Questions And Answers

No, but ionization is often used when all insulators cannot be removed from the ESD protective workstation, or when handling Human Body Model Class 0 ESD sensitive items.

“The selection of specific ESD control procedures or materials is at the option of the ESD Control Program Plan preparer and should be based on risk assessment and the established electrostatic discharge sensitivities of parts, assemblies, and equipment.” [ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 Annex B]

“In order to mitigate field-induced CDM [Charged Device Model] damage, the ESD program shall include a plan for the handling of process-required insulators. If the field exceeds 2,000 volts/inch, steps shall be taken to either:

A) Separate the insulator from the ESD-sensitive device by a distance of 30 cm (12 inches);

or

B) Use ionization or other charge mitigating techniques to neutralize the charge.”

[ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 section 8.3]