The Principles of Static Electricity and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control

This chapter provides the basis of how static electricity arises and can lead to electrostatic discharge (ESD) in the real world. It provides the principles that underlie ESD control techniques and equipment design. Any two materials in contact give charge separation that can lead to static electrical charge build‐up. This may or may not lead to charge and voltage build‐up, depending on the circumstances. The key to this build‐up is the balance between charge generation and charge dissipation (or neutralization). The spark discharge occurs between conducting electrodes that initially have a high voltage difference between them. The discharge waveform is highly dependent on the source and “load” circuit characteristics and can have unidirectional or oscillatory waveforms. The chapter provides a discussion on common ESD sources and electrostatic attraction. It discusses the ways to to avoid ESD damage of components and describes the principles of ESD control.