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How to Determine If an Electronic Component is ESD Sensitive?

Contributor
By Doug Hewitt
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Determine If an Electronic Component is ESD Sensitive?
Determine If an Electronic Component is ESD Sensitive?
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Electronic components use electricity to function properly. However, there is a form of static electricity that can cause these components to fail. ESD is an acronym for electrostatic discharge. Many people have experienced ESD when walking across a carpet in dry weather and touching a piece of grounded metal, generating a spark. This is an example of electrostatic discharge. It is a large voltage, in the thousands of volts, but because it is so brief, it typically does not cause serious damage to the human body. However, if the ESD is discharged into a sensitive electronic component, the component can be damaged.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Component specifications
  • Electrostatic discharge simulator
  1. Step 1

    Read the specifications on the component. Many specifications will state that the component is sensitive to ESD if this is the case.

  2. Step 2

    Place the component in a place or position where it will be typically used. For example, a mobile phone could be placed in its recharging base.

  3. Step 3

    Use an electrostatic discharge simulator to simulate ESD into the component. Because ESD is typically caused by human touch, position the discharges at positions where the component might first be touched, such as the sides. Also, if the component has metal surfaces, discharge at those locations, also. Multiple discharges will need to be made to fully test the component.

  4. Step 4

    Many electrostatic discharge simulators have 10 kilovolts as the maximum output. If the component can withstand an ESD of 10 kilovolts, it should not be considered sensitive to ESD.

  5. Step 5

    Make sure to fully test the component after testing it with ESD. For a mobile phone, for example, make telephone calls and check functions such as call waiting. If the component no longer works properly, it is sensitive to ESD. If it functions correctly, it is not sensitive to ESD.

Tips & Warnings
  • Compare ESD discharges for one component to a similar component and compare ESD susceptibility levels.
  • The electrostatic discharge simulator can cause painful shocks if discharged against human skin.
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