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What is Electrostatic Discharge?
Category: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
What is Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)?
A disruption that affects an electrical circuit because of either electromagnetic induction or externally emitted electromagnetic radiation. EMI is the interference from one electrical or electronic system to another caused by the electromagnetic fields generated by its operation.
Why are items susceptible to electrostatic discharges?
While microchips have grown smaller with greater functional capabilities, the components have become increasingly more complex requiring minute amounts of electrical current in terms of microvolts (one-millionth of a volt). These items are sensitive/susceptible to damage caused by static electricity and or electromagnetic forces. Thus, requiring electrostatic/electromagnetic protective packaging materials, special marking, special workstations, clothing, equipment, and handling procedures.
Are there different types of ESD damage?
Yes. There are three types of ESD damage.
Upset failures (temporary)
Upset failures occur when ESD has caused a current flow that is not significant enough to cause total failure. However, when the item is in use, it may intermittently result in gate leakage, causing loss of software or incorrect storage of information.
Direct catastrophic failure (permanent)
Direct catastrophic failure occurs when a component is damaged to the point that it is no longer serviceable and will never again function. This is the easiest type of ESD damage to find since it usually can be detected during testing.
Latent failures
Latent failures occur when ESD weakens the component to the point that it will still function properly during testing; however, over time, the component will cause poor system performance, and eventually complete system failure will occur. This usually occurs or is first noticed in the field.
Why do I have to apply MIL-PRF-81705 barrier materials?
ESD protective materials limit static electricity generation by rapidly dissipating electrostatic charges over its surface or volume or provides shielding against electromagnetic interference forces. These barrier materials are used to fabricate enclosures for electrostatic susceptible equipment and components. They are especially formulated to prevent the build-up or retention of electrostatic potential, the objective being to maximize explosive safety, to protect miniature electronic parts, and to preclude ignition of stray flammable materials. Guidance in the application of these materials may be found in ANSI/ESD S20.20, Handbook for the Development of an Electrostatic Discharge Control Program for the Protection of Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment.
How can I identify if an item is electrostatic discharge (ESD) susceptible?
Drawings, specifications, technical sheets, and packaging/marking requirements usually identify items which are ESD susceptible. DODM 4100.39, Volume 10 tables establish codes to identify items that are ESD susceptible. Table 82 - WATER TYPE CARGO CODE (TCC)
Table 189 - ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CODE (ESDC)
Table 193 - FSCs REQUIRING ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CODES
Items identified as being susceptible to ESD/Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) may have a military method of preservation code of MOP “GX.” Special packaging materials are used to protect the item from electrostatic or electro-magnetic interference depending on the sensitivity of the item. When MOP=DW is required, the Special Mat'l content of ESD/EM it is required to be handled at an ESDS protected workstation. Additionally, the application of an ESD susceptible items label(s) IAW MIL-STD-129 is required. While this is not the typical MOP=GX, it does require special handling . Most ESDS items will have a Special Marking Code of “39”. This code indicates that ESD susceptible electronic device requirements of MIL–STD–129 apply. The US Army Missile Command has identified FSC 5955 (Oscillators and Piezoelectric Crystals), 5963 (Electronic Modules), and 7042 (Mini and Microcomputer Control Devices) as ESD items. MIL-PRF-19500 and Qualification Part Search (dla.mil) respectively documents ESD Classes and identifies part numbers as ESD or non-susceptible. Note: The ESD/EMI, TCC, and method of preservation (MOP) codes should all be in agreement (e.g. ESD/EMI-B; TCC-3; and MOP-GX). If these data sets are not in agreement, please contact the managing activity on the web FLIS Total Item Record (SOS) and request an ESD Challenge. The managing activity will conduct technical research to verify the coded data to ensure it aligns with the manufacturer or specification data.
What is a Ground?
A mass such as earth, a vehicle hull, or building frame capable of accepting a large electrical charge.
What are the requirements of a "GX" preservation method code?
The most correct description of Code "GX" is located within MIL-STD-2073-1, Table J.Ia*:
"Preserve by Method 41 as follows: Items subject to damage by electromagnetic and electrostatic field forces shall be initially wrapped in material conforming to MIL-PRF-81705, Type III, or bags conforming to MIL-DTL-117, Type II, Class H, Style 2, or cushioned in material conforming to A-A-3129, Type I, Grade B or PPP-C-795, Class 2 or PPP-C-1797, Type II, to prevent bag puncture, and unit packed in a heat-sealed bag conforming to MIL-DTL-117, Type I, Class F, Style 1. Re-closable cushioned pouches conforming to MIL-DTL-81997, Type I or II, may be used in lieu of initial wrap or cushioning. Lead or terminal configurations for all items shall be maintained as manufactured without causing loads or stresses capable of causing damage to the item. Materials used to maintain item position and lead or terminal configuration shall permit item removal without damage to the item. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive caution labels shall be applied in accordance with MIL-STD-129."
Note: MIL-PRF-81705, Type II is obsolete due to no approved sources available.
Category: ESD Preservation
How is Counterfeit awareness important for the flow of the supply chain?
Counterfeit can attack a supply chain on two fronts: packaging materials and parts. Therefore, it is important that contractors have quality assurance measures in place as well as remain current and vigilant with both parts and packaging materials.
Federal Supply Classification (FSC) that utilizes barrier bags which comply with MIL-PRF-81705E are also FSCs which are items that are susceptible to counterfeit products. According to our recent counterfeit training and awareness, the first line of defense for counterfeit material is military packaging materials. Most counterfeit materials are discovered as a result of improper packaging materials. Therefore, MIL-PRF-81705 serves a dual purpose to protect the product environmentally and the threat of counterfeit products from entering the DOD supply chain.
Due to problems with compliance with preservation method "GX" (MIL-PRF-81705) and the threat of counterfeit barrier bags, a GIDEP Problem Advisory (Y7-P-12-01, "Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protective Packaging Materials," of May 12) was released. DLA is inspecting these assets packaging materials for compliance to ensure the reliability of the parts we provide to our troops. Complete an application (Non-DLA Web Site) to join Government Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) and remain current on supply chain issues and share knowledge.
Category: ESD Acceptable Materials
What is the Electrostatic Discharge Association?
The Electrostatic Discharge Association provides a fundamentals information website (Non-DLA Web Site).
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