Charge and potential control of electrostatic discharge (ESD) and the human body

Different configurations involving the human body with multiple charged sources and another conductor are investigated to determine methods to minimize the cause and effect of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event. Calculations involving a system of conductors was used to study various parameters including: size of the conductor; its electrical state (floating or grounded); vicinity of a ground plane; nature of the multiple charged sources; and grounding of the human body, both permanent (with a ground strap) or momentary. The analysis shows how the concepts of charge and potential control can be applied in practical applications.