Are you regularly getting complaints from your operators that wrist straps are awkward or uncomfortable? As a result, do you come across them not being worn properly? Unfortunately, we see wrist straps being misused regularly. Here, you can find just 4 of the many mistakes we see with wrist straps, but do not fear, there is a solution!
Not Worn
Operators feel restricted by their wrist strap, do not understand the necessity and stop wearing it, even if only for a short period.
Disconnected
Operators leave their workstation and forget to re-connect their wrist strap on their return.
Incorrectly Fitted
For various reasons the wrist strap might not be fitted correctly, whether it be for comfort or by accident. Either way, it leaves the wrist strap potentially not functioning as it should.
Damaged
Operators used old or damaged wrist straps that might pass at the tester but could be intermittently failing whilst being worn. Perhaps the coiled cords have been patched up or the wristband is looking old and worn.
The Solution?
Wear SCS Groundable Static Control Smocks for hands-free grounding!
SCS ESD Smocks have a Hip-to-Cuff Grounding feature that allows for hands-free grounding by connecting a coiled cord to the snap on the side of the smock. This is directly connected to the conductive kitted cuff that acts as a wristband. Leaving the operator with a hands-free alternative to a wrist strap. Both Single-Wire and Dual-Wire options are available so even if you are using dual-wire continuous monitors, there is an option for you!
SCS Smocks – a hands-free alternative to wrist straps
In general, wearing Static Control Garments offers many benefits to controlling Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and more. To learn more about the role of ESD Garments in the ESD Protected Area (EPA) visit this blog post.
Watch A Minute with Miranda on Static Control Garments:
Why do you need ESD smocks?
How to care for your ESD smocks
Testing Resistance Point-to-Point Rpp for an ESD Smock
Fairly regularly we are seeing low charging or antistatic Pink Poly bags being used for the wrong application. These bags are made from a tinted polyethylene material with an antistatic coating that can wear away. This turns the bag insulative and high charging over time, making it noncompliant to ANSI/ESD S541 recommendations.
They also lack discharge shielding protection which makes components within the bag susceptible to ESD event damage. It is this distinction that is most important – as Pink Poly bags don’t provide shielding, they should not be used to carry ESD Susceptible (ESDS) items outside the EPA, i.e. when the sensitive item isn’t grounded. Per ANSI/ESD S541-2018, Table 1. ESD Protective Packaging Requirements by Location, Discharge Shielding is Required for Outside the EPA (UPA).
SCS Metallized Shielding bags are constructed from a metalized polyester film and a low charging polyethylene laminate. This provides the bags with a shielding layer that creates a Faraday cage protecting the ESD sensitive components within the bag from possible ESD event damage. The low charging inner layer and outer layer of the bag prevent tribocharging from occurring, minimizing the build-up of ESD charges when handling components. This low charging layer is longer lasting than a pink antistatic bag.
Per ANSI/ESD S541-2018 – Table2. Summary of ESD Protective Properties
“Discharge Shielding“
“Protects packaged items from the effects of static discharge that are external to the package and limits current flow through package”
Per ANSI/ESD S541-2018 – Per 7.3.1 Electrostatic Discharge Shielding
“Electrostatic discharge shielding materials are capable of attenuating an electrostatic discharge when formed into a container such as a bag”
Watch our video for a simple demonstration on how pink poly bags differ from static shielding bags:
For more information on the differences between these two materials, and a demonstration on how to test per ANSI/ESD S11.31 and ANSI/ESD S541 visit this page.
Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how to clean your ESD Worksurface Mat.
For optimum performance, the ESD worksurface mat should be cleaned regularly using a recommended ESD mat cleaner. Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20, “Ensure that cleaners that are used do not leave an electrically insulative residue common with some household cleaners.” We recommend using Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface & Mat Cleaner Wipes to clean and maintain ESD mats and other worksurfaces. Charge-Guard™ wipes do not contain silicone or other substances that will leave an insulative residue or inhibit the performance of an ESD surface.
It is recommended to test the surface after cleaning to ensure that all insulative contaminants such as dirt and grime have been removed. Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface & Mat Cleaner Wipes will only leave behind a coating with a surface resistance of less than 1 x 10^9 ohms.
8004 – Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner, 25 Wipes
Implementing ESD control measures can be very simple, particularly if you are starting with one or two workbenches. Each workbench would be an individual ESD Protected Area (EPA) and when ESD Sensitive (ESDS) devices are not at the ESD workbench they should be in a closed ESD shielding container or bag. In today’s blog we provide a basic set up for a start-up workbench EPA.
Single-Wire Wrist Straps
Adjustable Wrist Strap, Blue, with 6′ Coil Cord
One size fits all adjustable wrist band with coil cord is used to ground a stationary operator.
