What is ANSI/ESD S20.20?

ANSI/ESD S20.20 is a standard established by the Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA) that outlines requirements for an electrostatic discharge (ESD) control program. The standard provides guidelines for the development and implementation of an ESD control plan aimed at protecting electronic components and assemblies from ESD damage.

It includes recommendations for establishing a safe working environment, defining appropriate ESD control materials and equipment, and outlining personnel training and procedures to mitigate ESD risks. Compliance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 helps organizations ensure reliability and quality in the production and handling of ESD-sensitive devices.

What are the two requirements to ANSI/ESD S20.20?

ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 outlines a comprehensive framework for establishing an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control Program. It details both administrative requirements and technical requirements essential for effective ESD management.

Administrative Requirements to ANSI/ESD S20.20

1. ESD Control Program Plan
   Organizations must develop a formalized plan that outlines their ESD control strategies and objectives.
2. Product Qualification Plan
   Organizations need to establish a product qualification plan to ensure that the products being manufactured or handled meet specific ESD sensitivity standards. This includes outlining how qualification assessments will be conducted and the acceptance criteria to ensure all products are compliant under ESD controls.
3. Training Plan Requirement: A structured training program for employees must be implemented to ensure understanding and compliance with ESD control measures.
4. Compliance Verification Plan: Procedures must be established to regularly verify compliance with the defined ESD control measures to maintain effective ESD protection throughout the organization

Technical Requirements to ANSI/ESD S20.20

• Grounding/Bonding System
• Personnel Grounding
  Measures must be in place to ground personnel working in or around areas with ESD-sensitive components, such as wrist straps or grounding shoes.
• Protected Areas: Designation of ESD Protected Areas (EPAs) where ESD-sensitive devices can be handled without the risk of discharge from the environment.
• Packaging
  Requirements for proper packaging of ESD-sensitive items must be outlined to prevent damage during transportation and storage.
• Marking
  Clear marking of ESD-sensitive areas and equipment to alert personnel to potential ESD hazards.
• Equipment Maintenance and Handling Procedures
  Guidelines for the proper handling and maintenance of equipment used to protect against ESD.

Analyzing the Technical Requirements to ANSI/ESD S20.20

Setction 8.0 ESD Control Program Plan Technical Requirements primarily focuses on the testing methods and limit values required for ESD control items seleted to be used or come into direct contact with ESDS items.

Grounding/Bonding System

All conductive elements (including personnel) within the facility must be bonded to a known ground to ensure they are at the same electrical potential.

What are the fundamental control principles of ANSI/ESD S20.20?

The ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 document outlines three fundamental control principles that form the basis for establishing effective electrostatic discharge (ESD) control programs. These principles are:

• Grounding and Bonding
  All conductors in the environment, including personnel, must be bonded or electrically connected and attached to a known ground or a contrived ground. This ensures an equipotential balance, minimizing the risk of ESD events by maintaining all items and personnel at the same electric potential.
• Control of Electrostatic Charge on Essential Insulators
  Process essential insulators in the environment should not lose their electrostatic charge through grounding. Ionization systems are recommended to neutralize charge on these insulators, ensuring that they do not pose a risk to ESD-sensitive devices.
• Packaging and Transportation of ESD Sensitive Items
  ESDS (Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive) items must be transported in enclosures made from protective materials. While the specific type of material used may depend on the situation, proper packaging is essential to safeguard these items from ESD during handling and transportation

The Value of ANSI/ESD S20.20 for Electronic Manufacturers

• Comprehensive Guidelines
  The standard provides detailed guidelines on grounding, packaging, and protective measures, ensuring a comprehensive ESD control program.
• Industry Adoption
  ANSI/ESD S20.20 has become an industry standard, adopted or mandated by major players such as IBM, Foxconn, Molex, and Bosch for their subcontractors to implement.
• Improved Product Reliability
  Increas product reliability by reducing the risk of ESD-related failures, which can lead to costly warranties and recalls.
• Market Advantage
  By adhering to ANSI/ESD S20.20, manufacturers can enhance their reputation and competitiveness in the market

What is ANSI ESD S20.20 or IEC 61340-5-1?

ANSI ESD S20.20 and IEC 61340-5-1 are standards related to the prevention of electrostatic discharge (ESD) in environments where sensitive electronic components are handled.

ANSI/ESD S20.20, published by the Electrostatic Discharge Association(ESDA), outlines the framework for establishing an electrostatic discharge control program, which is followed by the United States and most North American countries. In contrast, the IEC 61340-5-1 standard, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC), focuses on the basic requirements for electrostatic protection of electronic devices. European, Japanese, and many Asian countries tend to implement IEC standards.