The abrupt flow of electrical energy between two electrically charged objects is known as Electrostatic Discharge. This Electrostatic Discharge might happen as a result of short-circuit, conduction, or dielectric breakdown. Different objects can develop an electrostatic charge as a result of tribo-charging or electrostatic induction. Tribo-charging is the phenomena when an insulator gets charged as a result of sliding or rubbing against another insulator. Electrostatic induction is a phenomenon which occurs when an already charged object is brought near a neutral object which causes the induction of charge over the neutral object.

Electrostatic discharges are very harmful for electronic circuits, especially solid state integrated circuits. When subject to ESD, these solid state electronic chips can suffer from permanent damage. Due to this reason, it is important for the IC manufacturing facilities to maintain an ESD free environment. Different types of safety measures are in place in such facilities in order to avoid the ESD. Some of the common measures include electrical grounding of human workers, humidity level control, and use of antistatic devices.

In case of large build-up of electrostatic discharge and higher potential difference between the charged objects, the ESD might cause a visible spark with sound. However, it is quite possible for a human carrying electrostatic charge to damage a sensitive electronic component without being aware of it. For a human being to feel an ESD shock, the ESD magnitude must be greater than 3000V.

However, even small amounts of ESD (<100V) can damage the integrated circuits and other sensitive circuitry. Due to this reason, great precautions are taken during the manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and operation of such electronic devices.

Figure 1 ESD transfer from human to electronic chip