Frequently Asked Questions
Please find here the frequently asked questions (FAQ) in electronics production... The questions are categorized into topics below.
ESD
Please find out more info about ESD.
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) refers to small electric discharges that are invisible and imperceptible to the human eye. Even these tiny discharges can cause permanent damage to electronic components.
The static electricity is on a specific surface (-) of excess electrons load or (+) the lack of electrons load. Static electricity means the increase of electric charge on the surface of objects. This electric charge remains on an object until it either flows into the ground, or loses its charge quickly by a discharge. Uneven load distribution and accumulation in this way creates a voltage difference between the surface may interfere with their other surface. This gives rise to the danger of sparks and harmful discharge.
The aim of ESD control; in stages of transportation, distribution (logistics), production is to protect the sensitive electronic components against static discharge.
For ESD precautions to be effective, everyone should have has the necessary training and awareness in the production area and must move in accordance with certain rules. Periodic ESD checks should be done. The values must be measured on a regular basis and should be confirmed in the manufacturing field. There must be a person or team responsible for the ESD precautions and ensure the sustainability of these controls.
All environment related to ESD, IEC 61340-5-1 standard is available both in Europe and the world. IEC 61340-5-1 is the standard including test procedures and terms, approved ESD control, ESD products. IEC 61340-5-1 EPA (ESD protected area) should be used in areas with different ESD products also includes electrical properties.
Best Case: after the detection of faulty components, it is replaced. This means a minimum delay in production.
Acceptable Condition: the identification of the components is done in the last card test card. Components are replaced. And this means delay in production.
A difficult situation: the identification of the faulty card on the device, the components on the card is identified, the component is replaced and the long delays experienced in the production ...
Unacceptable situation: identification of the faulty one in the field. Staff is sent to field to identify. Defective cards and components are identified, the customer's production stops. Reputaion is totally damaged.
EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area); are working areas the buildup of static electricity t is prevented for sensitive electronic components. Marked boundaries of a E.P.A. is clearly defined and will be attracted by everyone's attention.
To control static electricity in the production environment. Otherwise, products may be damaged, quality will decrease, and costs will increase.
Component burnouts
Latent defects (field failures)
Increase in warranty costs
Customer dissatisfaction
Clothing is the main source of static electricity. Special ESD smocks with conductive fibers discharge these charges safely to the ground.
Yes, it is the most basic ESD equipment on the production line. It keeps the operator’s body constantly connected to the ground.
When directly handling components, they both prevent electrostatic discharge and reduce contamination of sensitive surfaces.
They discharge the static electricity accumulated by the operator while walking through the grounded floor mat.
They prevent the accumulation of static charges on the work surface and provide a safe discharge path.
It is mandatory especially when working with insulating materials such as plastic, glass, or paper, since these cannot be discharged through a wrist strap or floor mat.
Yes, because invisible ESD damage may not be detected during post-production testing, leading to an increase in field failures.
Absolutely. With a small investment, millions of lira in product losses and warranty costs can be prevented.
Internal quality units and external auditors (ISO, customer audits). They are strictly monitored, especially in the automotive and defense industries.
Grounded wrist strap
ESD smock
ESD shoes/heel strap
Passing through the tester at the ESD entry turnstile
They are for product safety. ESD is not risky for human health, but it is critical for protecting products.
Yes, in dry air (especially below 30%), static charging occurs much faster. That’s why ESD products are of vital importance.
Electronics, semiconductors, automotive electronics, medical devices, defense, telecommunications, aerospace.
No. IEC 61340 compliance is usually included in customer specifications. Non-compliance may lead to order cancellations.
No. During storage, transportation, and packaging, the use of ESD bags, boxes, and shelves is also mandatory.
Yes. As components become smaller and more sensitive, their ESD resistance decreases. This makes ESD protection products even more indispensable.
Ionizers are devices that enrich the air with positive and negative ions to neutralize static electric charges. In this way, the risk of ESD (electrostatic discharge) in production areas is reduced.
Gun-type: Provides targeted short-distance static neutralization.
Bench-top type: Suitable for use at the workstation, portable and compact.
Ceiling-type: Delivers wide ion distribution across the work area and is mounted on the ceiling.
Air is ionized through “corona discharge” from high-voltage applied tips. The ions are attracted to the charged surface to neutralize it. AC, DC, or pulsed DC technologies can be used.
AC ionizer: Emits both positive and negative ions from the same point, with a high recombination rate.
DC ionizer: Emits ions from separate points, resulting in lower recombination and more stable charge control.
When handling insulating materials
When working with very small and sensitive components
In low-humidity environments (<30%) to prevent static buildup
For ESD control in cleanroom environments
Yes, it can neutralize static charges on both conductors and insulators (isolated surfaces).
Airflow is required for ions to reach the target surface. Some devices use fans, while in ceiling-type systems, ventilation or air supply is essential.
For performance control, a charge plate monitor is recommended to test neutralization and ion balance. This is generally carried out on a quarterly or semi-annual basis.
Unbalanced ion generation may cause the device to charge the surface in the opposite direction (reverse effect). The goal is to produce equal amounts of positive and negative ions.
Emitter pins must be kept clean, as dirty pins can cause unbalanced ion generation. The fan and airflow system should also be checked periodically.
It provides advantages such as lower defect rates, higher efficiency (first-pass yield), increased reliability, and reduced warranty costs.
In many cases, yes; ionizer use is recommended especially when working with insulating materials or in low-humidity environments.
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