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Technology White Paper

Technical Considerations
for Controlling ESD
in Electronics Manufacturing
Overview of ESD, Associated Risks and
Prevention Measures

Technology White Paper

Technical Considerations for Controlling ESD
in Electronics Manufacturing

Product Line Card

As device geometries get smaller and processing speeds grow faster, their ESD sensitivity increases. Designers face the challenge of fitting
more active component features into smaller chip territory, often at the expense of on-chip protection devices. The trade off is greater risk
for ESD damage. This white paper gives an overview of ESD, the associated risks and recommended measures for ESD prevention.

- The Cost of ESD
- What Is ESD?
- Identifying ESD
- Preventing ESD Buildup
- ESD Measurement Tools
- Automated Tracking in an ESD Environment
- Evaluating ESD Handling Capabilities

Microscan Systems, Inc.

Mastering ESD control has always been critical to achieving high production yields, and it will become even more important
in the next few years. While the industry has a solid understanding of ESD safety in manual operations involving personnel,
there is room for improvement in automated applications. To be effective, ESD control programs must ensure that automated handling equipment is capable of handling tomorrow’s highly sensitive devices.

The Cost of ESD
ESD impacts productivity and product reliability in virtually every
aspect of electronic environment. Despite the effort made over
the past decade, ESD still costs the electronics industry billions
of dollars every year. Industry experts attribute an estimated
8 to 33% of all product losses to be caused by ESD.1 The
individual cost of these devices themselves range from a few
cents for a simple diode to several hundred dollars for complex
hybrids. However, ESD damage affects more than just the loss of
devices. It affects production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality and reliability, customer relationships, and ultimately,
profitability.

errors, testing, and calibration inaccuracies as well as mishandling. All can cause significant physical component damage and
affect production yields. The affects of EMI tend to be random in
nature and can affect equipment across the room, but leave the
equipment where the ESD event occurred untouched. This can
make the location of the ESD event difficult to locate.

Software bug
“Extra” pulse

Equipment latch-up event

For today’s automated facilities, conventional methods of ESD
control must be re-examined and new methods applied. Automated assembly equipment is capable of processing 4,000 to
20,000 components an hour.2 At these speeds, poorly designed
equipment that is allowed to charge devices can damage large
amounts of components in a very short amount of time. Perhaps
even more importantly, an ESD event can in turn damage the
automated equipment.
ESD generates a significant amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI). The EMI resulting from an ESD event is often
powerful enough to interrupt the operation of the production
equipment. Equipment controlled by microprocessors is especially susceptible to damage as they operate in the same
frequency range as the EMI from ESD events. Often mistaken for
a software error or glitch in the system, EMI can cause a variety
of equipment operating problems, such as stoppages, software

1

Induced electromagnetic
disturbance

Figure 1: EMI resulting from ESD is often mistaken for a software glitch.3

What is ESD?
ESD, simply stated, is the rapid transfer of an electrostatic
charge between two objects. ESD happens when two objects
of different potentials come into direct contact with each other.
Charging results when one object’s surface gains electrons to
become negatively charged and another object loses electrons
from its surface to become positively charged. Triboelectric
charging occurs when an electron transfer results from two objects coming into contact with each other and then separating.
One of three events is usually the cause of ESD damage to

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Technology White Paper
devices: direct electrostatic discharge to the device; electrostatic
discharge from the device; or field induced discharges. There are
several models used to characterize how devices are damaged
– the Human Body Model (HBM), the Machine Model (MM), the
Charged Device Model (CDM), and the effect of electric fields on
devices. In an automated assembly facility, the last three models
or modes are the largest cause of concern.
MM damage is what happens when a machine component
discharges through a device. Automated assembly equipment
uses a variety of methods such as conveyors to move and guide
devices through the assembly process. Poor equipment design
can cause the handling systems to accumulate significant
charges that will eventually discharge through the devices.
CDM damage occurs when the device discharges to another
material. When a charge builds up in a device, it will dissipate
through a conductor on the device when the device is placed in
contact with a surface with a lesser charge.
Influence of Electric Fields (E-Fields), or the space surrounding
an electrical charge, can cause a charged device to polarize.
Polarization creates a difference of potential, which may cause
the device to discharge to an opposite charge, causing two discharges or equalization events.

Identifying ESD
While a great deal of attention is spent on preventing ESD
caused by the HBM, recent studies have indicated that less
than 0.10% of all documented damage actually resulted from
ungrounded personnel touching ESD-sensitive (ESDS) products.
The studies concluded that 99.9% of ESD damage originated
from the other models, specifically CDM.4
ESD control embedded into machinery is essential but problematic. To effectively control static buildup, both MM and CDM
ESD events must be prevented. The first step in developing an
ESD control program is to identify exactly where ESD events
occur or are likely to occur. A good place to start is to ask two
primary questions: first, is the equipment properly grounded; and
second, does it handle devices in such a way that they do not
generate static charge above an acceptable level?
To be fully prepared for handling devices of the future, equipment should be capable of handling components with an ESD

