Introduction to

Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of electricity between two
objects caused by direct contact or induced by an electrostatic field. This
phenomenon can occur in a variety of settings, from everyday life to
industrial environments, and can pose a significant risk to electronic
devices and equipment.
Understanding Static Electricity

Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charge on the surface of an

object. This occurs when electrons are transferred from one material to
another, creating an imbalance of positive and negative charges.
Understanding the principles of static electricity is crucial for preventing
and managing electrostatic discharge.
Sources of Electrostatic Charge
Static Electricity Triboelectric Induction Atmospheric
Effect Conditions
Electrostatic charge
Static electricity is The triboelectric can also be induced Environmental
created when effect occurs when when a charged factors like low
electric charges two dissimilar object is brought humidity, dry air, and
build up on an materials are rubbed near a neutral cold temperatures
object's surface. together, causing object, causing the can increase the
This can happen one to lose neutral object to likelihood of static
through friction, electrons and become polarized electricity buildup,
contact, or become positively with opposite as these conditions
separation of charged, while the charges on each reduce the ability of
materials. other gains side. materials to
electrons and dissipate charges.
becomes negatively
charged.
Principles of Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs when an
imbalance of electrical charge is released,
creating a rapid flow of electricity between two
objects. This can happen when materials with
different electrical properties come into contact
and then separate, building up static charge.

The principles of ESD involve understanding

how static electricity is generated, how it can be
transferred, and the conditions that allow it to
discharge rapidly and create damaging electrical
pulses.
Risks and Consequences of ESD
Damage to Electronic Components Fire and Explosion Hazards
Static electricity buildup can create sparks
Electrostatic discharge can instantly destroy
that ignite flammable materials, posing
sensitive electronic components, leading to
serious fire and explosion risks in certain
costly equipment failures and downtime.
environments.

Disruption of Sensitive Operations Safety Risks to Personnel

Shocks from static discharge can startle
workers, potentially leading to injuries or
Uncontrolled ESD events can interfere with
accidents if the discharge occurs at a critical
the proper functioning of delicate instruments
moment.
and processes, causing significant production
delays and losses.
ESD Protected Area
(EPA) Awareness

Understand electrostatic discharge risks and safety

protocols in critical work areas.
Importance of ESD Protection

1 Prevent Costly Damage 2 Ensure Product Reliability

ESD can cause irreparable harm Effective ESD control measures
to sensitive electronic help maintain the integrity and
components, leading to product performance of electronic
failures and expensive repairs. devices over their lifespan.
3 Compliance with Regulations 4 Protect Worker Safety
Many industries have strict ESD ESD can pose a safety risk to
standards that must be met to personnel handling sensitive
sell or use electronic products. components, necessitating
proper training and procedures.
ESD-Safe Environments and Practices

Controlled Facilities
1 ESD-protected areas with conductive flooring, grounded
workstations, and humidity control

Static Shielding
2 Protective packaging and containers to isolate
sensitive components

Personnel Grounding
3 Wrist straps, heel grounders, and
conductive footwear to dissipate
static charge
Creating an ESD-safe environment is crucial to prevent electrostatic discharge-
related damage. This involves carefully designed facilities, static-shielding materials,
and personal grounding devices. These measures work together to control and
dissipate static electricity, protecting sensitive electronic components throughout the
manufacturing and handling process.
 EPA Requirements

EPA Workstations
Designated EPA EPA Signage EPA Flooring

Establish Clearly mark Equip workstations

Install ESD-safe
designated ESD EPA boundaries with ESD-safe
flooring
protected areas with appropriate mats, wrist straps,
materials to
(EPAs) within the signage and and grounding
prevent static
facility labeling
buildup
Mitigating ESD in Electronic Devices and
Systems

ESD-Safe Packaging ESD-Safe Workstations Proper Handling Procedures

Electronic components are
Workstations are designed Technicians follow strict
protected from static
with conductive surfaces, guidelines for handling
charge buildup using
grounded mats, and sensitive electronic parts,
specialized conductive
ionizing air blowers to including using wrist
packaging that safely
neutralize static electricity straps, avoiding synthetic
dissipates any
and prevent discharges. fabrics, and maintaining
accumulated charge.
humidity levels.
Grounding and Bonding Techniques
Establish a Ground Point
Identify a reliable ground point, such as a metal building structure or a dedicated
grounding system, to serve as a common reference voltage.

Use Conductive Surfaces

Ensure all workstations, floors, and equipment have conductive
surfaces that can effectively dissipate static electricity charges.

Implement Bonding Connections

Connect all conductive objects, such as tools, equipment, and
personnel, to the ground point using bonding cables or wrist straps.

Monitor Grounding Resistance

Regularly test and maintain the grounding system to ensure low
resistance and effective static discharge dissipation.
ESD-Protective Equipment and Apparel

ESD Smocks Wrist Straps ESD-Safe Footwear

Specially designed garments Grounding devices worn on the Conductive shoes and mats
that help dissipate static wrist to continuously discharge that allow static electricity to
charge and prevent the body and prevent ESD. dissipate through the floor.
electrostatic discharge events.
ESD Monitoring and Testing
Effective ESD monitoring and testing is crucial for ensuring the integrity of electronic devices and
preventing costly failures. By regularly monitoring electrostatic charge levels and conducting standardized
ESD tests, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate potential risks.

0.5V 10% 100%

Charge Threshold Failure Rate Effectiveness
ESD-sensitive components can Uncontrolled ESD can increase Proper ESD monitoring and
be damaged by voltages as low failure rates of electronic testing can improve product
as 0.5V. components by up to 10%. yield by up to 100%.

ESD monitoring involves regularly measuring and recording electrostatic charge levels in the work
environment, while ESD testing evaluates the effectiveness of protective measures through standardized
tests like the human body model (HBM) and charged device model (CDM).
EPA Monitoring and Testing

1 ESD Monitoring 2 Periodic Testing

Continuous monitoring of ESD-sensitive Regular testing of EPA grounding, bonding,
areas to detect any anomalies. and ionizers for proper function.

3 Personnel Testing 4 Documentation

Periodic testing of personnel for ESD Meticulous record-keeping of all monitoring
compliance, including wrist straps. and testing results.