1. What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?

2. What causes ESD?

3. How is ESD able to damage a component?

4. How can I prevent ESD damage?

5. Is ESD damage going to remain a problem?

6. Have an ESD question that is not here?

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What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?

It's the sudden transfer (discharge) of electricity from one object to another. ESD is commonly known as "static electricity." Here are some examples:

* Lightning

* The "shock" you sometimes feel in the winter when you walk across a carpet and touch a doorknob

* The crackling and sparks when you remove clothes from your dryer

ESD seems harmless, but it can damage electronic components (parts) and assemblies.

ESD usually results when 2 objects touch, rub or slide together, or are separated. Even 2 charges objects coming close together--without touching--can cause ESD.

ESD is often caused by people.

* Your body easily picks up charge (electrons)

* Your skin, hair and body can store relatively large amounts of static charge.

* You can transfer (discharge) this electrical cahrge to components or assemblies - causing ESD Damage.

Even a tiny charge of electricity -- one that you can't see, hear or feel -- is as damaging as a bolt of lighining to components and assemblies.

Today's components and assemblies are more efficient and smaller than ever before. They're also much more delicate and sensitive to static electricity!

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How can I prevent ESD damage?

3 rules to follow.

* assume that all components and assemblies are sensitive to ESD. If you have any questions, ask your ESD control coordinators.

* handle ESD-sensitive items only when you are properly grounded at a static-safe work area.

* store and transport ESD-sensitive items in static shielding containers.

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Is ESD damage going to remian a problem?

Unfortunately, yes. However, ESD damage can be signicantly reduced if everyone follows proper ESD control procedures.