ESD risk via automated movement

Board
Loading

Screen
Printer

Chip
Shooter

Pick
Place

Reflow
Oven

tolerance as little as 50 V. The following is a list of documented
areas known to charge devices, increasing the likelihood of a
CDM ESD event.
IC Handlers. ICs typically become highly charged as they pass
through the equipment and are subsequently discharged as a
part of normal operation. According to recent studies, IC handlers have caused considerable yield losses due to CDM.5
Tape-and-Reel Components. Problems have been documented
with components charging while they are on the reels.
Gel Packs. If the proper ESD control methods are not in place,
IC chips can become highly charged as they are lifted off of the
sticky bottom liner and then immediately discharged by the collets removing them.
PCBs Mounted in Plastic Panels. The plastic panels regularly
used for housing PCBs can routinely charge to very high levels
when handled, subsequently charging the PCBs themselves. The
assemblies are subsequently discharged during normal operator
handling.
Test Sockets. Normal operation can cause test sockets to
charge and then discharge into devices.
Plastic Covers Over Test Sockets. The fields from the large
plastic covers required to shield operators during high voltage
tests often are strong enough to damage the devices under test.

Preventing ESD Buildup
In preventing or reducing MM damage, it is critical that equipment is properly grounded while in motion. All equipment parts
that come into contact with the static-sensitive devices must
have a sufficient grounding path to dissipate accumulated
charge. Proper grounding of conductive and dissipative surfaces
prevents the buildup of static charge on machine components
and eliminates them as a source of charge-creating ESD events.
Grounding alone, however, will not prevent all CDM ESD events
from occurring. Component charging is a much more challenging
problem to solve, primarily because most electronic components
contain insulators as part of their design. Insulating materials

ESD risk via human interface

Through
Hole Assembly

Wave
Solder

ICT

Rework
Inspector

Function Board
Test
Flipper

Figure 2: Common locations of ESD risk in automated assembly.

2

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Technology White Paper
naturally accumulate a charge and grounding the materials does
not remove or reduce the static charge. When the charge cannot
be removed or avoided, air ionization is often the most effective
method of neutralizing the charge on insulators or isolated conductors. In the case of automated equipment, air ionizers can be
mounted inside the process chambers. Creating mini environments by enclosing specific machines and mounting ionizers
inside is another option.

ESD Measurement Tools
Once ESD countermeasures are in place, it is important to verify
that they are working properly. Continuous process monitoring is
recommended over periodic audits of the ESD program because
ESD countermeasures will often fail. For this reason, if and when
failure does occur, it should be identified as soon as possible to
prevent ESD damage.
Several test methods exist to validate the integrity of the ground
path to equipment parts and measure whether machines are
charging devices. When selecting the best measurement
instruments, consider the safe charge level to be measured and
select an instrument that can measure within that range. Note
the size of the area to be measured and whether the spacing is
fixed between the surface of the object to be measured and the
instrument.
Identifying and measuring static charge inside automated
equipment presents specific challenges. The problem with most
conventional methods is that they are not particularly suited
to automated equipment. Most require direct contact with the
charged object or require the device to be removed from the object, making it necessary to take the equipment offline to do the
testing. To avoid lost production time, alternative solutions are
necessary for measuring charges inside the equipment.
To measure static charge without disrupting equipment operation,
assemblers can mount sensors or probes inside the equipment
or mount static event detectors (SED) on the devices themselves.
Two options for mounting instruments inside equipment include
static sensors and special electrostatic voltmeters and electrostatic fieldmeters with small probes. Static sensors incorporate
very high input impedance circuitry and can be mounted inside
automated equipment. This allows them to measure the field
generated by a charged part as it moves through the process.
Ideally, the sensor should be mounted as close to the part as
possible. Since it does not require the nullification of existing
fields, it is ideal for measuring charges on parts moving through
high throughput machines.6
Electrostatic voltmeters and electrostatic fieldmeters with small
probes offer an alternative option for monitoring inside equipment. The probes are small enough that they can be placed in
critical locations to measure the charge on components as they
pass by. However, care must be taken when mounting them to
ensure that they take accurate measurements and do not
interfere with the operation of the equipment. Several factors
can affect the accuracy of their measurements, including orientation of the charged surface with respect to the probe as well as
the size, speed and distance of the part from the probe.
SEDs are tiny sensors small enough to fit on a circuit board.

3

They are designed to measure the current pulse in an ESD event
Product Line Card
and can be monitored optically as they pass through operating
equipment. SEDs are ideal for verifying whether the equipment is
generating dangerous static-charge levels. Several different types
are available, each with varying features. However, many must be
removed from the device and placed into separate instrumentation to ascertain whether an ESD event actually occurred.

