat all surfaces, especially under components. It is also difficult to apply polymer coatings uniformly to avoid producing locally thin coatings. Hot dipping tin-coated surfaces into SnPb solder can also be quite effective but it is difficult to dip component leads all the way to the body without causing damage and any areas of exposed pure tin can still grow whiskers. One such example is described on the NASA Tin and Other Metal Whisker site [lo]. It is interesting to note that this particular system also employed nickel underplating which is often claimed to Figure I. 18mm whisker on Space Shuttle Card Guide inhibit tin whisker formation. They are electrically conductive and can cause circuit A large number of engineers are still unaware of malfunctions ranging from intermittent glitches to whiskers but even more have never heard of "tin pest". catastrophic short circuits. On-orbit satellite failures due Tin has two stable allotropes: beta (or "white") tin and to whiskers are well documented [4]. Whiskers do not alpha (or "grey" tin). At temperatures above 13°C the need the presence of an electrical field or humidity to familiar beta phase is the stable allotrope for tin. Beta grow and they grow best around room temperature [5]. tin is a body-centered tetragonal crystal that is ductile There is no way to accelerate or stimulate their growth and a good electrical conductor. At temperatures below that has proven effectiveness. It is a widely held belief 13"C, the alpha phase is the stable form. Alpha tin is a that whiskers are only a concern for space and other diamond cubic crystal that is brittle and has high reliability applications. This is false. Whiskers semiconductor properties. The transformation from beta have caused failures in a broad range of electronic to alpha tin is also accompanied by an expansion in equipment containing pure tin termination finishes when volume of -26%. This expansion and the brittle nature the risk of whisker growth was not effectively of alpha tin produces a wart-like, powdery conversion mitigated. For example, various military systems have of the tin commonly referred to as tin pest [Fig. 21. The been affected by tin whiskers and a number of nuclear maximum conversion rate reportedly occurs around - 40°C [ll]. There are various anecdotal, historical references to tin pest. For example the tin buttons of the for leading-edge applications, exposure to pure tin uniforms of Napoleon's army are supposed to have terminations is inevitable and in fact is already quite disintegrated because of tin pest formation in the cold common. Russian winter during his retreat from Moscow [12]. The simple NASA policy can therefore be summarized: Tin-Pb solders are required unless Pb-free solder alloys are necessary to meet technical needs such as high (or low) melting points, material compatibility etc. Pure tin termination finishes shall be avoided whenever possible and shall be carefully mitigated against the risk of whisker growth if their use is unavoidable.
5. NASA'S CURRENT SITUATION Figure 2. Transformation of Beta-Tin into Alpha-Tin in Sn-O.5Cu at T = -18OC [13] There is currently no NASA-wide policy or position on the Pb-free issue. There are some existing requirements Recent experiments have found that Pb-free tin-based but they are not universally implemented. The NASA alloys can exhibit pest [11,13]. The formation of tin pest workmanship standards for soldering NASA-STD- seems to be affected by the presence of alloying 8739.3 [I41 and NASA-STD-8739.2 [I51 both contain constituents even at very low concentrations. Like tin requirements to use SN60 or SN63 (Sn/Pb) solders whiskers, the most common way to reduce the risk of except a tin silver alloy is an option for high melting pest is to alloy the tin with Pb, ideally about 40% Pb. point applications. While these standards are mandated The risk of pest can probably be eliminated or reduced by NASA policy document NPD 8730.5 [16], some to acceptable levels by using Sn63Pb37 or Sn60Pb40 NASA Centers continue to use their own documentation solder to attach the components making sure as much of and individual project contracts may allow the the pure tin finish as possible is wetted with the solder. contractor to use their own standards that may not But one must remember that there are many types of tin- specify the use of Pbed solders. The wording in the coated components that will not be assembled via standards, combined with the well established use of soldering. For example, mechanical components such as Pbed solders in the industry does provide considerable screws, nuts, washers, brackets, shields, connector confidence that NASA is unlikely to encounter Pb-free shells, braids, etc. may be tin-coated and will not be substitutions for Pbed solders for