What is ESD sensitive device?

ESD sensitive device, are refer to electronic components vulnerable to to damage from scarica elettrostatica (ESD). These devices can be impaired by sudden voltage spikes caused by static electricity. Even low-energy discharges (e.g., a few hundred volts) may degrade performance or cause immediate failure.

What devices are ESD sensitive?

Common ESD-sensitive devices include:

1. Integrated Circuits (ICs): Microprocessors, memory chips (e.g., RAM, Flash), and logic gates (e.g., CMOS, TTL).
2. Transistors: MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) and BJTs (Bipolar Junction Transistors).
3. Diodes: LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) and laser diodes.
4. Precision Sensors: Image sensors (e.g., CCD, CMOS) and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors.
5. Analog Components: Operational amplifiers (Op-Amps) and voltage regulators.
6. Discrete Semiconductors: Thyristors and IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors).
7. Passive Components with Advanced Features: Thin-film resistors and high-frequency capacitors.

These devices are highly susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD) due to their small, delicate internal structures.

How can ESD sensitive device be damaged by ESD?

ESD damages sensitive devices through high-voltage/current pulses generated during electrostatic discharge. Key mechanisms include:

1. Thermal Overstress: Rapid energy transfer melts or vaporizes tiny conductive paths (e.g., transistor junctions), causing permanent failure.
2. Insulation Breakdown: High voltage punctures thin dielectric layers (e.g., MOSFET gate oxides), creating short circuits or leakage.
3. Charge Injection: Static charge alters semiconductor properties, degrading performance (e.g., shifted thresholds in CMOS logic).
4. Difetti latenti: Partial damage may weaken components, leading to premature failure during operation.

Even low-energy discharges (e.g., <100V) can harm modern nanoscale electronics.

When transporting ESD sensitive devices from one facility to another facility, use?

To safely transport and store ESD-sensitive devices, use static-shielding bags, conductive foam, or grounded ESD-safe containers. Maintain humidity control, avoid physical stress, and label packages to ensure compliance with ESD standards such as ANSI/ESD S541 & IEC-61340-5-3-2022 .

What is the minimum electrostatic discharge (ESD) voltage that can damage ESD-sensitive devices?

ESD-sensitive devices can sustain damage from voltages as low as 20 volts, imperceptible to humans. Advanced components, like integrated circuits or MOSFETs, are vulnerable even at lower levels.

How to handle ESD sensitive devices?

Handling ESD sensitive devices requires a comprehensive understanding of the materials you’re working with, particularly their vulnerability to electrostatic discharge (ESD). A successful Programma di controllo ESD is built on identifying which devices are the most sensitive to ESD, as well as assessing their susceptibility levels. This involves familiarizing yourself with the Human Body Model (HBM) and the Charged Device Model (CDM) sensitivity ratings of all the equipment in your facility.

Human Body Model (HBM)

One of most common causes of ESD event is the direct transfer of electrostatic charge from the human body to the ESDS Device. The Human Body Model (HBM) mimics this scenario by simulating how electrostatic discharge flows from the fingertip of a standing individual to a device. Here’s how it works:

1. A 100 pF capacitor is charged through a high-resistance resistor (typically in the megohm range) using a switch.
2. The stored charge discharges through a 1,500-ohm resistor connected in series to the test device.
3. The device is then grounded or drops to a low-potential state.

This method, standardized in ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001-2024 (Electrostatic Discharge Sensitivity Testing – Human Body Model), ensures consistent evaluation of a component’s resistance to human-triggered ESD events.

Charged Device Model (CDM)

Another major cause of ESD damage is the device itself becoming charged during manufacturing or handling processes, which can lead to rapid discharge when it comes into contact with a conductive surface at a lower potential. The Charged Device Model (CDM) replicates this phenomenon by simulating the rapid discharge of accumulated static charge from a charged component to a grounded surface.
Here’s how it works:

1. Charging Phase: The device acquires electrostatic charge through friction or contact with insulating materials (e.g., packaging, conveyors), acting as one plate of a capacitor. The stored charge depends on the device’s inherent capacitance (typically 10–200 pF) and environmental conditions.
2. Discharge Phase: When a charged device’s pin contacts a grounded conductor, the stored energy discharges abruptly through the pin. This discharge generates extremely high peak currents (up to 20 kA) within nanoseconds due to minimal resistance and inductance in the path.
3. Test Configuration: CDM testing evaluates a device’s resilience by charging it to a defined voltage (e.g., 250–1000 V per ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-002) and triggering discharge through a low-resistance path. The test setup accounts for device orientation, package type, and parasitic capacitance.

10 critical tips for handling ESD sensitive devices

Handling Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitive devices requires careful attention to prevent damage. Here are ten critical tips to ensure safe handling:

1. Use ESD-Safe Workspaces
   Always work in an ESD-protected area (EPA) equipped with anti-static mats & Pavimenti ESD, grounded work surfaces, and proper Simboli ESD.
2. Wear ESD-Safe Attire
   Use anti-static cinghie da polso, heel straps, and ESD smocks to prevent static buildup on your body.
3. Ground Yourself Properly
   Connect your anti-static wrist strap to a grounded point before handling any ESD-sensitive devices.
4. Handle Devices by the Edges
   Avoid touching pins, connectors, or circuitry directly. Hold components by their edges to minimize ESD risk.
5. Use ESD-Safe Packaging
   Store and transport ESD-sensitive devices in anti-static bags, conductive foam, or shielded containers.
6. Control Humidity Levels
   Maintain a relative humidity of 30-70% in the workspace to reduce static electricity buildup.
7. Use Ionizers for Neutralization
   Employ ionizers to neutralize static charges on non-conductive surfaces and materials in the EPA.
8. Daily Check ESD Grounding Devices
   Utilizzo Tester combinato ESD to check personal grounding systems daily, ensure they are functioning correctly.
9. Avoid High-Static Materials
   Keep plastics, vinyl, and other high-static materials away from ESD-sensitive devices and work areas.
10. Limit Movement in EPA
    Minimize unnecessary movement in the EPA to reduce the generation of static electricity caused by friction or air currents.