Program, recording medium, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and method for manufacturing electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique advantageous for examining electrostatic discharge.SOLUTION: A program is executed by a computer, and causes the computer to estimate information on electrostatic discharge involving dielectric breakdown of an insulating member, between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered by the insulating member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a recording medium, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a method for manufacturing an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic devices such as copiers and printers have exteriors that are partially or entirely made of resin for reasons of weight reduction, design, etc. For example, in the operation unit of a copier, the touch panel, display, printed wiring board, cables, etc. are housed in a resin exterior.

[0003] Gaps exist in various locations on the exterior, such as the outer edge, near the buttons, and near the touch panel. If static electricity enters the interior of the exterior through these gaps, it may be discharged to the wiring patterns or cables of a printed wiring board located near the gaps, causing ICs on the printed wiring board to malfunction or be damaged. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for verifying static electricity through simulations at the design stage before prototyping an electronic device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-122731 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The simulation disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in static electricity verification.

[0006] For example, in the simulation disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the simulation results indicate that no electrostatic discharge will occur, electrostatic discharge may occur when an electronic device is actually prototyped and subjected to an electrostatic discharge test.

[0007] The present disclosure provides advantageous techniques for considering electrostatic discharge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a program to be executed by a computer, characterized in that the program causes the computer to estimate information regarding electrostatic discharge that involves dielectric breakdown of an insulating member between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered by the insulating member.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device characterized by estimating information regarding electrostatic discharge involving dielectric breakdown of an insulating member between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered by the insulating member.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method characterized by causing a computer to estimate information regarding electrostatic discharge involving dielectric breakdown of an insulating member between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered by the insulating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present disclosure provides an advantageous technique for considering electrostatic discharge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a part of an electronic device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a part of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of a CPU that executes a program according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart for estimating whether electrostatic discharge has occurred according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 100 is a computer that functions as a simulator for virtually simulating an electrostatic discharge test. In conventional simulators, even if a simulation determines that electrostatic discharge will not occur, electrostatic discharge may occur when an actual prototype electronic device is tested for electrostatic discharge. In such cases, the electronic device must be redesigned and a prototype rebuilt, which increases the burden on workers and has led to a need for improvement. The present inventors have discovered that the accuracy of electrostatic discharge simulations is affected by the fact that conventional simulators do not take into account dielectric breakdown of insulating materials. For example, in printed wiring boards, conductive materials such as wiring patterns are covered with insulating materials such as solder resist, and in cables, conductive materials such as conductors are covered with insulating materials such as vinyl. In this way, conductive materials such as wiring patterns and conductors are not in direct contact with the atmosphere but are covered with insulating materials. The present inventors have discovered that it is useful to consider dielectric breakdown of such insulating materials when considering electrostatic discharge.

[0014] The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 102, a RAM 103, a HDD 104, and an I / F 106. The CPU 102, the RAM 103, the HDD 104, and the I / F 106 are connected to one another via a system bus 105.

[0015] The CPU 102 is an example of a processor, and is configured to perform information processing and control processing by executing various programs including the program 150. For example, as an example of control processing, the CPU 102 controls the entire information processing device 100 and devices connected to the information processing device 100 via the system bus 105. Furthermore, as an example of information processing, the CPU 102 virtually simulates an electrostatic discharge test. The simulation is performed by the CPU 102 executing the program 150. In other words, the program 150 is a simulation program that causes the CPU 102 to simulate a virtual electrostatic discharge test.

[0016] The RAM 103 is a storage device that temporarily stores some or all of data and programs. The HDD 104 is a storage device that non-temporarily stores data. The HDD 104 is also a non-temporarily computer-readable recording medium. Various programs such as the program 150 and various data are stored in the HDD 104. Note that an SSD may be used instead of the HDD 104.

[0017] The interface (I / F) 106 is an input / output interface. The interface 106 is connected to external devices such as an input device 114, a printer 109, a monitor 110, an external recording medium 111, and an external information processing device 113 connected to a network 112. The input device 114 includes, for example, a keyboard 107 and a mouse 108. The input device 114 may also include a touchpad or a touch panel. The external recording medium 111 is, for example, a storage device such as an HDD, a recording disk, etc.

[0018] The input device 114 is a device for providing information, instructions, and the like to the CPU 102 through user operations. The information includes data such as numerical values ​​and characters. The monitor 110 is a display device that displays images. The CPU 102 outputs image information to the monitor 110, causing the monitor 110 to display images such as user interface images. The user can input information and instructions corresponding to the operation to the CPU 102 by operating the keyboard 107 and mouse 108 while referring to the user interface image displayed on the monitor 110.

