Electrostatic Discharge: The worst mistake in manufacturing

Electrostatic Discharge: The worst mistake in manufacturing

May 5th, 2023

Irene C.?

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the transfer of electrons between two electrically charged objects. A couple examples of ESD: when we walk across a carpet with socks and touch something– that shock is an example. Or? the static electricity after drying our clothes in a dryer or when a lightning bolt strikes an object or person and a release of static electricity happens or just sliding an electronic device into or out of a bag, magazine, or tube as the device’s housing and metal leads make multiple contacts and separations with the surface of the container. While the magnitude of ESD charge may be different in these examples static electricity is formed in each and every one of them.

Electrostatic discharge is a very important concept to learn when in the tech industry. As the smallest charge can malfunction or destroy the IC circuits inside an electronic device. Many sophisticated electronic components can be damaged by charges as low as 10 volts. ESD generated from the human body can be 100x that.? If an electronic device is touched at such high voltage, the device could fail. An ESD event could cause two types of failures: catastrophic failure and latent failure. In a catastrophic failure the device’s circuitry is permanently damaged causing the device to stop functioning totally or at least partially. Catastrophic failures can be detected before shipment. Latent failure is a “malfunction that occurs following a period of normal operation”.? A latent failure is hard to identify as the device will perform its intended function but for how long? The most common problem is the operating life of the device may be reduced.?

So what can manufacturers do to prevent electrostatic discharge failure? First, see what type of ESD protocol they have to reduce such failures. Here at Meritronics, we have implemented a plan to allow for static dissipation, a way for the electricity to dissipate elsewhere, not the board. Every person handling our product is wearing heel-toe straps, wrist straps, a smock, and work on specialized floors and work benches. Packaging and shipping also have specialized material, such as ESD tape, bags, tubes, and matts to prevent any failures.

Second, see how long they have been in business for and if they have been growing. Anyone can build and manufacture products; however will the product last? A company that has been around for a long period of time and is constantly growing shows that they manufacture #quality products. There are many manufacturing companies that go under after a couple years as their clients realize their products are not up to standards. This is not the case with Meritronics. We have proudly served our clients for 30+ years, with quality products and glowing reviews, it is safe to say we have a fantastic ESD protocol in place.?

If you have any questions about our ESD protocol plan don’t hesitate to contact one of us at (408) 969-0888 or at [email protected].?

#manufacturing #siliconvalley #techindustry #meritronics #electrostaticdischarge #qualityproducts #PCB #turnkey #cosignment