Provides a worksurface that does not generate a static charge and will control the discharge rate from all conductors (including ESD susceptible items) that are placed on the surface
Includes table mat, LPCGC151M Common Ground Cord and 3049 Snap Kit
Dissipative Dual Layer Rubber Material
High Strength Nitrile Rubber Compound – Constructed to withstand abrasion, tearing and may be used in soldering applications with flux and other chemicals.
Tests Digital Compliance Verification Surface Resistance Meter Kit – Measures resistance point-to-point (Rtt) and resistance-to-ground (Rtg) of worksurfaces, flooring systems, garments, packaging, and other materials in accordance with ESD Association documents: ESD TR53, ANSI/ESD S4.1, ANSI/ESD S7.1, ANSI/ESD STM97.1 and others
Internal Memory – Stores and recalls up to 100 measurements. Captures resistance, temperature, humidity and test voltage.
Metal-In Film Laminate 0.0028” thick (2.8 mil) – Protects ESD sensitive contents from electrostatic fields and electrostatic discharges (ESD)
<10 nJ Discharge Shielding Energy Limit Test per ANSI/ESD STM11.31 – Meets ANSI/ESD S20.20 and ANSI/ESD S541 requirements for ESD shielding packaging inside and outside an ESD Protected Area (EPA)
Whilst this guide provides a high quality but manageable avenue into ESD Control, not all ESD Programs are created equal, every company has different processes. So, get in touch with your requirements or complete our Checklist and SCS will support with a custom qualified parts list based on your application.
Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how the Ground Master Monitor provides continuous monitoring of the path-to-ground impedance and electromagnetic integrity of eight metal ground connections of process tools in your SMT assembly work area.
The Ground Master Monitor
continuously monitors eight metal tools for electromagnetic interference (EMI).
EMI can cause equipment lockups and malfunction. The Ground Master Monitor will
alarm if EMI is detected. The Ground Master will also alarm if the grounded
metal tools have a high-frequency noise that can cause electrical overstress
(EOS) damage. The Ground Master Monitor provides both a visual and audible
alarm for the monitored ground connections. The Ground Master Monitor meets the
Continuous Monitor requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20 in accordance with ESD TR53.
Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be discussing how to store and ship your static sensitive assemblies within and outside of an ESD Protected Area using an In-Plant Handler.
ANSI/ESD S20.20 requires that ESD protective packaging is necessary to store, transport and protect ESD sensitive electronic items during all phases of production and shipment. Beyond the static protection, packaging also provides protection from physical damage, moisture, dust and other contaminates. Per the ANSI/ESD S541 Packaging Standard packaging that is used inside and outside of an EPA shall be low charge generating, constructed from dissipative or conductive material for intimate contact with ESD items and provide electrostatic discharge shielding.
The Protektive Pak In-Plant Handlers are constructed from an impregnated dissipative corrugated material that has a surface resistance range of 1 x 106 to less than 1 x 109 ohms per ANSI/ESD STM11.11. This minimizes the potential of rapid discharge or sparking. The in-plant handlers will shield ESD sensitive items from charge and electrostatic discharges with the lid in place. The partition sets are constructed from the same impregnated dissipative material and are available in over 300 cell size configurations to suit your specific packaging needs.
View the full range of Protektive Pak In-Plant Handlers here.
Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be discussing how to test the point-to-point resistance (Rtt) and the resistance-to-ground (Rtg) of a Conductive ESD Floor.
ANSI/ESD S20.20 requires initial and periodic verification of an ESD Flooring System. ANSI/ESD STM7.1 outlines the test methods applicable for the Conductive flooring material. For the Point-to-Point resistance (Rtt) test the flooring will be tested with a resistance measurement meter and 2 x 5lbs cylindrical electrodes positioned 36” apart. The value for the test should be less than or equal to 1 x 106 ohms.
The Resistance Point-to-Ground (Rtg) test should be conducted with a resistance measurement meter and 1 x 5lbs cylindrical electrode. One lead from the meter should be connected to the ground point and the other lead will be connected to the electrode. The test value should be less than or equal to 1 x 106 ohms.
View the full range of SCS Surface Resistance Testers here.
In today’s connected world, we are surrounded by home monitoring networks, fitness trackers and other smart systems. They all use an IoT platform to keep us up to-date with the current temperature in our house or the number of steps we have taken in a day. There are many different applications of IoT: Consumer, Commercial, Industrial, and Infrastructure, but is there a way to use this incredibly smart technology to improve ESD Control? Let’s take a look!
What Is The Internet of Things (IoT)?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is used everywhere today – from medical devices, to vehicles, to homes and more! Simply put, IoT:
Connects “things” in the physical world to the internet using sensors.
Collects data for these “things” via sensors.
Analyses the collected data and provides a deeper insight into the “things”.