the foreseeable future. assembled using solders. In fact, sometimes applying The protections against exposure to pure tin and the solder to components where solder was never intended whisker and pest threats are not as strong. can have deleterious effects (e.g., crimping a solder There is no NASA-level document that currently coated conductor can result in intermittent electrical restricts the use of pure tin finishes or that requires contact due to plastic deformation of the solder). mitigation of pure tin finishes against the risk of whisker growth. NASA makes extensive use of US 4. A SIMPLE PB-FREE POLICY E"dk NASA Military (MIL) specified parts and since 1994, most of From the preceding discussion it can be seen that NASA the US MIL specifications have restricted the use of does not have to adopt Pb-free systems and would be pure tin finishes. These restrictions have been wise to avoid them as long as possible. It is more progressively tightened and the level of detail increased. straightforward to avoid the use of Pb-free solder than it An example of the current "boilerplate" used in the MIL is to avoid pure tin finishes. At this time there is no need specs. is provided from MIL-PRF-38535 for for NASA to accept the use of Pb-free solders except in Microcircuits: "A.3.5.6.3 Microcircuitfinishes. Finishes special circumstances where the use of specialty solders of all external leads or terminals and all external metal has always been permitted. Such special circumstances package elements shall conform to either A.3.5.6.3.2 or include high or low temperature applications where tin- A.3.5.6.3.3, as applicable. The use of pure tin, as an silver, tin-antimony, tin-bismuth or tin-indium solders underplate or final finish, is prohibited both internally may be appropriate. The situation is much more and externally. The tin content of solder shall not complex regarding pure tin finishes. exceed 97percent. Tin shall be alloyed with a minimum of 3 percent Pb by weight." This means that most MIL Pure tin is now the solderable termination finish of spec. parts purchased today still utilize Sn/Pb finishes choice for most commercial electronic parts worldwide. internally and externally. Of course, this language has As NASA often needs to utilize commercial parts in no influence over finishes supplied on commercial parts, order to achieve necessary functionality, mass or size that is determined by market forces and those forces are currently requiring pure tin. Individual NASA Centers Contract Statements of Work (SOWS) and others." and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) all have some The ELF IPT has assembled a comprehensive slide kind of EEE parts control document. At the Goddard show to educate all parties in the supply chain Space Flight Center (GSFC) it is NASA standard EEE- about the impacts and risks of the conversion to Pb- INST-002 [17]. At Marshall Space Flight Center it is free electronics [21]. The ELF IPT also functions as MSFC STD 3012 [18]. Both EEE-MST-002 and MSFC the steering organization for the Pb-free Electronics STD 3012 prohibit the use of pure tin finishes however, in Aerospace Project (LEAP) Working Group. this is unworkable in practice because of the need to use 6.3. Lead-free Electronics in Aerospace Project commercial parts. This situation either generates a lot of Working Group (LEAP WG) waivers or results in lots of nasty "surprises". Formed in 2004 by Aerospace Industries 6. NASA PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY AND Association(AIA), Avionics Maintenance Confer- GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE ence (AMC), and Government Engineering and UNITED STATES Information Technology Association (GEIA), the LEAP WG is an international governmenthndustry There have been a large number of consortia and other body with Asian and European participation in organizations in the United Sates which have been addition to its United States founders. The LEAP formed or have taken on the task of understanding the WG develops handbooks and standards to provide a risks of going Pb-free and the development of framework for a controlled approach to Pb-free appropriate strategies and mitigations. NASA has electronics. The LEAP does not perform tests, become an active member in many of them including: analysis or evaluations, instead it makes use of the 6.1. NASA-DoD Lead-free Electronics Project results generated by organizations such as CAVE, 1191 CALCE, JCANJGPP, JEITA, iNEMI etc. This initiative has been very successful thanks to the This consortium was formed in 2001 under the enthusiasm and hard work of LEAP'S dedicated direction of the Joint Council on Aging volunteers. The standards and handbooks AircrafVJoint Group on Pollution Prevention developed so far are being