Why ESD?

Electric charge is a fundamental physical property of a matter, which makes it feel a force in an electromagnetic field. The opposite of static charge generation is the removal (or, neutralization) of static charge. Correspondingly, there are electrostatic charging (or static charging) and electrostatic discharging (or static discharging) procedures. Obviously, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) dangers to semiconductors and integrated circuits (ICs) are anywhere anytime during the entire lifespan of any microelectronics product, including manufacturing, packaging, shipping, installment to field applications. On‐chip ESD protection is required for all ICs. Practically, the strategy for developing ESD protection solutions has two aspects to consider: Science and Marketing. ESD protection designs have been advancing since 1970s, yet the progresses have been incremental and evolutionary so far. Revolution in on‐chip ESD protection is needed for future chips.