Another broad definition provided for IoT is:
“The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these things to connect and exchange data, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in efficiency improvements, economic benefits, and reduced human exertions.” [Source]
As mentioned previously, there are many different applications for IoT, but The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applies specifically to manufacturing and industrial processes.
It has slightly different requirements compared to consumer IoT products but the principle is the same: smart machines (incorporating various sensors) accurately and consistently capture and analyze real-time data allowing companies to pick-up problems as soon as (or even before) they appear.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0
IoT helped push the 3rd industrial revolution (machine automation) one step further. “Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) dominate the manufacturing floor, linking real objects with information processing, and virtual objects via the internet. The goal is to converge Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT).” [Source]
The 4th industrial revolution is also referred to as “Industry 4.0”. “At the very core Industry 4.0 includes the (partial) transfer of autonomy and autonomous decisions to cyber-physical systems and machines, leveraging information systems”. [Source]
Industry 4.0 as fourth industrial revolution [Source]
So, how can companies use the power of IoT and create accessible, real-time feedback on the status of their ESD Control Protected Area (EPA) and ESD control items?
Industry 4.0 IoT Platforms in ESD Control
ESD damages can be extremely costly – especially when it comes to latent defects that are not detected until the damaged component is installed in a customer’s system. Conventional ESD control programs incorporate periodic verification checks of ESD control products to detect any issues that could result in ESD events and ESD damage. The problem is that ESD control products (and the EPA as a whole) are not constantly monitored.
Take an ionizer for example: if a company uses ionization to handle process-essential insulators, the ionizers need to be fully reliable at all times. If an ionizer passes one check but is found to be out of balance at the next, the company faces a huge problem: nobody knows WHEN exactly the ionizer failed or if contributed to a charged insulator potentially causing ESD damage.
The Industry 4.0 IoT platform will be a game changer when it comes to creating a reliable and dependable ESD control program. Sensors collecting vital ESD information like field voltage, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), temperature, humidity etc. in an EPA will help detect potential threats in real-time allowing supervisors to act even before an ESD threat occurs.
Advantages of Internet of Things (IoT) in ESD Control
Here is a (by no means exhaustive) list of advantages, IoT can bring to ESD Control:
Collecting Data
The day in an EPA can be busy. Taking the time to capture and record measurements of ionizers, wrist straps, work surfaces, automated processes etc. can be disruptive and is prone to errors. IoT allows data to be collected automatically without any input from users. This helps to increase the accuracy of data and allows operators and supervisors more time focusing on their actual jobs.
Collecting data is the first step to managing processes – more information
Analyzing Data
Supervisors have all the essential data in one place right in front of them and can make informed decisions; they can provide feedback and give suggestions in case of an ESD emergency. IoT allows to pinpoint areas of concern and prevent ESD events.
24/7 Monitoring
IoT continuously monitors processes and provides a real-time picture of them – no manual checks required. If a potential threat is detected, warnings will show-up immediately. There is no need to worry about potentially damaging sensitive devices because the next scheduled check of ionizers, wrist straps etc. has not been completed yet.
Cutting Costs
The number one reason for adapting an ESD control program is to reduce costs by:
Enhancing quality and productivity,
Increasing reliability,
Improving customer satisfaction,
Lowering repair, rework and field service costs and
Reducing material, labor and overhead costs.
Reduced Workload and Increased Productivity
IoT pushes all the above even further with the additional benefits of:
Reduced workload for operators: Data is collected remotely without any input from users. Operators are not disrupted in their day-to-day activities.
Reduced workload for supervisors: Supervisors don’t have to collect and analyze data from personnel testers, field meters, monitors etc. The system does it for them and will highlight any issues.
Further increases in productivity and cost reductions: An ESD program can be managed better and with fewer resources.
Static Management Program (SMP): the next generation of ESD Process Control – more information
Conclusion
IoT will no doubt change ESD control and the way EPAs are monitored. Quantifiable data allows companies to see trends, become more proactive and improve the efficiency of their ESD process control system. IoT will support organizations’ efforts to make more dependable products, improve yields, increase automation and provide a measurable return on investment. Not only will this benefit users and supervisors, but the company as a whole.
SCS Static Management Program (SMP) is the only smart ESD system on the market that continuously monitors your entire ESD process control system throughout all stages of manufacturing. SMP captures data from SCS workstation, equipment and ESD event continuous monitors and provides a real-time picture of critical manufacturing processes.
For more information on how to continuously monitor your ESD control program and/or improve an existing program, request a free ESD/EOS Assessment or SMP demo at your facility by one of our knowledgeable local representatives to evaluate your ESD program and answer any ESD questions!
Electronic devices and systems can be damaged by exposure to high electric fields as well as by direct electrostatic discharges. A good circuit layout and on-board protection may reduce the risk of damage by such events, but the only safe action at present is to ensure that devices are not exposed to levels of static electricity above the critical threshold.
