Establishing an electrostatic discharge control program

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause damage to microelectronic equipment. The implementation of an ESD control program can combat this problem. Such a program can increase profits by lowering component rejection rates, eliminating latent failures, and reducing the cost of field service. Investing in equipment and training, however, represents just the first step in an ESD control program. To ensure success, the program must include a continual monitoring and testing effort. The details of an ESD control program is presented.