released as GEIA (JCANJGPP). Today it is headed by NASA with documents in the 0005 series, for example GEIA- extensive support from the major military and STD-0005-1. Fig. 3 shows the way the various aerospace contractors. The consortium is exploring standards and handbooks are designed to work the performance of Pb-free solders in combination together. The focus is on the Lead Free Control with a selection of part package styles, both through Plan (LFCP) prepared in accordance with GEIA- hole and surface mount with a variety of Pb-free STD-0005-1. The LFCP details how the supplier surface finishes. Sn-Pb solder and finishes are used controls the use of Pb-free solders and mitigates the as the control. This is the largest public study of Pb- risk of tin whiskers and tin pest. The supplier and free performance in the world, to date. Phase I is customer negotiate the content of the LFCP to meet complete all but for thermal cycling of some test their mutual needs. The other standards and the vehicles which have proven very robust. Results handbooks determine the content of the LFCP. confirm that Pb-free can be superior to Sn-Pb in some circumstances but inferior in others. Phase I1 will look at alloys which have become popular since Phase I began such as SAC105 and will also focus on issues related to rework and repair. 6.2. The Executive Lead-Free Integrated Process Team (ELF IPT) (201
The ELF IPT was formed in 2006 to provide a high Rework mr - level oversight body to promote Pb-free awareness GEIA-HE-0005-3 within the United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD) and its contractors. The team is co- chaired by a US government representative and a contractor and membership is restricted to US citizens. Its charter says that the ELF IPT will: Figure 3. The Interrelationship Between the GEIA 0005 "Actively pursue the integration of the Standards and Handbooks recommendations (deliverables) from the ELF IPT into existing government guidance and investment planning documents such as DoD Policy, DoD Directives, Federal Acquisition Regulations, 6.4. Government Electronics and Information measure Pb content using X-Ray Fluorescence Technology Association (GEIA) [23] and (XRF). At the most recent meeting, the GI2 JEDEC Solid State Technology Association committee was urged to put the emphasis on 1241 creating a single, perhaps GEIA test method to be used for all electronic part types. The concern is NASA has been an active government guest that separate MIL-STD-202 (passives), MIL-STD- contributor to the GEIA GI1 and G12 committees 750 and MIL-STD-883 (microcircuits) methods and task groups and the JEDEC JC13 task groups would be difficult to maintain current and for many years. These organizations are forums for equivalent. There are obviously common information exchange that also develop handbooks requirements, whether the part being analyzed is a and standards on a broad range of topics affecting hermetically-sealed, tubular passive EM1 filter or a microelectronics. Both organizations have taken plastic encapsulated quad flat pack and those leadership roles in the Pb-free transition. should be captured in a single, over-arching As previously mentioned, the GEIA has published standard. There are also likely to be differences in several of the documents developed by LEAP and technique that need to be captured in separate detail plans on publishing the rest of the documents in test methods in 202, 750 or 883. It is also hoped development. The drafts are reviewed by the GEIA that this single standard will be expanded to include and JEDEC participants and discussed during the a test method for Energy-Dispersive X-ray meetings held three times a year. Recommendations Spectroscopy (EDS or EDX). for modifications and additional documents/topics 6.5. Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineer- are fed back to the LEAP WG. Tab. 1 shows the ing (CALCE), University of Maryland [26] current status of the GEIA documents which have been published or are in active preparation. The NASA is a member of CALCE's Electronics plan has been to also have the IEC publish the Products and System Consortium (EPSC), along documents as Publicly Available Specifications with over 100 other organizations, both government (PASS) but this process is unexpectedly delayed. and industry. The EPSC reviews progress on existing projects and provides guidance for future The G12 committee has established a task group to work. Projects are led by professors and executed develop documentation to cover hot solder dipping by graduate and under graduate students. Current (typically to replace Sn with SnPb) and the re- projects include research into whisker growth, the balling of Ball Grid Arrays (BGAs). Studies have evaluation of Pb-free solders and the cost impacts shown that BGAs with Pb-free balls are more of various Pb-free strategies. The EPSC members difficult to install reliably than those with SnIPb can access the results of the projects via a restricted balls, especially when using SnPb solder. The Pb- access, secure website. The results of CALCE's free balls do not fuse with the solder as readily research are one source of the information used by unless a high process temperature is used [25]. LEAP in developing its standards. JEDEC JC13.1 has a task group developing a MIL- STD-750 (discrete semiconductors) test method to Table 1. Current Status of GEIA 0005 Ser .ies Standards and Handbooks
