Emitter pins

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.

Choosing the right type of Ionizer

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Last time we learned the difference between conductors & insulators. We went on to explain what ionizers are and when you need them in your EPA. Haven’t had a chance to read that post yet? Catch-up here!
All up to speed now? Right, let’s move on: as promised, today we’ll be looking at the different types of ionizers available.

What is an Ionizer?
But first a quick recap of what an ionizer is: An ionizer produces positively and negatively charged ions that are moved to the controlled area with fan driven airflow. Ionization can neutralize static charges on an insulator in a matter of seconds, thereby reducing their potential to cause ESD damage.

Types of Ionizers
Electrical ionizers generate air ions by a process known as corona discharge. A high voltage is applied to one or more sharp points and quantities of air ions are created. Fans or blowers may be incorporated in the ionizer to assist the movement of the ions and enhance performance.

  1. AC Ionizers
    AC ionizers use a transformer to multiply the AC power line voltage. AC stands for “Alternating Current” which means that the power cycles from positive to negative sixty times per second. The AC ionizer therefore produces both positive and negative ions from the same points or emitters. The drawback with this approach is that many ions recombine because the cycle frequency is too fast. For this reason, most AC ionizers rely on fans or blowers to be effective.
  2. Pulsed DC Ionizers
    Pulsed DC ionizers utilize separate power supplies to generate positive and negative voltages and usually each power supply has its own dedicated emitters. The power supply alternates between positive and negative, but usually at a lower frequency than AC units. In this way, ion recombination is reduced and performance is increased. Airflow may then be reduced for operator comfort without sacrificing much performance. With pulsed DC, it is important to cycle at least two or three times per second to prevent harmful voltage swings on the object being protected.
  3. Steady-state DC Ionizers
    Steady-state DC ionizers also employ separate power supplies and emitters, but instead of alternating positive and negative, both supplies are on all the time as the name implies. As would be expected, there is some degree of recombination, however, the ion density is still greater because of continuous operation of both supplies. The offset or balance voltage at the output will normally be more consistent than pulse units.

There are also nuclear types of ionizers which are non-electric. They are more frequently used in flammable or explosive environments for applications other than electronics.

Ionizer Configurations

  1. Room Ionization
    This type of configuration will typically have multiple emitters just below ceiling height and will rely on some amount of air movement for moving the ions down to bench level. It used to be considered as the most effective way to protect large areas against ESD hazards. However, these days localized workstation ionization is recommended:

    • Product sensitivity has become much greater and long decay times of room ionization cannot be tolerated.
    • With room ionization, often only a fraction of the ionized area may be ESD sensitive. Localized ionizers bring protection to the areas where it’s needed and performance is often 10 times faster than the ceiling height system.
    • Localized ionization moves with the workstation (or to a new workstation) making it much more flexible with changing production line layouts.
      Advantages Disadvantages
      + Effective for large areas – Long decay times
      – Cannot easily be moved once set-up
  2. Workstation Ionizers
    These come in many shapes and sizes. Probably the best-known type is the benchtop ionizer which is about the size of an iPad mini and about 4 inch deep. They’ve been around for many years and are to this day still in high demand. Over the years, smaller and lighter units were developed. As workstation space is incredibly valuable, many users prefer the smaller units. Some benchtop ionizers can even be suspended above the bench using a flexible mounting arm. Whatever style is chosen, care should be taken to assure that items normally on the bench would not obstruct the flow of ionized air.

    Example of a Benchtop Ionizer – click here for more information

    A real benefit of benchtop ionizers is the fact that they can easily be moved between workstations. So, if you only have a small EPA with a few users and shared workload, you can save money by moving one ionizer between different benches.

    Advantages Disadvantages
    + Compact – Potential obstruction of air flow
    + Lightweight
    + Portable
  3. Overhead Ionizers
    Overhead ionization was established to solve the problem of items on a workbench blocking the flow of ionized air. Overhead Ionizers have a unique hanging capability and are suspended about 17 to 24 inch above the bench – either by hanging from chains or by using mounting brackets attached to a shelf or bench.

    Example of an Overhead Ionizer – click here for more information

    Using this method of ionization makes it very unlikely for items to block the flow of ionized air to the item being protected. In addition, the downward airflow is more consistent over the entire bench. To ensure that adequate air is delivered an overhead ionizer with 2 to 4 fans should be used. Overhead ionization is ideal for areas where bench space is limited.

    Advantages Disadvantages
    + Large & consistent air flow coverage – Heavy
    + Don’t take up valuable workspace
    + Items unlikely to block air flow
  4. Forced Air Ionizers
    Most companies address ElectroStatic Attraction, visual imperfections and contamination issues by dislodging charged dust and debris with compressed air ionizers. They use compressed air or nitrogen to neutralise static charges in localized areas – they are a quick “point-and-shoot” option. They are either hand-held or may be mounted in a fixed location.

    Example of a Forced Air Ionizer – click here for more information

    The main advantage of this type is that the user has the benefit of a strong air blast (20 to 100 P.S.I.) to help dislodge contamination, while the ionization in the air stream eliminates the static attraction of the particles at the same time. Hand-held air nozzle types will usually have a trigger or push-button to activate the air and ion flow, while the stationary-mounted type is frequently remote controlled with a foot pedal, photo sensor or some other switch closure.

    Advantages Disadvantages
    + “Point-and-shoot” operation – Use valuable workstation space
    + Strong air blast

Summary
SCS Ionizers meet ANSI/ESD S20.20 tested per ANSI/ESD STM3.1 and ESD TR53. What type of ionizer you choose depends on a lot of different factors. There is no right or wrong – just different options.

A few things you should consider before making any decisions:

  • Type of operation
    Depending on the work your operators are doing, one type/configuration of ionizer may have more benefits then another. For example, if your workspace is limited, an overhead ionizer might be the answer. On the other hand, if there is an issue with debris & dust in your operation, then a compressed air ionizer would be better suited.
  • Features required
    Does your ionizer need to be made of stainless steel? Does it need to use zero-volt technology? Do you need a cost-effective ionizer with built-in emitter point cleaners? Do activities need to be monitored and recorded with some sort of software? Make a list of what is an absolute must and where you can compromise – see next point.
  • Available budget
    Even though this one is the last one in this list, it by no means is the least important factor. Quite contrary, it’s generally one of the main considerations when investing in an ionizer. However, it kind of goes hand in hand with the previous 2 points. So, you may have to make compromises, e.g. on the features, depending on what monies are available…

Need help choosing? Check out our Ionizer Selection Chart!
Alternatively, why not request an EOS/ESD Assessment? It’s a great way to have an extra set of eyes look at your ESD control plan!

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: an ionizer is a secondary form of defense and does not eliminate the need for standard ESD control devices such as wrist straps, heel grounders and worksurface mats. It is only one element in an effective ESD program.

Also, ionizers require periodic cleaning of emitter pins and the offset voltage must be kept in balance. Otherwise, instead of neutralizing charges, if it is producing primarily positive or negative ions, the ionizer will place an electrostatic charge on items that are not grounded.