ABSTRACT
Static electricity is an electrical charge at rest; it is generated by unbalancing the molecular construction of relatively nonconductive insulators such as plastics and paper. The majority of electrostatic charges are caused by two different materials being rubbed together. Static electricity can also be generated by friction, pressure, and separation. Electrostatic Discharges (ESD) can cause direct and indirect damage to semiconductor devices and electronic systems. ESD impacts productivity and product reliability of the electronic systems. Despite the great effort during the past 20 years, ESD still affects production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality, product reliability, and profitability. Static electricity is acquiring increasing importance as a source of industrial hazards. Electrostatic electricity is encountered in most industrial processes and other daily life activities. Accumulation of static charges on workpieces during their processing may result in voltages as high as several tens of kilovolts. The chapter discusses the ESD hazards in some industries and daily activities.
