Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage sensitive electronic components in several ways. First, the high voltage may cause internal damage and the rapid rise in temperature puts delicate electronics at risk of failure. Moreover, ESD that hits two active electronic components could cause shorting by establishing a connection between two normally separate parts. Embedded ESD detection can reduce these damaging events.
Built-in detection offers numerous advantages in engineering and manufacturing environments. ESD effects are not always apparent immediately, and not all events cause permanent damage. It is better to know when, where and why events happen rather than when products begin to fail or are damaged.
Better monitoring with ESD detection
(Source: Adobe Stock)
Embedded ESD detection devices improve diagnostics by giving engineers the data needed to determine what caused events and how often they occur. That information supports efficient troubleshooting and guides discussions about whether devices need better ESD protection.
Detection is the first step to verify ESD events. After that, engineers can investigate the problem’s severity and origin point. Embedded products also supplement off-device detection products, such as handheld meters, allowing engineers to expand their screening capabilities and prevent component damage.
Industrial benefits
ESD detection methods are well-established, but embedding these solutions in chips or systems is a newer option. These additions complement products that reduce electrostatic discharge.
For example, installing a hermetically sealed sliding door in a cleanroom establishes a 99% airtight seal and stabilizes air pressure. Some facilities also have turnstiles that do not allow employees to enter controlled areas without required preventive measures, such as anti-static wrist straps and ESD-safe shoes. Embedded ESD detection aligns with those foundational preventive measures, reducing accidents or oversights.
Many embedded ESD detection devices provide user-friendly visual or audible indicators to flag events. Such feedback allows users to take prompt action rather than spending time scrolling through logs or other data compilations.
For example, one product offers color-coded lights to differentiate between normal operation and an ESD event. A buzzer momentarily sounds in the latter case so people are alerted outside of their visual cues. The detector also integrates with existing factory equipment, allowing users to expand their capabilities. It relies on time domain and threshold discrimination to recognize electromagnetic energy pulses.
Quality control
Forecasts predict the world will have almost 30 million connected devices by 2025. These applications range from connected cars to industrial monitoring devices and smart-home products. Whether people buy these items for personal or business use, they expect them to perform reliably and last for at least the estimated lifespan.
Manufacturers can uphold those expectations by maintaining tight quality standards. Embedded ESD detection strengthens monitoring and alerts leaders to issues that could damage electronics and introduce faults. Safeguarding products from ESD minimizes quality control expenses arising from preventable events inside the factory or once products reach the market.
Tracking ESD events
Although knowing about one-time or occasional ESD events is helpful, electronics engineers should have tools that tell them how often they happen per month or within a defined period. The results could reveal that it is necessary to change internal processes, establish improved training regimens or redesign products with enhanced built-in safeguards.
For example, one product supports remote embedded applications by sending ESD event counts to a host system for later reviews. Alternatively, it can be used as a local monitor for desktop applications. This option also has two power source options, allowing users to run it with an integrated DC supply or up to 10 hours in standalone mode with an attached battery.
Enhanced reliability
Chipmakers and design houses are also collaborating to increase product reliability. In one example, Certus Semiconductor and Pragma Design partnered on solutions that embed directly into chips that allow devices to recover from ESD events, especially when relied upon for critical applications. For example, ESD can severely impact the functionality of wearable devices, especially important in medical wearables. It can also cause severe disruptions in essential industry applications, resulting in profit and productivity losses.
Pragma Design has an analysis tool that seamlessly integrates ESD detection capabilities directly into semiconductor chips, providing real-time monitoring and smooth recovery from ESD events. Representatives from both businesses believe their combined expertise will advance ESD protection and improve electronic device integrity. They will collaborate to build a comprehensive suite of ESD detection products suitable for real-world production.
Embedded solutions are among several preventive measures in a multilayered approach to ESD protection. These measures include employee training and implementing workplace processes and dedicated factory areas to minimize ESD. These strategies allow manufacturers to improve ESD protection for both electronic components and end products.
About the author
Emily Newton is a technical writer and the editor-in-chief of Revolutionized. She enjoys researching and writing about how technology is changing the industrial sector.
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