Electrostatic discharge (ESD) films offer effective protection against electrostatic discharge, a phenomenon wherein static electricity generates a flow of electric current between two objects of varying electric potentials. The very fact that electrostatic discharge has been one of the major restricting factors faced by semiconductor manufacturing industry, makes ESD films a valuable product in today&#;s world. ESD films are classified in three categories based on their working principle- conductive, dissipative, and anti-static.
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Princy A. J | June 16,
The electronics and semiconductor manufacturing industry faces numerous challenges which create hindrances in realizing its full potential. Shortage in raw materials for manufacturing semiconductor chips is one of the important restricting factors of this industry. Similarly, a phenomenon known as electrostatic discharge is an important challenge faced by the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Electrostatic discharge can be defined as a sudden flow of electric charge from a high voltage potential to low voltage potential. The electric charge or current develops as a result of the buildup of static electricity due to accumulation of electrically charged electrons over a small area. Not just in electronic circuits, electrostatic discharge is a common phenomenon and occurs in the atmosphere too, resulting in lightning strikes. However, the electrostatic discharge that takes place in semiconductors is rather subtle and causes sparking in these circuits. Nonetheless, this sparking can render the circuits useless.
In order to counter the problem of electrostatic discharge, electrostatic discharge packaging materials have been devised. Electrostatic discharge packaging materials essentially protect the electronic circuits by restricting the flow of electric current between them. Electrostatic packaging materials come in different configurations such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) films, electrostatic discharge (ESD) stick magazines, electrostatic discharge (ESD) matric trays, etc. Of these configurations, electrostatic discharge (ESD) films are one of the most opted ESD packaging materials.
Apart from the electronics and semiconductor manufacturing industry, the huge demand for electrostatic discharge (ESD) films from different sectors like food processing industry, medical sector, and aerospace industry has resulted in a massive boost in the electrostatic discharge (ESD) films market in the last few years. As a result, different types of ESD films are being marketed today to suit the needs of different industries and sectors. Basically, any electrostatic discharge (ESD) packaging material belongs to either of the three categories based on its properties- conductive, dissipative, or anti-static. The working of ESD films depend on the categories they belong, even though their main function remains the same.
Conductive ESD films have low electrical resistance, meaning electrons, and hence the electric current, can easily pass through these films. Hence, when an electronic circuit is packaged using a conductive ESD film, instead of passing the electric current onto other circuit, the current passes through the films, thereby avoiding electronic discharge between the two circuits. Since the conduction of electric charge through these films is pretty fast, conductive ESD films can offer a discharge even to the strongest electric currents.
Dissipative ESD materials are different from conductive materials as they slow down the flow of electrons to the ground. Thus, the flow of the electric charge is in a controlled manner than that in conductive materials. A unique feature of dissipative ESD films is that they offer protection to the electronic components from the atmospheric moisture. In fact, these films soak in the moisture from the air to form a layer of water molecules over the surface of the film which, in turn, makes it difficult to generate and pass electric current.
Anti-static electrostatic discharge films mainly focus on inhibiting triboelectric charging. Triboelectric charging is a type of static electricity wherein the contact electrification occurs upon separation of two electrically charged objects. Anti-static ESD films are extensively used in the aerospace industry as a protective material to cover and protect sensitive spacecraft components and equipment.
In the last few years, some major players of this industry have claimed to have invented extra-conductive ESD material which is suitable for discharging very strong electric currents. Also, a new kind of ESD film is launched recently which offers protection from corrosion and UV rays. This ESD film is said to be based on a technology called as Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor Technology, which protects the semiconductors and metals from rust, oxidation, and tarnish. Moreover, the company, Cortec Corporation, which is involved in the research of this ESD film claims that the film is non-toxic and recyclable. Thus, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) market is undergoing a massive upheaval due to stunning innovations and technological advancements. This will surely help both the ESD films market as well as the electronics manufacturing market in the long run.
Princy holds a bachelor&#;s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.
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Whether you manufacture electronic consumer goods or explosive powders for the military, your customers have one thing in common &#; they expect your products to arrive undamaged. That reality means you must safeguard your goods against threats like moisture and corrosion. With sensitive electronics, it also means protecting them from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
ESD can cause failure of electronics and extensive damage to medical devices, paper, plastics and more. In industrial applications, ESD can slow your production rate and quality, create safety concerns and introduce contaminants to your products. Protections from ESD are essential to deliver quality products to your customers.
Electrostatic discharge is the emission of static electricity between two objects with differing charges and electron counts when they make contact. Common examples include the charge you experience when taking laundry from the dryer or walking across a carpeted floor and touching a doorknob. This phenomenon happens in nature during storms &#; lightning is ESD.
While small shocks and laundry-related ESD are rarely concerning, this discharge can harm electronic components and devices. Measurable static currents carry heat and can easily damage sensitive circuitry. More extreme voltages can also produce sparks, which could lead to a fire.
The charge transfer during ESD causes extremely high temperatures. When ESD is released into electronics, the heat itself can melt and vaporize the components, leading to failure. Electronics can experience two types of ESD damage at many points throughout their life cycle:
Besides electrical damage, ESD can cause other issues like coal dust, fuel vapor and explosion ignition in gas.
Both high- and low-voltage ESD can damage electronic devices. Even small amounts of voltage can cause damage, with some parts more vulnerable than others. For example, it takes less than 10 volts of charge to harm many of the more sophisticated circuits used today.
ESD comes from a buildup of static electricity or electrostatic charge, not just electricity in general. This buildup happens when two different conductors rub together. One conductor assumes the positive charge, and the other becomes negatively charged. As a result, the former now has an electrostatic buildup. When it contacts another conductor, a static charge is transferred, and it releases that buildup as ESD. A dielectric failure or electrical short can also cause ESD.
In an industrial environment, people and equipment can cause ESD. Employees can generate static charges during work when walking, item handling and assembly, and other types of movement. Moving equipment like conveyors, assembly machines and trucks can also generate a static charge. ESD from people or equipment can be up to a few thousand volts.
Factors influencing ESD include environmental humidity and the material&#;s ability to store a charge. The higher the humidity in the air, the less static electricity can build since moisture naturally helps dissipate charges. However, electrostatic current can still build in high-humidity environments. A material&#;s chemistry also affects static electric discharge. Some compositions can retain higher positive charges and generate increased voltages.
Preventing ESD starts with understanding the environment where the device is manufactured, used and handled. Then, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate the chance ESD will occur.
You can safeguard your products and protect against ESD events with solutions like anti-static and static-shielding bags. Electrostatic discharge packaging works by creating a Faraday cage effect, a scientific phenomenon that shields items inside the bag by dispersing the electromagnetic radiation on the outside. The positive and negative particles from the materials repel and move to opposite sides of the conductor. The redistributed charges create an opposing electrical field, shielding the interior from exterior static charges.
The protection from the Faraday cage makes anti-static bags a common method to protect electronic devices from electrostatic charges. The conductive material and structural design of the package are key factors in Faraday cage protection.
Edco has been a leading source of anti-static and static-shielding bags since . We use our decades of expertise to provide high-quality electrostatic packaging solutions to customers throughout Canada and the United States. Contact us for product guidance for your application, or request a quote today.
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