The ESD Handbook

2ESD in Manufacturing

In this chapter, electrostatic discharge (ESD) in manufacturing is discussed [1–79]. In this discussion, many standards will be referenced.

2.1 Flooring

2.1.1 Question: Why is Flooring an ESD Issue?

In a manufacturing environment, flooring influences the tribocharging between the floor and personnel, and mobile equipment. The flooring charging characteristics are a function of the material property, installation, coatings, finish, paints and mats. Standards exist for both footwear and flooring, such as ANSI/ESD STM97.1-2006 Floor Materials and Footwear – Resistance Measurements in Combination with A Person, and ANSI/ESD S7.1 – 2005 Resistive Characterization of Materials – Floor Materials [39, 40]. The testing of the floor’s resistance is achieved using an integrated checker, an electrode and an equipment ground point; this will provide a resistance point-to-ground evaluation.

2.2 Work Surfaces

2.2.1 Why are Worksurfaces an ESD Issue?

Worksurfaces can influence the electric field and charge deposition in a manufacturing environment. For ESD sensitive parts, whether they be single chips, trays, or system level cards or boards, the charged state of the worksurface is key in providing an ESD safe work area. Non-uniform conductivity in a work surface can lead to electrical failures. Hence, verification of the worksurface is critical for a safe ESD section.

ESD standards that exist for worksurfaces are ESD ADV53.1 ESD Protective Workstations, ANSI/ESD ...