Charge Plate Monitor

How to Ensure Your Ionizer is Working Correctly

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The best way to keep electrostatic sensitive devices (ESDs) from damage is to ground all conductive objects and remove insulators from your ESD Protected Area (EPA). This is not always possible because some insulators are “process-essential” and are necessary to build or assemble the finished product. The only way to control charges on these necessary non-conductive items is the use of ionization systems.

However, if an ionizer is out of balance, instead of neutralizing charges, it will produce primarily positive or negative ions. This results in placing an electrostatic charge on items that are not grounded, potentially discharging and causing ESD damage to nearby sensitive items.

It is therefore essential to regularly clean your ionizers and verify they function correctly. Below we have put together a list of tasks you need to perform with your ionizers on a regular basis.

Maintenance

“All ionization devices will require periodic maintenance for proper operation. Maintenance intervals for ionizers vary widely depending on the type of ionization equipment and use environment. Critical clean room uses will generally require more frequent attention. It is important to set-up a routine schedule for ionizer service. Routine service is typically required to meet quality audit requirements.” (ESD Handbook TR20.20 section 5.3.6.7 Maintenance / Cleaning)

EIA-625, recommends checking ionizers every 6 months, but this may not be suitable for many programs particularly since an out-of-balance may exist for months before it is checked again. ANSI/ESD S20.20 section 6.1.3.1 Compliance Verification Plan Requirement states: “Test equipment shall be selected to make measurements of appropriate properties of the technical requirements that are incorporated into the ESD program plan.”

Under normal conditions, an ionizer will attract dirt and dust (especially on the emitter points). To maintain optimum neutralization efficiency and operation, cleaning should be performed on a regular basis.

1. Case

Wipe the case with a soft cloth and deionized water. Fully squeeze the wiping cloth or sponge to remove any excess liquid. If a stronger cleaning solution is required, dab a soft cloth with mixture of isopropyl alcohol and deionized water (70% IPA and 30% DI water).

2. Emitter Points

The emitter points should be cleaned using specific emitter point cleaners or a swab dampened with Isopropyl alcohol. Below are general instructions on how to clean emitter points. However, each unit is slightly different so always refer to the ionizer’s manual.

  1. Turn the unit OFF and unplug the power cord.
  2. Open the top screen by loosening the screw and swinging the grill to one side.
  3. Clean the emitter points using the an emitter point cleaner or a swab dampened with Isopropyl alcohol.
  4. Re-attach the top screen.
  5. Plug in the power cord and turn the unit ON.
  6. Verify the performance of the ionizer by using a charged plate monitor or ionization test kit (see below).

Cleaning of Emitter Points using SCS 9110-NO as an example

With normal handling, the emitter points should not require replacement during the life of the unit.

Check out how to clean an Ionizer in A Minute with Miranda:

Verification

Per ESD TR53 section 5.3.6.7.1 “The best practice is to measure the offset voltage and discharge times, clean the unit, including emitter points and air filters if present, offset voltage to zero (if adjustable), and then repeat offset voltage and discharge time testing. If the unit does not meet offset voltage specifications or minimum established discharge time limits, further service is indicated. Manufacturers should provide details on service procedures and typical service intervals.”

Most companies will assign a number or otherwise identify each ionizer and setup a Compliance Verification / Maintenance / Calibration schedule. If the ionizers all test good, the data can justify lengthening the calibration period. If ionizers require adjustment, the calibration period should be shortened. Although ESD TR53 does not advise a test frequency, JESDD625-A (Revision of EIA-625) recommends ionizers be tested semi-annually, noting to use “S3.1 except the number of measurement points and locations may be selected based on the application.”

Verification should be performed in accordance with the ESD Association ionization standard ANSI/ESD STM3.1.

Below are general instructions on how to verify your ionizer’s offset voltage and discharge time. Always refer to the User Guide accompanying your Charge Plate Monitor or Ionization Test Kit for proper operation and setup.

1. Testing Ionizer Offset Voltage:

The required limit per ANSI/ ESD S20.20 is less than ± 35 volts. Check your ionizer’s operating manual or consult with the ionizer manufacturer to determine what the offset voltage should be for your ionizer.

Charge Plate Monitor (CPM)

  1. Position the ionizer and charge plate monitor as shown below.
  2. Set the CPM to Decay/Offset mode.
  3. Set the CPM to decay and offset voltage mode with a starting charge at either + or – 1 KV and a stopping charge at either + or -100 Volts.
  4. Start the decay/offset test sequence on the CPM. This will take a few seconds.
  5. Record the decay time, and offset voltage as displayed on the CPM.

