Latent ESD damage, the silent risk

In many companies, ESD protection is a natural part of manufacturing. It is tested, documented, and there are guidelines. And yet the risk is often underestimated. But why? Because ESD damage is rarely spectacular.

What does ESD damage really cost?

An electrostatic event does not necessarily lead to immediate total failure. So-called latent damage:

• Microscopic damage to semiconductor structures

• Reduced dielectric strength

• Change in electrical characteristics

• Reduced service life of components

The product initially functions flawlessly, passes testing, the assembly is delivered, and dThe actual damage often only becomes apparent months later at the customer's end. Then we are no longer talking about a component, but about complaints, service calls, damage to reputation, or contractual penalties. The actual costs of ESD damage therefore far exceed the material value.

Why are ESD errors often invisible?

Electrostatic discharges occur in the nanosecond range. They leave no visible traces, kein Brandpunkt, kmechanical damage and kan immediate malfunction. It is precisely this invisibility that makes ESD so treacherous. A component may be damaged by a discharge, without it being noticeable in the function test. Everything was "fine" in production. But the cause may lie weeks in the past.