Protecting Electronic Components from Electrostatic Discharge

Electrostatic discharges or ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) are well known in the electronics field and represent a potential threat that can damage delicate and expensive components.
Protecting electronic devices from electrostatic discharge is essential to ensure the integrity and longevity of products, both during the manufacturing process and during maintenance.

What are electrostatic discharges?

Electrostatic discharges are short flows of electricity that occur when two objects with different electrical charges come into contact or are brought close together. This phenomenon occurs commonly in everyday life: an example is the small shock that can be felt when touching a doorknob after walking on a carpet. Although harmless to humans, ESD can cause significant damage to electronic components.

Why are ESD discharges harmful to electronics?

Modern electronic components such as microprocessors and integrated circuits are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge; even a single shock can destroy or degrade a component causing immediate failure or a reduction in the life of the device.
Repairing the damage or replacing the damaged part also entails significant costs, particularly in mass production where a high failure rate can jeopardise profitability.
Electrostatic discharges can additionally cause latent and not immediately visible damage, compromising long-term reliability and leading to unexpected and sudden malfunctions or costly product recalls. To avoid these risks, many industries, such as automotive, aerospace and medical, require compliance with strict ESD management standards. Penalties and loss of certifications apply in the event of non-compliance.

ESD protection methods

The use of antistatic clothing by operators involved in the manufacture and assembly of electronic devices is essential to prevent electrostatic discharge. Grounded, anti-static wristbands are one of the most common tools to avoid ESD as they can safely discharge static electricity accumulated in the body and prevent it from being transferred to electronic components during handling. Wearing gowns and gloves, and using tools such as tweezers and screwdrivers made of materials that prevent the build-up of static electricity, creates a safer working environment.
Further protection against ESD is provided by anti-static mats, placed on work surfaces and designed to dissipate static electricity in a controlled manner that is safe for sensitive components.
Humidity control in the working environment is another crucial factor: by using appropriate humidifiers, optimum conditions can be maintained, avoiding levels that are too low and can encourage the build-up of electrostatic charges.

Best practices for ESD management

Staff training is the key element in reducing ESD-related risks. Strict ESD management procedures must be designed and it must be ensured that operators strictly follow these guidelines and are properly educated on the risks of ESD and the importance of properly handling electronic components.
Environmental conditions and anti-static equipment count and must be regularly checked to ensure they comply with established procedures, while the use of monitoring devices to detect and measure static electricity will allow the early detection of the onset of high levels in order to take prompt action.