Document Title Published Date GEIA-HB-0005-1 Program Management'systems Engineering Guidelines for Managing June 1,2006 the Transition to Lead-free Electronics GEIA-HB-0005-2 Technical Guidelines for Aerospace Electronic Systems Containing Nov. 21,2007 Lead-free Solder and Finishes GEIA-STD-0005-1 Performance Standard for Aerospace and High Performance Electronic June 1,2006 Systems Containing Lead-free Solder GEIA-STD-0005-2 Standard for Mitigating the Effects of Tin Whiskers In Aerospace and June 1,2006 High Performance Electronic Systems GEM-STD-0005-3 Performance Testing for Aerospace and High Performance Electronics In Ballot Containing Lead-free Solder and Finishes GEIA-HB-0005-3 Rework and repair Handbook for Aerospace and High Performance TBD Electronic Systems Containing Heritage SnPb and Lead-free Solder and Finishes GEIA-HB-0005-4 Impact of Lead-free Solder on Aerospace Electronic System Reliability TBD and Safety Analysis research are one source of the information used by between test results and application risk. NASA LEAP in developing its standards. does not support the use of the these JEDEC standards as a way of qualifying "whisker proof' or 6.6. Center for Advances Vehicle Electronics "whisker resistant" pure tin plating processes or of (CAVE), Auburn University, Alabama [27] predicting the risk of whiskering in applications. The CAVE has 21 current members from The results produced by iNEMI have been used by government and industry providing guidance in the LEAP and others in the development of Pb-free selection and execution of projects related to standards and test methods. electronics. NASA has been a member of CAVE for several years. CAVE is also studying Pb-free 7. THE NASA LEAD-FREE POLICY - AGENCY solder characteristics and tin whisker growth. The COORDINATION CAVE work is generally complementary and not As shown in Appendix A, the NASA Pb-free policy will duplicative of the CALCE work. be integrated into the general parts policy. This draft 6.7. International Electronics Manufacturing had been coordinated with subject matter experts in all Initiative (iNEMI) [28] NASA Centers with an involvement in Pb-free. However, when the draft was re-distributed, following iNEMI is another international government1 incorporation of the minor inputs from the previous industry consortium that is heavily involved in Pb- coordination, a completely new issue was raised: free electronics research. In 2003, iNEMI published precautions against the tin pest risk. This is a valid issue what is still the most extensive evaluation of Pb- but more work is needed to accommodate it in this high free solder alloys. iNEMI has also performed level policy document without getting into too much evaluations of environmental tests intended to technical detail. The effort continues. The policy is only accelerate tin whisker growth, primarily based on the start of the effort to implement a controlled thermal cycling and temperaturelhumidity approach to Pb-free electronics at NASA. Processes exposure. The results of this work were compiled need to be implemented to comply with the into JEDEC Standards JESD201, Bnvironrnental requirements of the policy. This is where unexpected Acceptance Requirements for Tin Whisker challenges have been encountered. Some of these Susceptibility of Tin and Tin Alloy Surface lessons learned will now be discussed. Finishes and JESD22A12 1.0 1, Test Method for Measuring Whisker Growth on Tin and Tin Alloy As shown by Appendix A, NASA's policy is based on Surface Finishes. While the procedures developed the GEIA 0005 documents. For any spaceflight by iNEMI and documented in these standard can applications, the concern about tin whiskers means cause whiskers to grow, it has not been established NASA needs to know if tin is being used. This means that the whiskers are representative of those that tin must be controlled to one of the Level 2 options per grow naturally and no acceleration factors have GEIA-STD-0005-2. Tab 2 summarizes the levels. been developed that can predict the relationship Table 2. Summary of GEIA-STD-000 5-1 Tin Control Level Requirements.
