New diagnostic tool for manufacturing environments sensitive to electrostatic discharge TREK, a designer and manufacturer of high-performance electrostatic instrumentation and high-voltage power amplifiers, recently introduced the TREK Model 900 ESD Event Detector. This detector is a diagnostic tool for manufacturing environments that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), including electronic, semiconductor & medical device manufacturing and assembly.
 Trek’s ESD Event Detector is a diagnostic tool used to identify incidents of or verify suspected areas of ESD activity within a manufacturing site |
Electrostatic discharge events are indicators of excessive charge accumulation in a given environment. Such charge accumulation (electrostatic charging) can be detrimental to ESD-sensitive manufacturing and assembly processes such as those found in the semiconductor industry.
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ESD can also be a concern in the manufacture of electronics and other devices, including:
- Sensitive medical electronics.
- Microelectronics.
- Liquid crystal displays (LCDs).
- Hard disk drives.
- Microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS).
- Various sectors of the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry.
Trek’s ESD Event Detector is a diagnostic tool used to identify incidents of or verify suspected areas of ESD activity within a manufacturing site. A voltage-sensitive antenna on the unit can be positioned near potential problem areas (where electrostatic discharge is suspected) to monitor ESD events. Detection is conveyed via an audible buzzer and/or a visual color-coded light display which depicts intensity.
By detecting ESD events, Model 900 alerts manufacturing engineers to the presence of potentially harmful (and invisible) electrostatic charging. Such identification is often the first step in managing ESD. Once alerted to its presence, action can be taken to rectify the situation and thereby improve overall efficiency, yield and productivity.
Model 900 is compact, portable and powered by batteries. A universal power adapter can be used for continuous AC line operation. Model 900 is also CE compliant.
Trek’s Model 900 is designed for Charge Device Model (CDM) events which are becoming the major contributor to ESD failures, in connection with increases in the automation of manufacturing processes.