Automated Tracking in an ESD
Environment
If an ESD event does occur, the data provided from a device
tracking system can help assemblers quickly identify damaged
components and contain the impact. In a device tracking system
model, a bar code reader is installed at various points throughout the manufacturing process to read the bar codes (or 2D
codes) applied to the devices. Typically, bar code readers scan
the bar codes on the device before the device enters a station
and again after it exits. This documents the type of procedure
that was performed, the equipment that performed it and attaches a time/date stamp for when it occurred.
While ESD monitoring instruments output all types of data, the
bar code reader provides the only link between each device’s
serial number and the data supplied from the instrument. For example, when equipment calibration is altered due to EMI from an
ESD event, the data generated from the device tracking system
can help identify specifically which boards were damaged after
the equipment’s calibration was altered. It is no longer necessary to pull, scrap, or rework entire lots because of insignificant
data.
When selecting a bar code reader, careful consideration should
be made to ensure that it does not introduce additional risk
for ESD events. Printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, and
other electrically sensitive components typically use small, highdensity bar codes to conserve space, making it difficult for some
readers to scan from a distance. When close-proximity scanning
is employed, the bar code reader may build up a static charge
depending on whether it is used on a non-conductive surface. If
the reader itself has built up a charge and is brought into close
proximity with a sensitive component, an ESD event could occur, potentially damaging the component. Some manufacturing
environments utilize a workaround by mounting the scanner after
applying a special anti-static spray, which is not without its own
risk.
First, the coating must completely cover the area for maximum
effectiveness; uncovered areas remain at risk. In addition, antistatic sprays can wear off over time and require timely replacing.
Without an accurate measure of a spray’s efficacy period, companies either waste money by applying too much, or put their components at risk by using them in an unprotected environment.
As an alternative solution, miniature bar code readers are now
available with a unique nickel coating and ESD resistant labels
for maximum ESD safety. These units are rated for discharges up
to 8kV and feature a surface resistivity of less than 10 * 10-9
Ω/inch2.

www.microscan.com

Technology White Paper

Evaluating ESD Handling Capabilities

Conclusion

According to the ESD Association’s Technology Roadmap released in 2005, sensitivity levels to ESD in devices are expected
to drop so low, that assemblers must act quickly to ensure they
will be able to handle the new levels.7 Assemblers certified to
the ANSI/ESD S20.20, the ESD Association Standard for the
Development of an Electrostatic Discharge Program, already have
done much of the work in preparing for tomorrow’s sensitive
devices. For those manufacturers that are unsure of the voltage
capabilities of their automated equipment, the ESD roadmap
provides direction:

The consumer electronics industry has witnessed phenomenal
growth over the past few years. Industry analysts have attributed
this growth in part to the convergence of previously separated
markets of digital-based audio, video and information technology
to create state of the art electronic devices. As these devices
rapidly gain new capabilities, they are increasing their ESD
sensitivity almost as quickly. To be competitive in electronics
manufacturing tomorrow, facilities must work towards mastering
ESD control today.

•
•
•

Determine the ESD-control capabilities of the facility’s handling processes.
Ensure all conductive fixtures or tooling that contact sensitive devices are grounded.
Ensure that maximum voltage induced on devices is kept
below 50 V.

Following the requirements outlined in S20.20 will help managers assess the sensitivity levels of the components being
assembled in their facility and identify ESD issues at each stage
in the process, from receiving and inventory through assembly,
test, rework and shipping. By using the appropriate ESD countermeasures, managers will have the data available to them to
articulate their facility’s capabilities by voltage level.

1
ESD Association. “Basics of Electrostatic Discharge Part 1: An Introduction to ESD”, Compliance Engineering, January 2000.
2
Bellmore, Donn G. for Universal Instruments, “ESD Design Concerns in
Automated Assembly Equipment”. Retrieved from: http://www4.uic.com/
wcms/WCMS2.nsf/index/Resources_53.html.
3
Kraz, Vladimir for Credence Technologies, “EMI and Equipment Malfunction in Cleanroom Environment”. Retrieved from: http://credencetech.
com/products/more/EMI_and_Equipment%20_malfunction.pdf.
4, 5
Pierce, Roger J., “The Most Common Causes of ESD Damage”. Evaluation Engineering, November 2002.
5
Pierce, Roger J., “The Most Common Causes of ESD Damage”. Evaluation Engineering, November 2002.
6
Steinman, Arnie, Joseph C. Bernier, Donald Boehm, Thomas Albano,
Wayne Tan, and Donald L. Pritchard, “Detecting ESD Events in Automated
Processing Equipment” Compliance Engineering, Sept./Oct. 2000.
7
ESD Association, “Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Technology Roadmap”,
ESD Association, 2005.

Additional Sources:
Steinman, Arnold and Lawrence B. Levit, Ph.D., “Coping with ESD:
Ionization for Production Equipment”. Evaluation Engineering, April
1997. Retrieved from: http://www.evaluationengineering.com/archive/
articles/0497cope.htm.
Maynes, Curtis, “Technology Roadmap Sees Higher Sensitivity to ESD”,
Evaluation Engineering, February 2006. Retrieved from: http://www.
evaluationengineering.com/archive/articles/0206/0206technology_
roadmap.asp.

Figure 3: Quadrus MINI ESD Safe is nickle coated to safely read codes on
ESD sensitive parts and components.

www.microscan.com
North America (Corporate Headquarters)
Email: info@microscan.com
Europe
Email: info@microscan.nl
Asia Pacific
Email: asia@microscan.com

4

©2011 Microscan Systems, Inc. 03/11



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