LEVEL DOCUMENTATION OF DETECTION AND MITIGATION RISK ANALYSIS TIN USAGE CONTROL
1 Supplier: General inI'orn~ationon None None None Ilon'L C'arc fin15hesuscd 2A Supplier: General information on None None except Show meets finishes used report any performance even Custon~er:List any applications instances where with whiskers or where tin prohibited used in analysis because of mitigation 2B Supplier: List families, general Sampling plan for At least two Application tolerance applications nlaterials check mitigation or mitigation success Customer: List any applications recommended methods at family level where tin prohibited recommended 2C Supplier: Detailed l~stingof all uses Sampllng plan agreed At least two Application tolerance Customer: List any applications between supplier and mitigation or mitigation success where tin prohibited customer methods required at instance level 3 Supplier: I
NPD 8730.2B DRAFT Effective Date: June 08, 1998 Expiration Date: June 08, 2008 COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY Subject: NASA Parts Policy (Revalidated TBD) Responsible Office: Office of Safety and Mission Assurance identification, maintenance, and repair 1. POLICY processes, and other steps taken to mitigate risks and to ensure the reliability of hardware It is NASA policy to control risk and enhance for the intended application. reliability in NASA spaceflight and critical ground support systems, in part, by managing the (3) All Programs and Projects shall require a selection, acquisition, traceability, testing, control plan to reduce the harmful effects of tin handling, packaging, storage, and application of whiskers that meets the Level "2C" Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) requirements set forth in GEIA-STD-0005-2. parts; advanced packaging and interconnect Less stringent control plans meeting Levels systems; associated materials (including solders), "2A or "2B" may be allowed in exceptional and mechanical parts (including fasteners, cases with the approval of the parts, materials bearings, studs, pins, rings, shims, valves, springs, and processes control board or an equivalent brackets, clamps, and spacers). authority. To carry out this policy, NASA shall accomplish the To assist Program Offices in understanding the following: unique problems lead-free electronics represents, consult GEIA-HB-0005-1 and the NASA Tin and a. Select parts, packaging technology and Other Metal Whisker website: materials for electronics assembly based on their http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker intended use considering, but not limited to, performance, environmental, criticality, and lifetime b. Document the derating criteria for parts. requirements. In particular, the following c. Utilize the results of surveyslaudits as a requirements apply to surface finishes for means to determine capability and electronic and mechanical parts, the solders used qualification of sources. NASA Centers may in making electronic parts and electronic utilize the results of surveys/audits performed assemblies that utilize soldered connections: by other Centers or third-party auditors. The (1) Tin-Lead (Sn-Pb) based solders and Sn-Pb process used by third-party auditors/surveyors (including those performed by other part surface finishes (minimum 3% Pb by Government agencies or commercial third- weight) are preferred and shall be used party auditors) must be reviewed prior to use whenever possible for the assembly of electronics hardware intended for NASA to determine that the process meets minimum spaceflight and critical ground support NASA requirements. applications. The use of lead-free (Pb-free) d. Coordinate procurement of parts among solders or Pb-free Sn-based part surface programslcenters whenever feasible. finishes may be allowed when justified by e. Maintain a NASA Parts Selection List (NPSL) technical need, but only by exception and with to provide candidate selections for program the approval of the parts, materials and use. processes control board for the NASA Project or an equivalent authority. f. Participate in the Defense Standardization Program and appropriate voluntary consensus (2) All Programs and Projects shall require a standards programs for the EEE and Lead-Free Control Plan (LFCP) that meets the Mechanical Parts commodities. requirements set forth in GEIA-STD-0005-1. The LFCP shall include any special design considerations, manufacturing process controls, test and qualification requirements, quality inspection and screening, marking and