[0019] Furthermore, the CPU 102 can read information stored in the HDD 104 in response to a user's operation of the input device 114. The HDD 104 also functions as a database. The CPU 102 can read various types of information by referring to the database. The database may be stored in a storage device (not shown).

[0020] The CPU 102 can also display the results of executing the program 150 on the monitor 110. The CPU 102 can also cause the printer 109 to execute processing to form an image on a sheet. The CPU 102 can also read out various programs such as the program 150 and various pieces of information from an external recording medium 111. The CPU 102 can also download the program 150 from an external information processing device 113 via a network 112.

[0021] In this embodiment, the program 150 is stored in the HDD 104, but this is not a limitation. The program 150 may be recorded on any non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. For example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or a non-volatile memory can be used as a recording medium for providing the program 150. The optical disk is, for example, a disk medium such as a Blu-ray disk, a DVD, or a CD. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a storage device such as a USB memory, a memory card, a ROM, or an SSD.

[0022] Here, the electrostatic discharge test (air discharge) is performed in accordance with IEC61000-4-2 of the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). Fig. 2(a) is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a part of an electronic device 200 according to an embodiment. The electronic device 200 is, for example, a prototype. The atmosphere around the electronic device 200 is air.

[0023] Electronic device 200 has exterior 201 made of resin and printed wiring board 203 arranged inside exterior 201. Printed wiring board 203 is arranged near gap 206 in exterior 201. Gap 206 is a hole or slit that penetrates straight toward printed wiring board 203. The width of gap 206 is, for example, 1 mm or less. Note that, for example, a metal housing, a cable, another printed wiring board, etc. (not shown) may be arranged inside exterior 201.

[0024] The wiring layer, which is the surface layer of printed wiring board 203, includes wiring pattern 204. Wiring pattern 204 is covered with insulating coating 205 such as solder resist, insulating tape, or insulating sheet. Insulating coating 205 is an example of a first insulating member, exterior 201 is an example of a second insulating member, and wiring pattern 204 is an example of a conductive member. Wiring pattern 204 is, for example, a ground wiring, a signal wiring, a power supply wiring, etc., and is electrically connected to an IC mounted on printed wiring board 203.

[0025] The electrostatic discharge test is performed by bringing an ESD gun (discharge gun) 202 close to the electronic device 200 and applying static electricity to the tip of the discharge tip of the ESD gun 202. The electrostatic discharge test verifies whether or not electrostatic discharge occurs from the tip of the discharge tip of the ESD gun 202 to the wiring pattern 204 included in the electronic device 200.

[0026] The thickness of the insulating coating 205 is 1 mm or less. Therefore, the insulating coating 205 is prone to dielectric breakdown in an electrostatic discharge test. The dielectric breakdown strength (dielectric strength) of the insulating coating 205 is, for example, 5 kV / mm or more, and preferably 10 kV / mm or more in practical use. The dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating coating 205 is, for example, 500 kV / mm or less, may be 200 kV / mm or less, preferably 100 kV / mm or less, and may be 50 kV / mm or less. For example, when the insulating coating 205 is a solder resist, the thickness of the insulating coating 205 is approximately several tens of μm. In reality, the insulating coating 205 is prone to dielectric breakdown due to static electricity when the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating coating 205 is 100 kV / mm or less.

[0027] The thickness of the exterior casing 201 is preferably greater than the thickness of the insulating coating 205. Here, the maximum value of the applied voltage in the electrostatic discharge test (air discharge) can be 15 kV. The dielectric breakdown strength of the resin is greater than 15 kV / mm, and for example, the dielectric breakdown strength of resins such as ABS resin, PC resin, and acrylic resin is about 30 kV / mm. To prevent dielectric breakdown of the exterior casing 201, the thickness of the exterior casing 201 is preferably greater than 1 mm, and for example, the thickness of the exterior casing 201 is set to about 2 mm. Therefore, dielectric breakdown of the exterior casing 201 is less likely to occur in the electrostatic discharge test.

[0028] ESD gun 202 is disposed outside exterior casing 201 of electronic device 200 so that the tip of the discharge tip of ESD gun 202 is located near gap 206. The reason for bringing the tip of the discharge tip of ESD gun 202 close to gap 206 is that electrostatic discharge is likely to occur through gap 206.

