ESD Systems - Questions And Answers

I have a question regarding the wearing of ESD smocks. In the book "ESD program Management: A Realistic Approach to Continuous Measurable Improvement in Static Control", second edition by G. Theodore Dangelmayer; he makes a statement on page 21 under myth #10 that ESD smocks are not an essential part of ESD control. I don't understand this, given that most modern fabrics will carry a high triboelectric charge, and part of the idea of smock is to avoid exposing sensitive devices to this field (charging by induction). Getting ESD discipline in place is hard work and I need to make sure that technically accurate information is available to avoid undermining the entire effort in achieving this. Your comments please. - Anonymous, Nepean, Ontario

Lucent Technologies has in place a very disciplined ESD control program which they have vigorously implemented for over the last twenty years. They have consistent periodic audits and track all deviations to their program’s procedures. On page 19, Mr. Dangelmayer writes "At the Lucent Technologies facility in North Andover, Massachusetts, no HBM [Human Body Model] failures have been reported over the past 10 years." In addition, in a recent conversation with our Corporate Product Manager, Mr. Dangelmayer stated that he rejects designs that use ESDS devices that have an ESD withstand voltage lower than 500 volts. These desirable conditions may not exist at other companies. Dissipative smocks are to protect ESDS devices from HBM tribocharging generated by the movement of workers and the separation of their synthetic clothing. Since many companies are working with microelectronic devices that have ESD withstand voltages as low as 20 volts and do not have ESD program compliance comparable to Lucent Technologies, the use of Dissipative Smocks is a prudent and effective recommendation.

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