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What’s Happening to Electronics Device ESD Sensitivity

Factory ESD control is expected to play an ever-increasing critical role as the industry is flooded with even more HBM (Human Body Model) and CDM (Charged Device Model) sensitive
designs.

ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) is the hidden enemy within your factory. You cannot feel or see most ESD events but they can cause electronic components to fail or cause mysterious and annoying problems. There are two types of ESD damage: 1) catastrophic failures, and 2) latent defects. By definition, normal quality control inspections are able to identify catastrophic failures, but are not able to detect latent defects.

In general, the ESD susceptibility of modern electronics are more sensitive to ElectroStatic Discharge; that is the withstand voltages are lower. This is due to the drive for miniaturization and with electronic devices operating faster. Thus the semiconductor circuitry is getting smaller. What’s happening currently? The width of electronic device structures continues to get smaller. Intel began selling its 32nm processors in 2010 that would be 0.032 micrometer equal to 0.000032 millimeter or 0.00000128 inch.

See www.ESDA.org, the ESD Association’s latest White Paper “Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Technology Roadmap” Revised April 2010” forecasts increased ESD sensitivities continuing the recent “trend, the ICs became even more sensitive to ESD events in the years between 2005 and 2009. Therefore, the prevailing trend is circuit performance at the expense of ESD protection levels.” The White Paper’s conclusions include:

  • With devices becoming more sensitive through 2010-2015 and beyond, it is imperative that companies begin to scrutinize the ESD capabilities of their handling processes. Factory ESD control is expected to play an ever-increasing critical role as the industry is flooded with even more HBM (Human Body Model) and CDM (Charged Device Model) sensitive designs. For people handling ESD sensitive devices, personnel grounding systems must be designed to limit body voltages to less than 100 volts.
  • To protect against metal-to-device discharges, all conductive elements that contact ESD sensitive devices must be grounded.
  • To limit the possibilities of a field induced CDM ESD event, users of ESD sensitive devices should ensure that the maximum voltage induced on their devices is kept below 50 volts.
  • To limit CDM ESD events, device pins should be contacted with static-dissipative material instead of metal wherever possible.

See May 2010 article by Dr. Terry L. Welsher The “Real” Cost of ESD Damage which includes “Recent data and experience reported by several companies and laboratories now suggest that many failures previously classified as EOS [Electrical Overstress] may instead be the result of ESD failures due to Charged Board Events (CBE). Some companies have estimated that about 50% of failures originally designated as EOS were actually CBE or CDE [Charged Device Events].”

ANSI/ESD S20.20, the ESD Association document covering the development of an ESD control program, lists numerous ESD Protected Area (EPA) ESD control items. Each company can pick and choose which ones are appropriate for their program. The selection of specific ESD control procedures or materials is at the option of the ESD Control Program Plan preparer and should be based on risk assessment and the established electrostatic discharge sensitivities of parts, assemblies, and equipment.” [ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 Annex B] “An EPA [ESD protected area] shall be established wherever ESDS [ESD Sensitive] products are handled. However, there are many different ways to establish ESD controls within an EPA. Table 3 lists some optional ESD control items which can be used to control static electricity. [ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 section 8.3 ESD Protected Areas (EPAs)]

There are companies with good ESD control programs who are pleased with their quality and reliability results. But to maintain that level, they would be wise to consider ESD control program improvements. Now might be a good time to do that.

From published article “Now is the Time for ESD Control Programs to be Improved” by Fred Tenzer and Gene Felder. See full article at InCompliance Magazine– September 2012

Introducing the New Shipper Saver Plastek Storage Containers

Shipper Saver Plastek Storage Containers

Plastek™ Features

  • Provides physical protection with conductive material providing reliable path-to-ground
  • Includes wire frame for extra strength
  • Product ships flat – easy assembly
  • Rtt: 10E2 – 10E4 ohms
  • Made in the United States of America

Options

  • Conductive Plastic Handles available
  • Static Dissipative Foam for bottom, providing ESD and shock protection
  • Document Holders
  • Lid
  • Made in the United States of America
    Click here to view New39300
Item Cell Size
1-24
25-49
50-99
39300 17” x 13” x 8-3/4″
$44.44
$43.10
$41.81
39301 17” x 13” x 10-3/4″
$48.60
$47.15
$45.73
39302 18-5/8” x 15” x 5-7/8″
$43.11
$41.82
$40.57
39303 18-5/8” x 15” x 8”
$48.28
$46.84
$45.43
39304 18-5/8” x 15” x 12”
$56.45
$54.76
$53.11
39305 22-7/8” x 12-7/8” x 6″
$44.50
$43.17
$41.88
39306 22-7/8” x 12-7/8” x 18-1/4″
$74.71
$72.47
$70.29
Addtional Quantity Price Breaks Available
Sign Up HERE | Request a sample HERE | See list of sales reps and distributors HERE
All items & programs are available through your participating distributor | Submit your questions HERE

Thermoforming Capabilities Now Available!

NEW EXCITING NEWS!

Thermoformed ESD protection

Materials: Conductive Stryene .030 -.100 Static Dissipative PVC .020-.030

One-piece Clamshells, trays, lids, inner package inserts, indexing ribs, handles, kitting trays

Send your Thermoforming requirements to Service@ProtektivePak.com

Protektive Pak Your source for Thermoformed ESD protection.
Fill out a Custom Request Here

Introducing Plastek™ Open Bin Boxes

38911 Plastek™ Open Bin Box
  • Provides physical protection, with conductive material providing reliable path-to-ground 
  • Shipped knocked-down; easy to assemble 
  • Lead-free RoHS compliant
  • Made In America

 

Click here to view New38911

Item Description 1
50
38911 Plastek™ Open Bin Boxes, 12” x 12” x 4” $11.70
$11.12
38912 Plastek™ Open Bin Boxes, 18” x 12” x 4” $13.55
$12.87
Addtional Quantity Price Breaks Available
Sign Up HERE | Request a sample HERE | See list of sales reps and distributors HERE
All items & programs are available through your participating distributor | Submit your questions HERE

Introduction

Rely on Protektive Pak® for ESD Packaging Solutions

Protektive Pak is a leading manufacturer of ESD Material Handling and Packaging solutions. We offer a complete line of ESD Packaging products for transporting, storing and shipping of static sensitive assemblies. Our products include Storage Containers, Circuit Board Shippers, Open Bin boxes, Reel Storage Containers, Trays, Foam, Tape, Shielding Bags and much more! We also have custom manufacturing capabilities to your meet your special needs, including Thermoforming requirements.

Protektive Pak offers a unique “Impregnated” corrugated material that provides greater durability than “painted” corrugated material. The buried shielding layer protects ESD sensitive items (ESDS) and minimizes sloughing and rub-off contamination. We also offer Plastek Industrial Fluted Plastic, an economical alternative to injection molded products and ideal for use where corrugated and /or paper products cannot be used.

For further information, please visit our website at www.ProtektivePak.com