ElectroStatic Discharge

(ESD) Prevention
Process
Process Owner: Ricky Mann
 Training Agenda
• What is ElectroStatic Discharge
• Purpose and Benefits of the ESD prevention program
• Process on a Page
• Details of the Process
• Summary of Process Output
• Process Records
• Monitor, Measurement and Improvement of the Process
• Review and Knowledge Test

To achieve course certification, the following requirements must be met:

– The student must view 90% of the slides.
– The student must complete the certification exam.
– The student must achieve a score of 80% on the exam.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 2
 Introduction
The Hindenburg disaster has been attributed to a spark, (ESD) igniting flammable panels tainted with
thermite, which burned vigorously, violently, and extremely swiftly, which ultimately led to the ignition of
hydrogen gas held in or leaking from the airship at the time. The ship had just passed through a thunderstorm
and therefore may have acquired a large charge. Discharge supposedly occurred when mooring ropes were
dropped as it came in to land in New Jersey in 1937
 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two
objects come into contact. Familiar examples of ESD include the shock
we receive when we walk across a carpet and touch a metal doorknob
and the static electricity we feel after drying clothes in a clothes dryer. A
recent investigation found the human body and its clothing capable of
storing between 500V and 2,500V electrostatic during the normal
workday. This is far above the level that damages circuits yet below the
human perception threshold. A more extreme example of ESD is a
lightening bolt. While most ESD events are harmless, it can be an
expensive problem to find and or correct in many industrial environments.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 4
 ESD first requires a build-up of an electrostatic
charge. This occurs when two different materials
rub together. One of the materials becomes
positively charged; the other becomes negatively
charged. The positively-charged material now has
an electrostatic charge. When that charge comes
into contact with the right material, it is transferred
and we have an ESD event. The heat from the
ESD event is extremely hot, although we do not
feel it when we are shocked. However, when the
charge is released onto an electronic device such
as an expansion card , the intense heat from the
charge can melt or vaporize the tiny parts in the
card causing the device to fail. Sometimes an
ESD event can damage a device, but it continues
to function. This is called a latent defect, which is
hard to detect and significantly shortens the life of
the device.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 5
 Many electronic devices are susceptible to low voltage ESD events.
Such as hard drives, hard drive components are sensitive to only 10
volts. For this reason, manufacturers of electronic devices incorporate
measures to prevent ESD events throughout the manufacturing, testing,
shipping, and handling processes
For example, an employee may wear a
grounded wrist strap and a anti-static
jacket when working with devices or
may wear ESD control footwear and
work on an ESD floor mat that causes
the electrostatic charge to go into the
ground instead of into the device.
Sensitive devices can be packaged
with materials that shield the product
from a charge. Components sensitive
to ESD damage are known as ESDS or
ElectroStatic Discharge Sensitive
devices.
Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this
document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 6
 One of the causes of ESD events is static electricity. Static electricity is
often generated through tribocharging, the separation of electric charges
that occurs when two materials are brought into contact and then
separated. Examples of tribocharging include walking on a rug, rubbing a
plastic comb against dry hair, rubbing a balloon against a sweater,
ascending from a fabric car seat, or removing some types of plastic
packaging. In all these cases, the friction between two materials results
in tribocharging, thus creating a difference of electrical potential that can
lead to an ESD event.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 7
 Warning: Inspectors are watching you.
We have our ways, of getting
compliance with ESD regulations.

Another cause of ESD damage is through electrostatic induction. This occurs

when an electrically charged object is placed near a conductive object isolated
from ground. The presence of the charged object creates an electrostatic field
that causes electrical charges on the surface of the other object to redistribute.
Even though the net electrostatic charge of the object has not changed, it now
has regions of excess positive and negative charges. An ESD event may occur
when the object comes into contact with a conductive path. For example,
charged regions on the surfaces of Styrofoam cups or bags can induce
potential on nearby ESD sensitive components via electrostatic induction and
an ESD event may occur if the component is touched with a metallic tool.
Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this
document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 8
 ESD controls come in a vast variety of forms. However, they may be classified into three major
categories: 1) prevention of static charge build-up; 2) safe dissipation of any charge build-up; and
3) improvements in the ESD robustness of the product.

The first category works on the basic premise of 'No Charge/No discharge.' Elimination of charge
build-up would include the use of materials that have less of a tendency to generate static charges
in the work area, i.e., antistatic and static dissipative materials. All equipment must be free of
moving parts that may generate charges, e.g., rubber rollers, plastic stoppers, etc. Things that the
devices may come in contact with or get transported on must also be antistatic or conductive. The
use of ionizers to neutralize newly generated charges will also prevent charge build-up. The
minimization of movements in the work area, as well as the use of ESD-safe apparel, will help in
minimizing static charges generated by personnel.

