Considering just the physical activity of moving your arms and legs can build up relatively large electrostatic discharges (ESD) that we may never notice, there’s very little activity that isn’t dangerous to electronic components – even their assembly. But there are steps you can take and tools that have been developed to protect your sensitive electronics. One simple, popular tool is an antistatic or ESD mat.
How Does an ESD Mat Work?
An ESD mat is a very important part of an ESD protected area. ESD mats are designed to eliminate static on its surface and of objects placed upon it. It does this by having a conductive material embedded within the mat that collects the static and sends it to ground (earth).
The simplest form of an ESD mat is simply that – a tabletop mat, about the size of a place mat, that you use on a desk, table or any flat surface. For larger workspaces, or dedicated ESD workstations, you can invest in rolls of ESD matting or custom-sized mats. Just make sure, regardless of the size or quantity used, that all of the mats are grounded.
They typically connect with a personal grounding wrist strap – adding additional protection by drawing any ESD charge away from the person working on the device.
ESD mats also use a common ground to draw the electrostatic discharge away from offending areas. Without that ground, the mat could, in theory, protect the item being worked on at first, but would then transfer the ESD to the very next thing it comes into contact with – the next item, the person holding it (and then to the item), or even right back onto the item it was originally meant to protect.
For larger workspaces, or dedicated ESD workstations, you can invest in rolls of ESD matting or custom-sized mats. Just make sure, regardless of the size or quantity used, that all of the mats are grounded.
Based upon your application, ESD mats should be in the dissipative or conductive range. Something insulative is not considered ESD safe.
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Best regards,
John Christensen
