Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage is a common problem for all semiconductor manufacturing facilities. ESD will continue to plague manufacturing floors as devices continue to shrink with greater functionality. With smaller devices less energy is required in an ESD event to cause device damage. Unfortunately, grounding conductors, ionizing non-conductors, special handling materials and manual monitoring can only do so much to prevent these ESD events that occur in a period of 1 – 10 nanoseconds. Therefore, constant audits and updates to ESD controls have become a large part of manufacturing operations, leading to more resource requirements and operating demands. At MCT, we understand the risk that an ESD event is significant and growing.
MCT’s ESD Solution
Our approach and solution to ESD is real-time monitoring and event prevention. MCT has a commercially proven, closed-loop ESD monitoring and ionization system for our SH-5000 and SH-5300 Strip Test Handlers. Our solution allows the operator to simultaneously detect, measure, record, and monitor electrostatic voltage based on limits set by the operator. If an event, as defined by the operator, does occur, an alarm will stop the handler and alert the operator.
The MCT Ionizer solution reduces the chance of an ESD incident and reduces the engineering time spent during manual monitoring. Ultimately, it helps prevent from shipping damaged product.
Customers, particularly in the automotive space, that have our ESD monitoring system installed in their SH machines have experienced a significant decrease in ESD incidents. This is only possible due to our success in developing machines, kits, and tools for testing at extreme temperatures required for automotive devices.
While reducing the cost of test is our core mission, we don’t compromise the quality and functionality of our handlers. We work hard to ensure our clients and partners are equipped with the best kits and tools to deliver the products their customers demand.
For more information, reach out to one of our representatives or sales team to learn more.
Comparison table of MCT solution versus a conventional ionizer:
| Description | MCT Ionizer Solution | Conventional Ionizer |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Yes | None |
| Operating Temperature | -50°C to +155°C | Ambient only |
| Ion Balance Control | Yes, within ±10V from initial set point | None |
| Event Management | Alarms operator if ion balance is out of range | None |
| Maintenance of Ion Needles | Preventative maintenance | Corrective maintenance |
| Software Interface | Software interfaced with MCT machines | None |
| User Configuration | Yes, via GUI of MCT machine | None |
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