ESD Sensitivity – Classifications – Withstand Voltage

See published article Now Is The Time for ESD Control Programs to be Improved It includes:

HUMAN BODY MODEL

  • Part of the challenge may be for the first time needing to handle electronics having a HBM Class 0A withstand voltage. Per the ANSI/ESD S20.20 Foreword: “This standard covers electrical or electronic parts, assemblies and equipment susceptible to damage by electrostatic discharges greater than or equal to 100 volts Human Body Model (HBM).
  • When handling devices susceptible to less than 100 volts HBM, more stringent ESD Control Program Technical Requirements may be required, including adjustment of program Technical Element Recommended Ranges.

ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001-2011 Table 3. HBM ESD Component Classification Levels

Classification Voltage Range (V)

  • 0A           < 125
  • 0B           125 to < 250
  • 1A           250 to < 500
  • 1B           500 to < 1000
  • 1C           1000 to < 2000
  • 2              2000 to < 4000
  • 3A           4000 to < 8000
  • 3B           ≥ 8000

JESD22-C101C Field-Induced Charged-Device Model Test Method for Electrostatic-Discharge-Withstand Thresholds of Microelectronic Components Table 3

Devices shall be classified as follows:

  • CLASS I       < 200 volts
  • CLASS II      200 to < 500 volts
  • CLASS III     500 to 1000 volts
  • CLASS IV     > 1000 volts

The article lists possible steps one can take to improve their ESD control program; it is an update of what we have online at Class Zero and ESD Control.

There are companies that do ESD simulation and can destructively test a component, sub-assembly, or product to determine the ESD sensitivity or “withstand voltage.” For example, ETS or Electro-Tech Systems at www.electrotechsystems.com/ in Glenside, Pennsylvania should be able to perform withstand voltage testing. However, we understand taht most of our customers rely upon classification or withstand voltage documentation from component suppliers and then have a program to protect the very most ESD sensitive item.

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