Having a single or common ground will ensure that everything in the production floor will remain at
the same potential. Everything in the production line, from equipment to work tables to cabinets
and racks, must be connected to this common ground. If the factory uses conductive flooring, then
this should also be connected at regular intervals to this common ground. Any charge build-up will
immediately be dissipated by a good grounding system and or conductive materials in the ESD
protective products. The use of properly grounded wrist and foot straps or conductive shoes will
also fall under this category, since these will bring any charge build-up on personnel to the
common ground.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 9
 Control of RH, or relative humidity, is also important, since the moisture in the air
acts as a conductive path that can bring static charges to the common ground.
Thus, a very dry environment is inviting ESD. Care must be exercised though
because excessive RH might trigger corrosion. The normal range of RH comfort
is between 30 and 50%, and ESD problems become worse below 30% RH.
Some people can have sinus problems with an RH over 50%, So a RH level
between 30% and 50% is best.
Activity @ 70 F Static Voltages Static Voltages
at 20% RH at 80% RH
Walking Across Carpet 35 kV 250 V
Picking up polyethylene bag 20 kV 600 V
Sliding styrene box on carpet 18 kV 1.5 kV
Removing Mylar tape from PC board 12 kV 1.5 kV
Triggering vacuum solder remover 8 kV 1 kV
Aerosol circuit freeze spray 15 kV 5 kV
Walking across vinyl floor 12 kV 250 V

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 10
 The third category does not actually control the ESD phenomenon per se, but
pertains to making devices more resistant to ESD damage. This involves
incorporating ESD protection cells in the design of the IC, and the use of physically
robust features that can withstand the high current brought about by an ESD
event.

The best methods of preventing ESD is to use an ESD wrist strap, anti-static jacket,
grounding mat, grounding workbench, anti-static bags and foam, and control the rooms
RH levels. Since ESD is the sudden flow of electrons to even the charge between two
materials, preventing this uneven charge by grounding yourself and the work area, is
the most cost effective way to protect electronic equipment. ESD shielding materials
such as bags and or foam is used to prevent static charges from reaching the circuit
board and causing damage.
Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this
document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 11
 Purpose and Benefits
• Establish
– The Policy for the ESD program
– The methods and activities that are in place to implement that Policy.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 12
 ESD Policy
1. The ESD program applies to any TDC employee who may handle or access exposed or
unprotected ESD sensitive parts or assemblies.

2. Trained TDC employees are responsible for complying with the ESD program requirements.

3. The program only applies to TDC occupied sections of the building.

4. A permanent ESD controlled area shall be clearly posted to define its boundaries and to alert
employees the they are entering an ESD controlled space.

5. Temporary ESD controlled areas may be established and certified based on business needs.
Requirements of the ESD program apply to temporary areas

6. Any ESD sensitive device that is taken outside of the controlled area must either be secured
in its enclosure or placed into an ESD protective bag or container.

7. A distinction is made between TDC-owned assets and customer-owned or potentially

customer deliverable assets. Strict adherence to policy is mandated when actual or
potential-customer assets are handled. The employee using the equipment is responsible
for applying the correct level of compliance based on the ownership.
Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this
document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 13
Process Description
 ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD)
Prevention
Responsibility Legend General Document Comments
ESD Lab Administrator (1)
Supervisor(2) This process is applicable to activities in Columbia, Monitor and Maintain Environment and
Designers, Testers, Developers(3) MD. And is intended to provide controls in a tools (2)
ESD Auditor(4) development lab environment to protect client owned
• Calibrate ESD Wrist Strap tester and
Calibration Technician (5) items or material that may eventually be delivered to
other measuring and monitoring devices
a client.
(5)
• Re-certify workstations (1)
Entry Criteria • Audit the program every six months(4)
Policy document for ESD control. Establish Awareness (2) • Monitor ESD supplies and replenish when
ESD Equipment List needed (1)
• Train new employees on ESD
Training Program • Provide clean ESD jackets (1)
program (if applicable to their
Workstation Certification Checklist • Change Thermohumidograph chart
job) during first month of
monthly and monitor daily (1)
employment
• Provide refresher training to
Establish ESD Controlled
Environment (1) affected employees every two
years.
• Define ESD controlled area
Exit Criteria
• Humidity level is established
at >= 30%. Implement (3) • Workstation certification and
• Identify and certify ESD safe • Test wrist straps using calibrated test recertification
workstations stations daily, prior to first use. • Wrist strap testing (as required)
• Acquire and have available • Use wrist straps and other ESD • Employee training record (initial
tools and supplies necessary equipment when ESD hazards exist and recertification)
for ESD control • Use properly maintained lab jackets • Audit records (PAL)
when working in an ESD environment • Non-conformances (PAL)
(Columbia)
• Use provided ESD equipment to protect
parts and assemblies during Related Processes
transportation to and from the controlled • Calibration
area and during storage .

The process owner is Ricky Mann, Hardware Manager. Metrics and controls for this process are defined in the Metrics Management Plan..

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version Version: 1.0
and additional information about this process are Approval Date/Effective Date: 05/27/2014
available on the PAL. ISO 9001 Management Representative Approval: 15
 Roles
Role Responsibilities
ESD Lab Administrator (1) Conducts Workstation certifications
Manages the ESD controlled area(s)
Provides for ESD preventive equipment
and supplies
Supervisor(2) Ensures that employees are aware of ESD
and the controls that are in place. I.E
make certain that they are trained and
follow the rules.
Designers, Testers, Developers(3) Comply with the ESD Policy
Recognize the need for taking ESD
precautions, know how to and properly
use the precautions supplied,
Create test records as required
ESD Auditor(4) Evaluate the program and report on the
level of compliance achieved.