Positioning your Charge Plate Monitor for Overhead and Benchtop Ionizers

Ionization Test Kit

  1. Zero the charge plate by touching it with a grounded object. This can either be the finger of a grounded person or some other item which is connected to electrical ground. In either case, zeroing the charge plate should make the display on the field meter read zero.
  2. Hold the meter approximately one foot (30.5 cm) in front of the ionizer.
  3. Monitor the display. The value displayed is the offset balance of the ionizer, which is the difference between the number of positive and negative ions being emitted.
Testing Ionizer Offset Voltage using the SCS 718A Air Ionizer Test Kit

Portable Charge Plate Monitor

  1. Turn the meter on.
  2. Zero point adjust the meter. Bring the plate into contact with a grounded body, and press the 0ADJ button.
  3. Set the desired mode. Press the SELECT button, and the meter will scroll through the modes. To measure balance (offset voltage), use I.B mode.
  4. Point the plate at the measurement location, the meter will measure the balance.

Watch how to test the balance using the SCS Portable Charge Plate Monitor:

2. Testing Ionizer Discharge Time:

The required limit per ANSI/ESD S20.20 is “user defined”. Please refer to the ionizer’s operating manual or consult with the ionizer manufacturer to determine what this discharge time should be.

Charge Plate Monitor (CPM)

  1. Set the CPM to Decay/Offset mode.
  2. Set the CPM to decay and offset voltage mode with a starting charge at either + or – 1 KV and a stopping charge at either + or -100 Volts.
  3. Start the decay/offset test sequence on the CPM. This will take a few seconds.
  4. Record the decay time, and offset voltage as displayed on the CPM.

Ionization Test Kit

  1. After charging the plate of the ionization test kit, hold the field meter approximately one foot (30.5 cm) away from the ionizer.
  2. Monitor the display of the meter to see how quickly the 1.1 kV charge is dissipated to 0.1 kV.
  3. The speed at which this occurs (the discharge time) indicates how well the ionizer is operating.
  4. Repeat this procedure for both a positively and a negatively charged plate.

Portable Charge Plate Monitor

  1. If you haven’t already, turn the meter on and zero it.
  2. Set the desired decay range, select +Decay to measure positive discharge time. Select -Decay to measure negative discharge time.
  3. Point the plate in the airflow of the ionizer to be measured and press the START button.
  4. The meter will chirp and display the neutralization time when the measurement is completed.

Watch how to test the decay time using the SCS Portable Charge Plate Monitor:

Some ionizers offer adjustment options (e.g. trim pots) which allow modification of the offset voltage.

However, if your ionizer is out of balance (and cannot be adjusted) or if the discharge time is out of specification, the ionizer will require service/repair by an authorized company.

Conclusion

Ionization is one of the best methods of removing charges from insulators and as a result plays an important role in controlling ESD.

Remember though: ionizers require periodic cleaning of emitter pins and verifying of the offset voltage and discharge time. Otherwise, instead of neutralizing charges, the ionizer will primarily produce positive or negative ions. The ionizer will therefore place an electrostatic charge on items that are not grounded, potentially discharging and causing ESD damage to nearby sensitive items.

Checking your ESD Control Products

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Last time we explained how to easily create a compliance verification plan and why it’s important to have one in place. Today’s post will elaborate on the subject of periodic verification and highlight common products in your EPA that should be regularly verified and more importantly how they should be checked.

Why periodic verification
Compliance verification is a requirement of ANSI/ESD S20.20:
“The Organization shall prepare an ESD Control Program Plan that addresses each of the requirements of the Program. Those requirements include:
– Training
– Product Qualification
– Compliance Verification
– Grounding / Equipotential Bonding Systems
– Personnel Grounding
– ESD Protected Area (EPA) Requirements
– Packaging Systems
– Marking” [ANSI/ESD S20.20 clause 7.1 ESD Control Program Plan]

Installed ESD Control products must be checked regularly to ensure they meet the required limits per the ESD Standard. “Compliance verification records shall be established and maintained to provide evidence of conformity to the technical requirements. The test equipment selected shall be capable of making the measurements defined in the Compliance Verification Plan.” [ANSI/ESD S20.20 clause 7.3 Compliance Verification Plan]

Below, you will find a list of the most common ESD Control Products in your EPA and how to test them:

Worksurface Matting
The purpose of ESD workbench matting is to ensure that when charged conductors (conductive or dissipative) are placed upon the surface, a controlled discharge occurs and electrostatic charges are removed to ground. However, this only occurs if the ESD worksurface is connected to ground. If the matting is out-of-spec, not grounded at all, or the stud on the mat has become loose or if the ground cord has become disconnected, charges cannot be removed.
Many companies use a daily checklist, which includes the operator having to verify that ground cords are firmly connected.
Remember to regularly clean your workbench matting to maintain proper electrical function. Do not use cleaners with silicone as silicone build-up will create an insulative film on the surface.
The company’s compliance verification plan should include periodic checks of worksurfaces measuring:

  • Resistance Point-to-Point (Rp-p) and
  • Resistance-to-ground (Rg)

Testing a worksurface using SRMETER2

A surface resistance tester can be used to perform these tests in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 and its test method ESD TR53; if these measurements are within acceptable ranges, the worksurface matting and its connections are good.

