ESD - Electro Static Discharge

Most people only think of static electricity as the shock from touching a metal doorknob after walking across a carpet. However, static discharge can be very dangerous in modern work environments. Electronic devices have become more sensitive to static discharge as they've become faster and smaller. ESD impacts productivity and product reliability in almost every aspect of today's electronics environment.

Static Electricity is an electrical charge caused by an imbalance of electrons on a surface. This imbalance creates a measurable electric field that can influence other objects at a distance. Electro Static Discharge is the transfer of charge between bodies at different electrical potentials.

Can it Affect Semiconductors? What can You do to Protect Your Facility?

 1) Wafer Cassettes and Boxes - Upgrade your cassettes and boxes to an ESD material like Peek or Flourosentry.  If you use Poly-pro cassettes and boxes, your wafers may be carrying a charge.

2) Wafer Transfer Tools - Upgrade your pusher and retainer combs to a high temperature ESD material like Semitron Esd 410C PolyEthermide (Ultem) material.  This is a static dissipative material that will withstand temperatures from 170^oC to 210^oC.

3) Slide Transfers - Did you know:  You can have a Positively charged plastic cassette and a Negatively charged slide transfer post.  When you perform the transfer, silicon particles can be sprayed across the wafer through Electrostatic Discharge.   Don't take the risk.  Replace your old slide transfers with ones that are made of Tivar 1000 Antistatic UHMW Polyethylene. This is a static dissipative and conductive material that is manufactured by adding carbon powder to the resin.

4) Ionizers - Install ionizers in all critical wafer handling areas.  This should include over all wafer transfer tools and work stations.

Do you need help with ESD?  Contact Us and we can Audit your facility.

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