New Rohs Microanalyzer Measures Low Levels of Toxic Metals

New regulations restrict toxic metals in new electrical and electronic equipment. Jordan Valley's new RoHS MicroAnalyzer provides fast qualitative analysis to determine the precise level of restricted substances in components, allowing manufacturers to comply with new policies.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) requires all producers to document the levels of restricted substances in their equipment. To be compliant, manufacturers must prove that certain compounds fall below their maximum concentration values (MCV). Certain levels of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, Polybrominated Biphenyls, and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers are mandated by RoHS.

The RoHS MicroAnalyzer uses a high resolution detector, an integrated CCD camera, and a powerful X-ray tube with variable spot size to accommodate large and small samples to measure extremely low levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Br and Cr in alloys, plastics, circuit boards, resins, coatings and packaging materials. It measures lead in solder for Pb-free electronics requirements and many other RoHS element applications.

Our new Selective Matrix Acquisition Reflexive Technology (SMART) technology automatically identifies the matrix components and selects optimal acquisition conditions for samples of various matrices, thicknesses, and sizes. Many of the tasks that require manual operation with other instruments have been completely automated. As a result, analyses are performed in less time with less effort and a high degree of accuracy. The software optimizes for thickness and density variations in the sample and determines if the measured value meets pass/fail criteria.

The RoHS MicroAnalyzer achieves superior sensitivity with improved peak-to-background ratios, high count throughputs and superior resolution. The 50kV, 4 mA, 50 Watt sharp-focus X-ray tube allows for optimal excitation efficiency; the unique front-anode geometry of these X-ray tubes permits extremely close coupling to the sample to deliver exceptional performance. The powerful RoHS MicroAnalyzer is equipped with a thermoelectrically cooled detector with a small solid angle for optimal spot size detection. The new generation PIN diode provides the same performance as more expensive Si(Li) detectors. The integrated CCD camera has luminosity and reflectance field adjustments for variable light conditions and sample reflectivity.

With the new Jordan Valley software, highly reliable, accurate analytical results can be obtained with simple acquisition steps: The powerful software platform provides full qualitative, semiquantitative and quantitative determination of elements. Complete traceability is built into the software for verification of acquisition or testing procedures for RoHS compliance.

A customizeable report indicates whether the elemental concentration of the sample passes, fails, or is indeterminate. The report can include the sample image, the results, and/or a spectrum of the sample acquisition. The information can be sent to a printer or saved as a file for retrieval later or interrogation via your LIMS system.

The compact analyzer fits conveniently on a laboratory bench and the only external input required is power. The robust design and build make the instrument ideal for a mobile laboratory. It meets MIL 810E specifications for shock testing.