A tutorial and an experimental demonstration of how ESD is generated and its impact on electronic devices

Summary form only given, as follows. It has been recognized since the 1960s that many devices such as metal oxide semiconductors, microprocessors, bipolar devices, operational amplifiers, and even discrete components are susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, ESD has become a hazard to the electronic industry. This tutorial paper presents the concept of ESD as a special topic in the overall subject of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). It presents the fundamental aspects of ESD and answers questions such as: what is ESD, how is ESD generated, and how is the human body modeled for ESD? This tutorial paper also presents an engineering example to calculate the damaging effects of ESD on electronic components. The experimental demonstration is an integral part of this tutorial paper. The experiment illustrates the following: a) how an electrically conductive surface could be charged to very high voltages when in close proximity to a charged dielectric material; b) how various factors could impact the occurrence of ESD; c) how failure or electrical overstress on electronic components could result.