ESD Workstation

A Minute with Miranda – WS Aware Workstation Overview

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Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how the WS Aware Monitor provides for continuous monitoring of an ESD Workstation setup.

The SCS WS Aware Monitor is a dual workstation continuous monitor for operators, ESD Worksurfaces and metal tools. It will continuously monitor the path-to-ground integrity and body voltage of two operators. It also monitors the path-to-ground integrity for two conductive or dissipative worksurfaces and two metal tools. It also continuously monitors for electromagnetic interference (EMI) on two metal tools which may cause electrical overstress (EOS) damage. The WS Aware Monitor eliminates the need for periodic testing and record keeping of wrist straps.

Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20 section 18.4.2 “Some continuous monitors can monitor worksurface ground connections. A test signal is passed through the worksurface and ground connections. Discontinuity or over limit resistance changes cause the monitor to alarm. Worksurface monitors test the electrical connection between the monitor, the worksurface, and the ground point. However, the monitor will not detect insulative contamination on the worksurface.”

View the full range of SCS WS Aware Monitors here.

A Minute with Miranda – WS Aware Continuous Monitoring a Wrist Strap

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Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how to use the WS Aware Monitor for continuous monitoring of SCS wrist straps when at an ESD Workstation.

The SCS WS Aware Monitor is a dual workstation continuous monitor for operators, ESD Worksurfaces and metal tools. It will continuously monitor the path-to-ground integrity and body voltage of two operators. The WS Aware Monitor eliminates the need for periodic testing and record keeping of wrist straps. The WS Aware Monitor features operator body voltage detection. It will alarm if the operator generates or comes into contact with voltage that would be dangerous to an ESD susceptible item. Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20 section 5.3.2.4.4 “Typical test programs recommend that wrist straps that are used daily should be tested daily. However, if the products that are being produced are of such value that knowledge of continuous, reliable ground is needed, then continuous monitoring should be considered or even required.”

View the full range of SCS WS Aware Monitors: https://staticcontrol.descoindustries…

A Minute with Miranda – Cleaning an ESD Worksurface Mat

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Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how to properly clean an ESD Worksurface Mat.

For optimum electrical performance, the ESD worksurface mat surface 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 Reztore ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner. Reztore is alcohol free and does not contain silicone or other substances that will leave an insulative residue or inhibit the performance of the ESD worksurface mats.

After cleaning the ESD worksurface mat with Reztore it is recommended to test the surface to ensure that all insulative contaminates such as dirt and grime have been removed from the mat.
SCS worksurface mats meet the ANSI/ESD STM4.1 and ANSI/ESD S20.20 required limit of 1 x 106 to less than 1 x 109 ohms for Rtt and Rtg and the recommendations of ANSI/ESD S4.1. View the range of Reztore Alcohol Free products here.

A Minute with Miranda – How to Wear a Wrist Strap

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Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how to properly wear a wrist strap.

ANSI/ESD S20.20 requires seated personnel to be connected to the grounding / equipotential bonding system via a wrist strap. The total resistance of the Wrist Strap System needs to be less than 3.5 x 10^7 ohms. The key to a wrist strap is the intimate contact of the band to the skin and that the coil cord is connected to ground. Wrist straps need to be tested at least daily before handling any ESD sensitive devices.

Operators can choose between elastic and metal wristbands. Elastic wristbands are comfortable to wear and easy to adjust. Metal wristbands generally last longer and are easier to clean. View the full range of SCS Wrist Straps here.