In the past, the focus of ESD Control has been on controlling Human Body Model (HBM) ESD Events at the work bench. However, times are changing and many company’s have adequate measures in place to control ESD Events at the workbench. Additionally, increasingly more manufacturing is being carried out by machinery. So, we must ask ourselves; are we paying equal attention to our SMT line (our machinery) as we are the workbench and personnel? With less information out there on controlling ESD at the SMT line, this article aims to give a little more insight on what is required.

As you may know, the main principles of controlling ESD in the ESD Protected Area (EPA) are to ground all conductors and remove or neutralize insulators with ionizers. However, this can be easier said than done with an SMT line; which is where continuous monitoring can come in. With the Ground Master Monitor you can ensure the conductive parts of your machines are grounded at all times, with the EM Aware Monitor you can ensure there are no static charges than can lead to ESD Events (which are also being monitored for), and with the WS Aware Monitor you can ensure your operators at the line are grounded at all times.As well as ESD to contend with, you also have Electrical Overstress (EOS) to consider. The WS Aware and Ground Master are also monitoring for EMI on metal ground, and the WS Aware is monitoring for overvoltage on the operator. Both of these parameters could be causing EOS to your Sensitive Devices.

For more information on controlling ESD and EOS at the SMT line, why not request an EOS/ESD Assessment.