Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components in most electronic devices. They are sensitive to environmental factors like electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture, which can cause significant damage, leading to malfunction or complete failure of the device. Proper storage of PCBs is crucial to maintaining their integrity and functionality.
1. Use antistatic bags for ESD protection – Store PCBs in antistatic bags, which are designed to dissipate any static charges safely. These bags prevent the build-up of static electricity that could otherwise discharge onto the PCB, potentially damaging the delicate components.
2. Grounding – Ensure that anyone handling the PCBs is properly grounded. This can be achieved by using antistatic wrist straps, grounding mats, or conductive flooring in the storage area. Also use storage containers made from ESD-safe materials. These containers should be labelled clearly to distinguish them from regular storage units.
3. Control humidity levels to prevent moisture damage – Place desiccant packs inside the storage containers or antistatic bags to absorb moisture. Desiccants are materials that attract and hold moisture, reducing the relative humidity inside the sealed environment.
4. Humidity indicators – Employ humidity indicator cards within storage containers to monitor moisture levels. If the humidity exceeds safe levels, take corrective action by replacing the desiccant packs or improving the sealing of the container.
EMC limits and levels Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection
As soon as electronics and electrical systems started interfering with each other, the world had to come to some consensus. Considering physics is universal and does not care about what country electrical/electronic products are used in, it should be the same everywhere, right? It is nearly there, but not quite.
Read more...Safety relay for explosive areas IOT Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Phoenix Contact has expanded its safety portfolio with the new PSR-MC35-EXI safety relay module, specifically engineered for use in potentially explosive environments.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Ensuring effective ESD control Actum
Circuit & System Protection
To maintain reliable electrostatic discharge control, regular testing and accurate measurement are essential, with grounding products and ESD testing equipment being vital.
Read more...Clearing the Static: The importance of ESD audits Actum
Circuit & System Protection
An ESD audit is the first step in establishing an effective static control programme in the workplace, and will help identify vulnerable areas and potentially hazardous static zones that require improvement.
Read more...EMI shielding materials application guide
Circuit & System Protection
TE Connectivity’s shielding solutions include electrically conductive elastomers, gaskets, knitted wire mesh, oriented wire, EMI shielding ventilation panels, shielded window, cable shielding and shielding components.
Read more...Clearing the Static: ESD containers and packaging Actum
Circuit & System Protection Vacuum forming ESD
Electronic components can be damaged by electrostatic discharges. To protect against such damage, electronic assembly parts are often transported or stored in vacuum formed component ...
Read more...Antistatic vinyl flooring Actum
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Vinyl is an affordable, antistatic tile or sheet with a life-span greater than 10 years and installed as a permanent electrostatic discharge floor.
Read more...Electrostatic discharge chairs Actum
Circuit & System Protection
An ESD chair forms an integral part of grounding within the electrostatic discharge protected area to prevent potential damage to products.
Read more...Conductive ESD footwear Actum
Circuit & System Protection
Conductive ESD footwear is used in conjunction with other grounding devices, such as a wrist strap, cord, and ESD surface mats, to provide a continuous path to ground.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version