Electrostatic discharge is a constant danger during the assembly of electronic devices. By some estimates, assemblers lose 8 to 33 percent of product to damage caused by ESD, and fastening tools are often overlooked as a source of static buildup. This article explains how to prevent ESD from occurring during fastening.
Although electronic devices have become faster, smaller, smarter and more energy-efficient, simple ESD still lurks as a constant danger. Given today's operating voltages of as little as 1.5 volts and chip-set traces measuring only 400 angstroms in width, the risk of ESD damage is greater than ever. Any lapses in preventing its occurrence can affect production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality, product reliability, reputation and profitability. Industry experts have estimated average product losses due to ESD to range from 8 to 33 percent (Stephen Hal-perin, "Guidelines for Static Control Management," Eurostat, 1990).