Electrostatic discharge is a problem that electronic manufacturers should not ignore. The sudden discharge of what was once a static charge can destroy or degrade highly sensitive and expensive microcircuits. It can result in burning holes through insulating layers of gate oxide in chips, and/or vaporising metal enough to cause shorting. It may otherwise degrade a device ever so slightly that it passes in-house tests but later fails in the field. The further along in the lifecycle of a component or a device when this discharge occurs, the greater is the cost of repair or replacement.
Standard PVC floor coverings are normally considered to be insulative ie, electricity has difficulty in passing though them. ESD flooring is manufactured in the same way as normal flooring but includes antistatic agents within the formulation. This is always present at the surface of the material. These antistatic agents are hygroscopic and attract moisture from the atmosphere. Combined with the moisture, it forms an ionic compound that permits the passage of electricity across the surface, and does not allow static charges to build up.
The Polyflor ESD flooring range, available from Actum Electronics, has been specifically engineered to combat this problem at source, by facilitating a uniform flow of static electricity directly to a ground point. The range covers all major applications, and includes static dissipative (SD), electrostatic conductive (EC) and conductive ROF (ROF) floorings, each of which combines static control properties with hardwearing and decorative qualities.
All ESD floorings are homogeneous in construction, to ensure that these properties are present throughout the product. This guarantees a consistent and effective appearance and performance. The accompanying photo shows the Polyflor antistatic flooring material being installed.
For more information contact Actum Electronics, Altico division, +27 (0)11 803 7435.
Clearing the Static: Understanding the significance of ESD audits Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
An ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) audit is the first step in establishing an ESD plan, and it is important to include all areas where ESD-sensitive components are being handled.
Read more...Microchip introduces ECC608 TrustMANAGER Altron Arrow
Circuit & System Protection
To increase security on IoT products and facilitate easier setup and management, Microchip Technology has added the ECC608 TrustMANAGER with Kudelski IoT keySTREAM, Software as a Service (SaaS) to its Trust Platform portfolio of devices, services and tools.
Read more...Varistors for automotive applications Future Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
TDK Corporation has announced the addition of two new varistors to its AVRH series for automotive applications where both are characterised by the high electrostatic discharge-withstanding voltage demanded to ensure the safe operation of safety-critical automotive functions.
Read more...Single-phase EMC filters RS South Africa
Circuit & System Protection
TDK Corporation has expanded its portfolio of single-phase EMC filters for AC and DC applications up to 250 V and rated currents from 6 to 30 A.
Read more...Clearing the Static: ESD protective packaging Actum Group
Circuit & System Protection
The primary objective of ESD protective packaging is to prevent ESD incidents within the packaging and facilitate the dissipation of charges from the outer surface.
Read more...New NeoMesh protocol stack version CST Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
NeoCortec has released an updated NeoMesh protocol stack version 1.6 firmware for its NC2400 and NC1000 module series, which now supports the new Sensirion SHT4xA temperature and humidity sensor series.
Read more...Robust case for sensitive electronics Actum Electronics
Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
nVent Electric plc announced a new addition to its SCHROFF portfolio of products: a robust case family designed especially for protecting sensitive electronics in harsh environmental conditions.