This can only be achieved by introducing a static control program which usually involves setting up an ESD Protected Area (EPA) in which personnel are correctly grounded and all meet the ESD Standard. However, setting up an EPA does not of itself guarantee a low static environment. Production procedures may change, new materials may be introduced, the performance of older materials may degrade and so on.
Measuring Effectiveness of an ESD Control Program
To ensure the effectiveness of any static control program it is important that regular measurements are carried out:
to determine the sensitivity to ESD of devices being produced or handled.
to confirm that static levels are lower than the critical level, and that new or modified work practices have not introduced high static levels.
to ensure that both new and existing materials in the EPA meet the necessary requirements.
Only after an ‘operational baseline’ has been established by regular auditing will it become possible to identify the origin of unexpected problems arising from the presence of static.
1. Determining the sensitivity of ESD sensitive Devices
It is important to understand the sensitivity of ESD sensitive devices before an action plan can be created. Once you know the sensitivity of the items you are handling, can you work towards ensuring you’re not exceeding those levels.
Part of every ESD control plan is to identify items in your company that are sensitive to ESD. At the same time, you need to recognize the level of their sensitivity. As explained by the ESD Association, how susceptible to ESD a product is depends on the item’s ability to either:
dissipate the discharge energy or
withstand the levels of current.
2. Measurements to prove the effectiveness of an ESD Control Program
Measuring electrostatic quantities poses special problems because electrostatic systems are generally characterized by high resistances and small amounts of electrical charge. Consequently, conventional electronic instrumentation cannot normally be used.
Measuring Electrical Field
Wherever electrostatic charges accumulate, they can be detected by the presence of an associated electric field. The magnitude of this field is determined by many factors, e. g. the magnitude and distribution of the charge, the geometry and location of grounded surfaces and the medium in which the charge is located.
“The current general view of experts is that the main source of ESD risk may occur where ESDS can reach high induced voltage due to external fields from the clothing, and subsequently experience a field induced CDM type discharge.” [CLC TR 61340-5-2 User guide Garments clause 4.7.7.1 Introductory remarks]
A static field meter is often used for ESD testing of static fields. It indicates surface voltage and polarity on objects and is therefore an effective problem-solving tool used to identify items that are able to be charged.
A field meter can be used to:
verify that automated processes (like auto insertion, tape and reel, etc.) are not generating charges above acceptable limits.
measure charges generated by causing contact and separation with other materials.
demonstrate shielding by measuring a charged object and then covering the charged item with an ESD lab coat or shielding bag. Being shielded the measured charge should be greatly reduced.
Measuring ESD Events
ESD events can damage ESD sensitive items and can cause tool lock-ups, erratic behavior and parametric errors. An ESD Event Detector like the EM Eye ESD Event Meter will help detect most ESD events. It detects the magnitude of events and using filters built into the unit, it can provide approximate values for some ESD events for models (CDM, MM, HBM) using proprietary algorithms.
Solving ESD problems requires data. A tool counting ESD events will help carry out a before-and-after analysis and will prove the effectiveness of implementing ESD control measures.
3. Checking Materials in your EPA
When talking about material properties, the measurement you will most frequently come across is “Surface Resistance”. It expresses the ability of a material to conduct electricity and is related to current and voltage. The surface resistance of a material is the ratio of the voltage and current that’s flowing between two pre-defined electrodes.
It is important to remember that the surface resistance of a material is dependent on the electrodes used (shape as well as distance). If your company implements an ESD control program compliant to the ESD Standard ANSI/ESD S20.20, it is therefore vital to carry out surface resistance measurements as described in the Standard itself. For more information on the definition of resistance measurements used in ESD control, check out this post.
Surface resistance testers can be used to perform these tests in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 and its test method ANSI/ESD S4.1; if these measurements are within acceptable ranges, the surface and its connections are good. For more information on checking your ESD control products, catch-up with this. It goes into depth as to what products you should be checking in your EPA and how they should be checked.
Conclusion
Measurements form an integral part of any ESD control program. Measuring devices help identify the sensitivity of ESD devices that ESD programs are based on, and also are used to verify the effectiveness of ESD control programs set in place. High quality instruments are available commercially for measuring all the parameters necessary for quantifying the extent of a static problem.
We hope the list above has introduced the techniques most commonly used. For more information on how to get your ESD control program off the ground, Request a free ESD/EOS Assessment at your facility by one of our knowledgeable local representatives to evaluate your ESD program and answer any ESD questions!
The history of IoT [
Industry 4.0 as fourth industrial revolution [
Collecting data is the first step to managing processes – 
Static Management Program (SMP): the next generation of ESD Process Control – 
