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(AN-40-005)
An Introduction to ESD
We experience occurrences of static electricity everyday. For example, walking along
a carpeted floor in a heated room during winter generates sufficient static electricity
to give us a rather shocking experience when we touch the door knob. While this
sudden discharge of static electricity does not result in any harm to the human body,
it can be very damaging to electronic devices which are sensitive to electrostatic
discharge (ESD). It is possible for electronic devices to be damaged by ESD that is
imperceptible to the human body. This document is intended to shed some light on
the sources of ESD and provides guidelines on the prevention and control of ESD.
Cautionary note: Materials which are conductive (e.g. stainless steel surfaces)
are not recommended for use as a static-safe work surface; the low electrical
resistance could result in a transient-like (surge) discharge of static electricity. A
rapid discharge is far more damaging to the electronic device than a gradually
paced discharge through a static dissipative material.
An example of a static-safe work bench (at Electrical Test).
The picture below shows an example of a static-safe work bench. It is vitally
important that the wrist-strap and the table mat are securely grounded
(through the 1 Meg-ohm safety resistor). In addition, all other materials with
which the products come into contact must also be static-safe. The use of an
antistatic floor further enhances the protective capabilities of a static-safe work
environment. The worker should also wear an antistatic smock.
An example of a Static Control Test Station.
The picture shows an example of a test station used to determine
whether antistatic wrist-straps or antistatic shoes are working properly.
Labels to identify electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) devices
The following labels are commonly used on containers and packaging to alert
anyone who handles the ESDS devices on the need to use static-safe procedures
before handling the devices. The one on the left is preferred.
References
ANSI/ESD S20.20
“ESD Association Standard for the Development of an Electrostatic Discharge
Control Program”
ESD STM5.1-2001
“Electrostatic Discharge Sensitivity Testing -- Human Body Model (HBM)
Component Level”
MIL-HDBK-263
“Electrostatic Discharge Control Handbook for Protection of Electrical and
Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment (excluding electrically-initiated
explosive devices)”
MIL-STD-1686C
“Electrostatic Discharge Control Program for Protection of Electrical and
Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment (excluding electrically-initiated
explosive devices)”
JESD625-A
“Requirements for Handling Electrostatic-Discharge-Sensitive (ESDS)
Devices.”