ESD containers: The electrical essentials
Static
charges are a vital part of nature, ones we can never get rid of. Static
electricity, generated by mere objects and humans, can result in substantial
damage, especially where microelectronic devices are involved. Well, ESD containers have been devised to
deal with these charges, not at all by eliminating them but by shielding them
from static-sensitive devises. Static protective containers come in distinct
forms; from low cost, limited lifetime containers to more durable plastic
molded containers. For any container to be labeled as an ESD container, it must
comply with specific value related characteristics. The electrical
characteristics of these static protective containers are of principal concern
in determining the quality.
ESD containers must offer the correct combination of attenuation, grounding and static charge generation traits. Grounding refers to the connection of the container to the ground in order to establish zero potential relative to the earth. All static protective containers must dissipate all charges generated to avert any static damage. Attenuation refers to the degree of electrostatic shielding that a specific static protective container can attain. Usually, attenuation is defined by the strength of the electrostatic field allowed to enter into a container. ESD containers are efficiently attenuated with the sole intention of shielding an electrostatic field so that the charges do not reach any static sensitive devices.
Normally, an attenuated container offers a surface resistivity of up to ten thousand W per square. Often at times, you might find variations in the magnitude of the surface resistivity. In this case, play it safe and select a container with the highest magnitude. ESD containers should offer minimal ground to charge generation. These containers are exceedingly significant, particularly if you possess some static sensitive microelectronic devices. The above electrical characteristics are crucial, and if you intend to purchase these containers, then these electrical essentials will come in handy.
.
