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50 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2025 Reliability of LTS Alloys A key barrier to adopting LTS alloys in automotive applications had been concern over their reliability. However, recent research by the CIRC-UITS⁷ con- sortium on a multicomponent alloy provided valu- able insights that addressed concerns. For testing purposes, the lead-free, multicom- ponent alloy was evaluated with a zero-halogen, low-temperature flux paste, both supplied by Mac- Dermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. Researchers compared these with SAC-based high-reliability alloys, which automotive manufacturers widely use today. A leading automotive manufacturer provided sample cards, and researchers conducted tests on them, including: • Shear test analysis after thermal shock (1,000 and 2,000 cycles, from -40°C to 125°C) • Hot aging (1,000 hours at 85°C, 125°C, 150°C) The lead-free, multicomponent alloy with zero- halogen, low-temperature flux paste consistently delivered reliable performance at temperatures below 100°C. Its performance was on par with the high-reliability SAC alloy, which excels in more extreme temperatures and thermal cycling tests. These results confirm that in the automotive sector, specific multicomponent alloys can be successfully used in interior applications such as infotainment systems, lighting, and in many "off-the-bonnet" applications⁸ where operating temperatures do not exceed 100°C. This connects solder alloy reliability with real-world circuit board performance. Regulatory Environment and Sustainability Standards Global regulatory frameworks and companies' sus- tainability goals are becoming increasingly strin- gent, and lower melting temperature alloys are perfectly aligned with these initiatives. The European Green Deal and similar programs push manufacturers to adopt cleaner, more effi- cient technologies. In response to these directives, standardization bodies such as the Global Elec- tronics Association, IEC, and ISO are updating their protocols to include sustainability requirements. LTS alloys meet these new standards, allowing companies to demonstrate reduced energy con- sumption and emissions per unit produced. In this way, companies can more easily obtain prestigious environmental certifications such as: • ENERGY STAR®, promoted by the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency, to comply with strict energy efficiency criteria • The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), managed by the Global Electronics Council (GEC), a global ecolabel that identifies electronics products that meet high environmental standard • The TCO Certified, one of the most globally recognized certifications for product sustain- ability This will translate into supporting the supply chain, reducing emissions related to the goods and services purchased.