dear ed,

as i responded to ed - Atotech has an electroless process called  PD-Tech -
which is an electroless palladium process. this process is presently being
worked into automotive spec, along with a few others. 

electroless palladium will not allow copper to difuse - bonding
characteristics comprable or better than gold - no barrier plate of nickel
required - can be gold plated over top if required - such as tabs - and
finish of board is flat - board manufacturer cost shud not run much more than
HASL and less expensive than electroless gold.


shud u require more info please e-mail back to:

miscantor@aol com


regards

rick fudalewski

Atotech