KB 136003 - Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) In Electronics

KB 136003 - Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) In Electronics

What is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) 

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the release of stored static electricity when two objects come into contact. While most ESD incidents are not harmful to the human body, they can pose difficult and costly difficulties in particular industrial settings. Static electricity is an issue in the production of electronics and medical devices.

The ESD susceptibility symbol

ESD Protection Area (EPA)

A zone that protects against electrostatic discharges is known as an EPA (ESDPA - Electrostatic Discharge Protected Area).  A static electricity-resistant environment is an EPA. The whole workplace, including all equipment, tools, and people, will have the same electrical potential in the EPA. This is accomplished simply by covering all surfaces, containers, and instruments with 'groundable' materials. All surfaces, objects, and people are bound to the Ground, which implies they are connected with a 1 gigohm resistance. Movable devices (such as containers and tools) get bound when they remain on a connected surface or are held by a bonded person.

Electronics Manufacturing

Furthermore, ESD-protected locations should be appropriately identified and designated with EPA stickers, warnings, floor marking tape, and so on, to avoid inadvertent mistakes.


ESD protected area, EPA

EPA Includes

  1. Grounding wrist straps and heel straps - eliminate static buildup on employees
  2. ESD floor and work surface mats - assist with discharge
  3. Static-resistive clothing - such as shoe covers and specialized work wear made with synthetic fibers
  4. Continuous monitors - help employees identify the effectiveness of their safety equipment
  5. Gloves and finger cots - allow workers to safely handle and work with ESD-sensitive equipment
  6. Specialized ESD packaging - protects sensitive electronic equipment during transit
  7. Ionization - Air ionization helps to remove static charges from isolated conductors and insulating materials


Important Of ESD Protection 

An electrostatic discharge can damage electronic devices or components which are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. When someone replaces a cable or merely touches an I/O Port or a PCB without employing an ESD protection facility, the electrostatic discharge could damage an electronic system. Discharges produced by these normal occurrences have the potential to permanently destroy the related Integrated Circuits(ICs and Components). For to prevent this situation it is important to have proper ESD Wearables such as ESD Gloves, ESD Wrist Straps, ESD Coats, ESD Footwear, ESD coated Tools (Screw Drivers, Wrenches, Calipers, Scales, Bit holders, Tweezers, Waste bins, Brushes).

What can happen without ESD Protection? 

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