What is ESD (Electro Static Discharge)?
When there is a difference in electrostatic potential between two charged objects, an exchange of electrostatic energy occurs causing their potentials to become balanced. This exchange of energy is called an Electrostatic Discharge. An Electrostatic Discharge occurs when there is friction or separation. When there is a discharge, even at a low voltage below 200V, Gate Oxide destruction or Junction spiking failure may occur. The level of electrostatic discharge that humans can normally feel is above 3000V~4000V. However, most semiconductors can be damaged by a discharge below levels we can feel. The exchange of electrostatic energy between two charged objects is explained by the figure given below. According to their priority, one object loses an electron to become positively charged, and the other object gains an electron to become negatively charged. An ESD event occurs when a static electric charge builds up on an object (a person, tool, bench, and device) and is then subsequently di
