Glossary

An ESD glossary from Transforming Technologies

Decay time: The time interval in which a potential of a charged body is reduced from an initial value (maximum) to a defined lower value by connecting it to ground potential.

Discharge time: The time interval in which a potential of a charged body is reduced from an initial value (maximum) to a defined lower value by means of forced recombination through ionizing equipment.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD): Transfer of charge between bodies at different electrostatic potentials caused by direct contact or induced by electrostatic field.

Electrostatic discharge sensitive devices (ESDS): Discrete devices, integrated circuits or assemblies that may be damaged by electrostatic fields or discharge encountered in routine handling, testing or transit.

Electrostatic discharge shielding material: A barrier or enclosure that limits the passage
 of current and attenuates the energy resulting from an electrostatic discharge.

ESD – susceptibility (voltage sensitivity): The maximum voltage at which the ESDS does not suffer any ESD damage. The ESDS are usually classified in different susceptibility classes. This is a controversial issue just to classify according to voltage level and not taking into account time, peak currents and transformed energy. A smaller voltage pulse lasting longer can cause more damage

Electrostatic conductive material: Having a surface resistance ≥ 102 Ω and < 105 Ω (surface resistances, measured with the ESD S11.11 electrode, are a factor 10 lower than the resulting surface resistivities).

ESD – protected area (EPA): An area in which ESDS can be handled with accepted reduced risk of damage as a result of electrostatic discharge or fields.

EPA – Ground bonding point (EBP): A dedicated point to which an EPA-equipment and personnel via grounding cord can be connected.

Electrostatic dissipative material: Having a surface resistance ≥ 105 Ω and < 1011 Ω (surface resistances, measured with the ESD S11.11 electrode, are a factor 10 lower than the resulting surface resistivities).

Groundable point: A edicated point which can be connected to EPA- ground.

Insulative material: A material with a surface resistance of ≥ 1011 Ω

Low charging: Exhibiting properties which minimize any charge generation. The term “astatic” and “antistatic” should be avoided due to the different existing meanings and understandings.

Proximity packaging: A transport material not making contact with ESDS but which is used to enclose one or more devices.

Resistance to ground: Resistance between an electrode on the surface of an installed specimen and ground potential.

Resistance to groundable point: Resistance between an electrode on the surface of a specimen and a counterlectrode, dedicated to be connected to ground potential under work conditions.

Secondary packaging: Transport material used primarily to give additional physical protection to the outside of a proximity packaging.

Surface resistivity:  Equivalent to the surface resistance of a square area, having the electrodes at 2 opposite sides.

Surface resistance: The ratio of a d.c. voltage applied between two electrodes on a surface of a specimen and the steady-state current between the electrodes.

Triboelectric charging: Electrical charging process in which charge is generated by the contact and separation of two surfaces which may be solid, liquid or particulate-carrying cases.

Volume resistance: The ratio of a d.c. voltage applied between 2 electrodes placed on 2 opposite surfaces of a specimen and the steady-state current between the electrodes.

Volume resistivity: The ratio of a d.c. field strength (V/m) and the steady-state current density (A/m2) within the material. In practice, it is equivalent to the volume resistance of a cube with the unit length, having the electrodes at 2 opposite surfaces.

Voltage suppression: The phenomenon of an apparent charge drainage by increasing the capacity of a charged body (e.g. getting close to a grounded electrode surface).

Secondary packaging: Transport material used primarily to give additional physical protection to the outside of a proximity packaging.

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