ESD is a sudden flow of electric current between two objects with different electric potentials. It can occur due to contact between objects or high-voltage sources. ESD can cause sparks, shocks, and explosions.
Static electricity and ESD
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the movement of static electricity or discharge from one surface to another.
Using an example of getting zapped when touching the doorknob, the jolt produced was a result of the static electricity being transferred from the hand to the doorknob. In other words electrostatic energy was discharged.
It takes about 3,000 volts of static electricity for someone to feel an electrostatic discharge, but it takes less than 100 volts to damage some parts that Micron manufactures.
Micron’s parts can be easily damaged without the user being aware that the damage has occurred.
Static electricity is generated from the contact and separation between shoes and the floor. Clothing that rubs against skin or other clothing causes a build up of static electricity. Raising and lowering an arm generates as much as 50 volts of static electricity. Keep in mind humans are constantly moving and therefore creating a charge that can be detrimental to electronic components.
Key principles for ESD prevention
Preventing buildup of static electricity
Use ESD safe surfaces to build or work on electronic systems. An ESD safe surface is tied to ground through a 1 to 1000 Mega ohm resistor. Direct attach to ground will result in a large ground available for discharge when a charge voltage comes in contact.
Environmental control
A major factor in reducing ESD is to maintain relative humidity above 30% in environments with less than 30% humidity it is critical to use grounding straps on feet and grounded wrist straps to prevent ESD events.
Transporting products in ESD safe containers
Transporting products in ESD sage bags or boxes will prevent damage to components in transit.
Wearing grounding straps
Wearing grounding foot straps will prevent ESD buildup when walking from station to station. Wearing grounding wrist straps will prevent ESD buildup when working at station.
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ESD Association has created standards to control the discharge of electrostatic to protect electronic parts, assemblies and equipment. Micron follows and implements these standards in order to ensure the highest quality of our parts.