Calibration Technician (5) Manages the calibration of ESD

equipment that requires calibration

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 16
 Establish an ESD controlled
Environment
• Establish Policy and POP
• Workstation Certification Program
• ESD Equipment List
• Budget
• Record formats

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 17
 ESD Awareness

• Initial training for all employees

• Instruction for new employees
• Refresher training every two years
• Instruction shall include:
• Technical side of ESD
• The ESD Prevention POP

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 18
 Implement Program

• Test ESD wrist straps daily before use

• Use ESD lab coats when provided in ESD safe areas
• Know when to use ESD protective equipment
• Use ESD protective equipment including wrist straps when there is a
need to do so.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 19
 Monitor and Maintain the
Environment and Tools
• Testing device calibration and replacement
• Workstation recertification
• Audit program
• Supply inventory replenishment
• ESD mat cleaning / replacement
• ESD Lab Coat cleaning / confirmation

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 20
 Records Generated During
This Process
Type Organization Location of Item
responsible

Wrist Strap/ESD coat Lab Management See Lab Manager

verification
Workstation Lab Management See Lab Manager
certification and
recertification
Training Records Employee’s Brainshark
supervisor
Audit records and Lab Management PAL
non-conformances

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 21
Process Monitoring and Control
 Process Management

• Process Owner: Ricky Mann

• Review Cycle: This process is reviewed every twelve months and is audited
regularly as included in the internal audit schedule
• PAL: www.xerox.com/PAL
• Training requirements: all TMS Design and Development Engineering
personnel, must be trained in this procedure.
• In addition to the above, the process is audited through the internal audit
program as well as the ESD audits that are conducted by the Hardware
Development Organization.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 23
 Process Measurement and
Analysis
• No metrics exist for this process.
• Potential for metrics exists regarding the number of changes to a
design that are made after the design is handed off to
development.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 24
Knowledge Test
 1) Lower relative humidity does not contribute to higher static charges? T
or F
F , at 20% RH you have a much higher static voltage than at 80%
RH

2) ESDS means :
a) Emergency System Destruct Shutdown
b) ElectroStatic Discharge Services
c) ElectroStatic Discharge Sensitive
C, That’s what it means

3) A static charge of 2500 volts is very dangerous to humans and can

cause permanent
injury or death? T or F
F, we normally walk around with 500 to 2.5k volts potential on us
and do not know it.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 26
 4) Which statement is true about induced charges?
a) This is the type of charging created when two materials in close contact are
separated.
b) You can’t receive an induced charge if you do not touch anything.
c) An induced charge is generated when a person or component comes close
to a highly charged object.
C, the highly charged object effects the area around it to a greater degree than
something with a lesser charge.
5) Conductive materials used in ESD protective products are used to:
a) Rapidly drain static charges.
b) Conductive materials are never used in ESD protective products.
c) Help hold static charges.
A, this is to prevent a charge from developing in the first place.
6) Which statement is true about shielding materials used in ESD protective products?
a) Shielding materials protect the printed circuit boards from heat.
b) Shielding materials are not used in ESD protective products.
c) Shielding materials prevent static charges from passing through the
container to the printed circuit board.
C, This is to protect the ESDS device during transportation.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 27
 7) ESD caused damage to an integrated circuit can be:
a) Always catastrophic and easy to see.
b) Only found in a low humidity environment
c) A catastrophic or partial failure and not easy to detect
C, since the charge is unknown, so is the damage
8) Many manufacturers are designing components with internal ESD protection so
these
parts can be handled without regard to ESD protection. T or F
F, They are trying to make them resistant to esd not impervious.

9) Which statement is true about ESD damage to a component on a printed circuit

board?
a) The part always appears “fried” and can simply be replaced.
b) Once the circuit board is shipped, it is not the company’s responsibility.
c) The damage may be difficult to detect and expensive to correct.
C, you usually need a very high powered microscope just to see the damage.
10) ESD procedures only have to be followed when the quality inspector is in the area?
T or F
F , it is all of our responsibility to deliver the best product that we can, trouble
free.

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 28
 11) Common sandwich bags can be used to hold ESD components and
save us money. True or False (False)
12) Wrist straps must be tested:
a) Once a week
b) Every day.
c) Every time it is placed on your wrist

13) I can pick up a PC Board with out wearing a wrist strap if my

elbows are touching the mat on the workstation
True or False (False).
14) Each Developer must go through refresher ESD training
a) Every year
b) At six month intervals
c) Every two years
d) Never

Conduent Internal Use Only .The printed version of this

document is uncontrolled. The latest controlled version
and additional information about this process are
available on the PAL. Document Number NNNNNNN 29
© 2016 Conduent Business Service, LLC. All rights reserved. Conduent and Conduent Agile Star are trademarks of Conduent Business Services, LLC in the United States and/or other
countries.