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What is Electrostatic Discharge?

ESD is a sudden flow of electric current between two objects with different electric potentials. It can occur due to contact between objects or high-voltage sources. ESD can cause sparks, shocks, and explosions.

Static electricity and ESD

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the movement of static electricity or discharge from one surface to another. 

Using an example of getting zapped when touching the doorknob, the jolt produced was a result of the static electricity being transferred from the hand to the doorknob. In other words electrostatic energy was discharged.

Lightning is a macro example of ESD.

Micron ESD Awareness

ESD damage

It takes about 3,000 volts of static electricity for someone to feel an electrostatic discharge, but it takes less than 100 volts to damage some parts that Micron manufactures. 

Micron’s parts can be easily damaged without the user being aware that the damage has occurred.

Static electricity is generated from the contact and separation between shoes and the floor. Clothing that rubs against skin or other clothing causes a build up of static electricity. Raising and lowering an arm generates as much as 50 volts of static electricity. Keep in mind humans are constantly moving and therefore creating a charge that can be detrimental to electronic components. 

A close-up of a green circuit board with one black microchip in the center appears damaged with visible scorch marks

Key principles for ESD prevention

Preventing buildup of static electricity

Use ESD safe surfaces to build or work on electronic systems. An ESD safe surface is tied to ground through a 1 to 1000 Mega ohm resistor. Direct attach to ground will result in a large ground available for discharge when a charge voltage comes in contact. 

A person in a blue shirt and dark pants sitting at a workstation with multiple computer monitors

Environmental control

A major factor in reducing ESD is to maintain relative humidity above 30% in environments with less than 30% humidity it is critical to use grounding straps on feet and grounded wrist straps to prevent ESD events. 

A person in a cleanroom suit inspecting equipment with digital displays and indicator lights in a semiconductor manufacturing facility.

Transporting products in ESD safe containers

Transporting products in ESD sage bags or boxes will prevent damage to components in transit.

A person sitting at a desk with a computer keyboard, holding an electronic component in a static-free bag

Wearing grounding straps

Wearing grounding foot straps will prevent ESD buildup when walking from station to station. Wearing grounding wrist straps will prevent ESD buildup when working at station.

A person using a magnifier to examine a circuit component

Need more information to safeguard your devices from ESD?

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ANSI/ESD S20.20

ESD Association has created standards to control the discharge of electrostatic to protect electronic parts, assemblies and equipment. Micron follows and implements these standards in order to ensure the highest quality of our parts.

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