The concept for the introduction of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) control system is expanded here to cover the most important topic at the moment: static control requirements for machines and production plants. Electrostatic charges on human bodies can be controlled. Electrostatic charges in automated handling processes are hard to find and reduce. Two new failure models for printed circuit boards (PCBs) are explained: FICBM and CBM.

Introduction
All electronic components and assemblies are at risk from electrostatic discharges. Producers, suppliers, distributors and users have to consider the ESD control system during the whole manufacturing process, during measurements as well as during the application. All active electronic components, beginning with simple diodes, transistors or complex inner circuits, require an external ESD control system. SMD resistors and condensers, and prospectively NEMS and MEMS, will also be included in this danger category—first tests show that these passive components can be damaged through electrostatic discharges as well.

Just five volts of an electrostatic charge are enough to change the structures in small components—and components are becoming increasingly smaller. In the year 2015, electronic components are expected to be less than 25 nm. Electrostatic charges of just 0.1 nC and electrostatic fields of 25 V/cm will be enough to damage electrostatic-sensitive devices (ESDs) permanently.

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