Tag: ESD

8 Common Benchtop Accessories and Tools made ESD Safe

In a previous post we talked about insulators and conductors, two important types of materials in ESD Control. We discovered why it is important to replace regular insulative items with an ESD protective version when possible. But exactly what items can and should you replace? Well, that’s… Continue Reading “8 Common Benchtop Accessories and Tools made ESD Safe”

8 Items Needed to Convert your Workstation into an EPA

When referring to an “ESD Protected Area” or “EPA”, a lot of people imagine rooms or even whole factory floors with numerous workstations. This very common misconception leads to nervousness and even fear when it comes to implementing an ESD Control Programme. There is… Continue Reading “8 Items Needed to Convert your Workstation into an EPA”

Looking for the right ESD Work Surface Mat?

What is an ESD Protective Work Surface? ESD work surfaces aid in the prevention of damage to ESD sensitive items (ESDS) and assemblies from electrostatic discharge.ESD working surfaces, such as mats, are typically an integral part of the ESD workstation, particularly in areas where… Continue Reading “Looking for the right ESD Work Surface Mat?”

The Different ESD Events and their Models – HBM, CDM and MM

Introduction As previously explained, an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is a rapid, spontaneous transfer of an electrostatic charge, and occurs when two objects at different electrostatic potentials approach one another. The ESD Association characterises this Electrostatic Discharge that causes ESD damage into three event types. ESD Models can then… Continue Reading “The Different ESD Events and their Models – HBM, CDM and MM”

Best Storage Conditions for PCBs

4 Steps to a Completely Dry ESD Packaging System

Most people are aware of the dangers ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) can pose on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). A standard bare PCB (meaning that it has no semiconductor components installed) should not be susceptible to ESD damage. However, as soon as you pack it… Continue Reading “Best Storage Conditions for PCBs”

Why Wave Distortion Technology is superior

We talked in the past about the benefits of continuous monitors and also introduced the different types (single-wire vs. dual-wire) to you. The focus of today’s post is the technology behind continuous monitors – how they work and how they compare to each other. So, let’s jump right… Continue Reading “Why Wave Distortion Technology is superior”

ESD Basics – Bitesize: Part 1

In this series of 8 Bitesize ESD Basics Training videos, Vaughan Callan demonstrates and explains the basic concepts of electrostatic discharge (ESD) and how in the hi-tech manufacturing environment we can overcome the harmful effects of ESD and learn to control it. Today, we… Continue Reading “ESD Basics – Bitesize: Part 1”

4 Common Wrist Strap Mistakes and one way to avoid them!

The Mistakes Are you regularly getting complaints from your operators that wrist straps are awkward or uncomfortable? Do you come across them not being worn properly? Below you can find just 4 of many mistakes that are made with wrist straps on a regular… Continue Reading “4 Common Wrist Strap Mistakes and one way to avoid them!”

Are you handling ESD sensitive devices? 3 symbols you need to know!

You will probably have come across these ESD Symbols before, but do you know what each of them are for? No? Read on! 1. ESD Susceptibility Symbol The ESD Susceptibility Symbol is the most well-known symbol, it consists of a yellow background with a… Continue Reading “Are you handling ESD sensitive devices? 3 symbols you need to know!”

The role of ESD lab coats and Smocks in the ESD Protected Areas

Most people tend to believe that if a person is wearing a wrist strap, an ESD Lab Coat or smock is redundant. This is due to the belief that any charge on the person or their clothes would find its way to ground via… Continue Reading “The role of ESD lab coats and Smocks in the ESD Protected Areas”