BLOCK 3

UNIT 2
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Control
NOTE: This lesson contains information which may not be disclosed to international
students without proper authorization. Refer to the foreign disclosure memorandum
in the Security Annex of the Course Training Plan for further information.
1
 OBJECTIVE

2a. Without reference, identify general

principles of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Control with at least 80% accuracy.
(4 out of 5)

2
 OVERVIEW

2a. Identify principles of Electrostatic Discharge

(ESD) Control
Theory
Types of Failures
Control Measures
Aircraft ESD

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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Theory

Static Electricity
High voltage charges generated whenever there
is friction between dissimilar materials
Called triboelectricity or electricity at rest

4
 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Theory

Static Electricity Generation

Walking on carpet - 1,500 to 35,000 volts
A worker at a bench - 100 to 6,000 volts
Picking up a plastic bag - 1,200 to 20,000 volts
Removing work instructions from a vinyl
envelope - 600 to 7,000 volts
Aircraft flying through dust or moisture-laden
atmosphere - can exceed 50,000 volts

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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Theory

ESD is caused by the buildup of electrical

charge (static electricity) on one surface that
is suddenly transferred to another surface
when they touch

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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Types of Failures

Catastrophic - total failure of the component

or assembly
Intermittent - irregular failures
Latent - items appear to be operating
normally, but may experience premature
failure

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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Control Measures
Three primary control measures
1. Workstation and personnel grounding
2. Handling precautions
3. Protective packaging

8
 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Control Measures

Workstation and Personnel Grounding

The best method for controlling ESD is
preventing its building up
Individual and the workbench will be at zero
potential (grounded)
Conductive wrist strap
should be worn when
working with ESD
devices (Power off)
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Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Control Measures

Workstation and Personnel Grounding

10
 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Control Measures

Handling Precautions

Be sure that all personnel handling ESD devices

are grounded through a current limiting 1M
resistor
Place all ESD items on
workstation prior to opening
Do not remove ESD items from packages until
ready for use
Do not handle ESD devices by their leads
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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Control Measures

Handling Precautions
Do not use a Multi-meter to test an ESD
device
Ensure all hand tools are properly grounded
When removing ESD circuit cards from
equipment, ensure you are at the same
potential as the equipment

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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Control Measures

Protective Packaging
ESD items are packaged and shipped in
conductive containers with their leads shorted
together.

Conductive Foam

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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Control Measures

Protective Packaging

ESD Symbol identifies packages containing

ESDS devices
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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Aircraft ESD

All personnel working on aircraft shall be

given ESD and Prevention Awareness
training
Equipment that
contains ESD
sensitive devices
will be identified

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 Principles of Electrostatic Discharge Control

Aircraft ESD

Before removing ESD equipment ensure

aircraft is grounded
Do not touch equipment connector pins
Ensure conductive caps are installed on all
exposed external connectors

16
 SUMMARY

2a. Identify principles of Electrostatic Discharge

(ESD) Control
Theory
Types of Failures
Control Measures
Aircraft ESD

17
 OBJECTIVE

2a. Without reference, identify general

principles of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Control with at least 80% accuracy.
(4 out of 5)

Questions? Homework Progress Check

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