4 ms·
Tin forms whiskers, small hairlike growths on the metal that can cause short circuits. We've already lost a satellite to this phenomenon, although I would hope
by kmm 10y ago
Tin forms whiskers, small hairlike growths on the metal that can cause short circuits. We've already lost a satellite to this phenomenon, although I would hope it's not a problem anymore with current metallurgical techniques
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisker_(metallurgy) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisker_(metallurgy)
- wrigby 10y agoIf I remember right, tin whiskers were determined to be the cause in the crazy Toyota runaway accelerator pedals a few years back. I think it's mainly an issue with lead-free solders, which RoHS has forced into widespread usage over the last decade.
- mikeash 10y agoIt was hypothesized, but not accepted as a cause: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120727/OEM11/120729908/nhtsa-rejects-tin-whiskers-theory-for-toyotas-unintended-acceleration- http://www.autonews.com/article/20120727/OEM11/120729908/nht... The problem was ultimately found to be a combination of pedals being pressed by floor mats, pedals sticking on their own, and drivers pressing the wrong pedal.
- Symbiote 10y agoESA is not part of the EU -- it's an international organization, and is exempt from national law in the same way as an embassy. Even if RoHS applies to spacecraft, it probably doesn't apply to ESA's spacecraft. That's not to say acquiring non-RoHS components isn't made more difficult by RoHS.
- planteen 10y agoRoHS does not apply to spacecraft. In fact, companies specialize in things like replacing RoHS solder balls on BGA parts with lead solder ones.
- jonah 10y agoSome some comments on the military in Aerospace issues with RoHS - with photos: http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-20/issue-4/features/special-report/lead-free-rohs-on-military-electronics-procurement.html http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/print/volume-20/is...