Wrist Straps
As discharges from people handling ESD sensitive devices cause significant ESD damage, the wrist strap is considered the first line of ESD control.
Before handling ESD sensitive items, you should visually inspect the wrist strap to see if there are any breakages etc. The wrist strap should then be tested while worn using a wrist strap tester. This ensures all three components are checked: the wrist band, the ground cord (including resistor) and the contact with the operator’s skin. Records of each test should be kept. Wiggling the resistor strain relief portion of the coil cord during the test will help identify failures sooner. Analysis and corrective action should take place when a wrist strap tester indicates a failure.

Checking wrist straps using 746

It is recommended that wrist straps are checked at least daily. An even better solution to daily wrist strap checks is the use of continuous monitors. They will alarm if the person or worksurface is not properly grounded.

A note on worksurface matting and wrist straps: if you are using common ground points to ground the operator and/or work surface matting, remember to measure resistance to ground regularly as well (every 6 months for example).

Floor Matting
A flooring / footwear system is an alternative for personnel grounding for standing or mobile workers. Foot grounders quickly and effectively drain the static charges which collect on personnel during normal, everyday activities. Foot grounders should be used in conjunction with floor surfaces which have a surface resistance of less than 1010 ohms.
As ESD floors get dirty, their resistance increases. For optimum electrical performance, floor matting must be cleaned regularly using an ESD mat cleaner. Do not use cleaners with silicone as silicone build-up will create an insulative film on the surface.
Dissipative floor finish can be used to reduce floor resistance. Periodic verification will identify how often the floor finish needs to be applied. As the layer(s) of dissipative floor finish wear, the resistance measurements will increase. So, after some amount of data collection, a cost-effective maintenance schedule can be established.
Floor matting can be checked using a resistance meter. A surface resistance meter is designed to measure resistance point-to-point (Rp-p) or surface to ground (Rg) in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 and its test method ESD TR53.

Footwear
ESD Shoes or foot grounders play an essential part in the flooring/footwear system.
Before handling ESD sensitive devices, visually inspect your ESD footwear for any damage. Just like wrist straps, footwear should be checked while being worn using a wrist strap/footwear tester.

Checking foot grounders using 770750

Records of each test should be kept. Analysis and corrective action should take place when a footwear tester indicates a failure. Footwear needs to be checked daily.

ESD Packaging
Re-using shielding bags is acceptable as long as there is no damage to the shielding layer. Shielding bags with holes, tears or excessive wrinkles should be discarded.

An operator packing an ESD sensitive item into a Shielding Bag
Make sure your ESD shielding bags are un-damaged

It is up to the user to determine if a shielding bag is suitable for re-use or not. The testing of every bag before re-use is not practical. Many companies will discard the shielding bag once used and replace it with a new one. Others will use a system of labels to identify when the bag has gone through five handling cycles:

  • Non-reusable labels are used that require the label be broken to open the bag.
  • The bag is then resealed with a new label.
  • When there are five broken labels, the bag is discarded.

The same principle applies to other ESD packaging, e.g. component shippers.

Ionizers
Ionizers are intended to neutralize static charges on insulators thereby reducing their potential to cause ESD damage. However, poorly maintained ionizers with dirty emitter pins and out-of-balance ionisers can put a charge on ungrounded items.
Remember to clean ionizer emitter pins and filters regularly. You can now even purchase ionizers that will alarm when emitter pins need to be cleaned or the ionizer is out of balance.

Charge plate monitor and static decay measurements using 963E ionized air blower

Static neutralization (the ability to reduce or eliminate a charge on a surface) is an important quality for ionizers. Static decay time is defined as the time interval needed to reduce a defined voltage potential on an object to a defined lower potential by means of applied ionized air. Another important aspect for ionizers is the ability to produce a balanced stream of positive and negative ions. A charged plate monitor or equivalent can be used to accurately measure both of these parameters.
For more detailed information on measuring the performance of ionizers refer to the ESD standard ANSI/EOS/ESD-S3.1 for Protection of Electrostatic Discharge Susceptible Items-Ionization.

Wrist Strap/Footwear and Resistance Testers etc.
So, you check your wrist straps and/or footwear and workbench and/or floor matting regularly. But have you remembered the testers themselves? What good do all the checks do, if the testers you use are out-of-spec and show you incorrect results?
Yearly calibration is recommended – many manufacturers offer a calibration service or alternatively you can purchase calibration units from them and perform the calibration yourself.

There you have it – a list of the most commonly used products in your ESD Protected Area (EPA) that you should check on a regular basis.
Questions for you: Do you have a verification plan in place? If so, how often do you check your ESD protection products?