AES.4.3.2 ESD control items 

There are many ways to establish an ESD control program. A program can range from a very simple, low cost or basic system to a highly complex control program that uses a variety of control items that provide redundancy in the event that the primary ESD control element(s) were to fail. 

A basic ESD control program might include the following items:

a) A grounded work surface;

b) Personnel grounded through a wrist strap system;

c) ESD protective packaging to move ESDS from one process step to the next.

 A complex ESD control program might include the following items:

1) Grounded work surfaces;

2) Personnel grounded through constant wrist strap monitor;

3) Personnel grounded to a static control floor through ESD footwear;

4) Personnel wearing grounded ESD garments;

5) Air ionization at each workstation.

The decision to use a basic versus a complex ESD control program is a matter of company choice. Some of the considerations are: value of the products being manufactured, product reliability requirements imposed by the customer and the ESD sensitivity of the devices being handled. One type of program is not necessarily any better than the other as each can be effective in protecting ESD sensitive devices.

Once the ESD control items have been defined and implemented, the organization should develop an audit checklist. In order to establish meaningful data concerning improving or deteriorating ESD program trends, it is necessary for auditors to audit each area consistently every time. Many organizations find that properly designed checklists help improve audit consistency.

AES.5.3.1 Grounding/equipotential bonding systems

Figure 2– Schematic of an equipotential bonding system

Table 1 – Grounding/bonding requirements

AES.5.3.2 Personnel grounding

Table 2 – Personnel grounding requirements

AES.5.3.3 ESD protected areas (EPA)

Table 3 – EPA requirements

AES.5.3.4 Packaging

Table 4 – Packaging

AES.5.3.5 Marking    

International Standard: IEC 61340-5-1 Electrostatics    –  Part 5-1: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena – General requirement.

Technical Report:       IEC/TR 61340-5-2 Electrostatics –  Part 5-2: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena – User guide.