Electrostatic discharge monitoring and manufacturing process control system

Abstract

There are disclosed systems, computer program products, and method for monitoring electrostatic discharge (ESD) fault conditions and controlling manufacturing processes on an assembly line. In an embodiment, each ESD monitored station in an assembly line is provided with at least one ESD management device (e.g. an ESD monitoring device or ESD protection device). Predetermined ESD fault conditions may be used to automatically stop a manufacturing process at an ESD monitored station. Upon occurrence of an ESD fault condition an ESD fault notification message may be sent identifying the ESD monitored station, the nature of the ESD fault condition, and whether the manufacturing process at the ESD monitored station is stopped. The ESD fault notification message may be sent to a mobile communications device, for example, and the manufacturing process at the ESD monitored device may be controlled based on a reply received from the mobile communications device.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrostatic discharge (ESD) monitoring and manufacturing process control systems. Background technique [0002] Monitoring and controlling electrostatic discharge, or ESD, is an important function in electronics manufacturing because uncontrolled discharge can severely damage ESD-sensitive components. Damage usually occurs at a microscopic level, so actual damage to components may only be discovered in testing after manufacturing or after early failures experienced by the end user. [0003] A variety of ESD management devices exist to help manage ESD risks during manufacturing and assembly of sensitive electronic components and devices, such as ESD monitoring devices and ESD protection devices. For example, ESD monitoring equipment can monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, and can trigger an alarm if these conditions fall outside the preferred operating range. For example, E...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While existing ESD monitoring equipment and ESD protection equipment can be designed to provide appropriate alarms, respectively, these alarms may not function properly unless they are quickly brought to the attention of the appropriate personnel, such as ESD experts.

This can lead to significant delays in identifying critical ESD issues and stopping ESD damage to electronic components and printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies

Often, the damage is irreversible and entire batches have to be scrapped for quality control purposes, resulting in huge financial losses

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