[0029] A position in the atmosphere where static electricity is applied is a first position. Between this first position and the conductive member, electrostatic discharge, accompanied by dielectric breakdown of the insulating member, can occur. A second position is a position (site) on the conductive member where electrostatic discharge originates, and the second position may be adjacent to a position where dielectric breakdown of the insulating member occurs. Position P2 is a position on the wiring pattern 204 where path X is the shortest path from position P1 of the tip of the discharge tip of the ESD gun 202 to the wiring pattern 204 that does not intersect with the exterior casing 201. Position P1 is an example of the first position, and position P2 is an example of the second position. A gap 206 exists in the exterior casing 201, and path X passes through the gap 206. In the example of FIG. 2(a), only air and the insulating coating 205 exist between positions P1 and P2, i.e., on path X from position P1 to position P2. In the example of FIG. 2(a), path X is a straight line segment that passes through the gap 206 in a straight line. The length of the path X from position P1 to position P2 is defined as the distance d1 from position P1 to position P2, i.e., the distance d1 between position P1 and position P2. Distance d1 is an example of the distance (first distance) between position P1 and the wiring pattern 204. Path X is composed of a spatial path X1 from position P1 to the surface of the insulating coating 205 and a path X2 inside the insulating coating 205. The length of path X1, i.e., the distance of path X1, is the spatial distance. The length of path X2 is the thickness t of the insulating coating 205. In the example shown in FIG. 2(a), distance d1 is the linear distance. Therefore, distance d1 is the sum of the length of path X1, i.e., the distance of path X1, and the thickness t of the insulating coating 205. Distance d1 is greater than the thickness t of the insulating coating 205, and is typically at least twice the thickness t of the insulating coating 205, and may be at least ten times the thickness t of the insulating coating 205.

[0030] Fig. 2(b) is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a portion of an electronic device 200 according to an embodiment. Note that Fig. 2(b) illustrates a configuration different from that of Fig. 2(a). The gap 206 in the exterior casing 201 shown in Fig. 2(b) is a hole or slit that penetrates so as to bend toward the printed wiring board 203.

[0031] Position P2 is the position on the wiring pattern 204 where path X is the shortest path from position P1 of the tip of the discharge tip of the ESD gun 202 to the wiring pattern 204 that does not intersect with the exterior sheath 201. There is a gap 206 in the exterior sheath 201, and path X passes through the gap 206. In the example of FIG. 2(b), between positions P1 and P2, i.e., on path X from position P1 to position P2, there is the insulating coating 205, air, and part of the exterior sheath 201. The length of path X from position P1 to position P2 is defined as distance d1 from position P1 to position P2, i.e., the distance d1 between positions P1 and P2. Path X consists of path X1 from position P1 to the surface of the insulating coating 205 and path X2 inside the insulating coating 205. Therefore, distance d1 is the sum of the length of path X1, i.e., the distance of path X1, and the length of path X2, i.e., the thickness t of the insulating coating 205.

[0032] Here, the exterior casing 201 is unlikely to suffer from dielectric breakdown when an applied voltage of 15 kV is applied. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2(b), path X1 consists of path X11 that runs from the ESD gun 202 along the creepage surface of the exterior casing 201, and path X12 in the space from the opening edge of the gap 206 in the exterior casing 201 to the surface of the insulating coating 205. The length of path X11 is the creepage distance, and the length of path X12 is the spatial distance. Therefore, the length of path X1, i.e., the distance of path X1, includes the spatial distance and the creepage distance.

[0033] In this way, when a thick insulating member such as exterior 201 is present between positions P1 and P2, distance d1 includes the creepage distance along the creepage surface of the insulating member (the length of path X11) and the spatial distance passing through the air atmosphere (the length of path X12). Here, the creepage surface is not limited to a flat surface, so the creepage distance is not limited to a linear distance. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 2(b), distance d1 is not limited to a linear distance.

[0034] In this embodiment, at the design stage before the electronic device 200 is prototyped, the CPU 102 of the information processing device 100 is made to execute the program 150, causing the CPU 102 to perform a simulation assuming an electrostatic discharge test. Since the simulation is performed at the design stage before the electronic device 200 is prototyped, design data of the electronic device 200 is used in the simulation of the electrostatic discharge test. The design data includes a virtual three-dimensional model (e.g., a 3D CAD model) of the electronic device 200 and numerical values ​​such as design values. The 3D CAD model is CAD data. Furthermore, since the atmosphere in the environment where the electronic device 200 is placed is assumed to be air, calculations are performed assuming that the atmosphere is air in the simulation.

[0035] Note that a design rule check (DRC) is performed in the design stage before the prototype of electronic device 200. Therefore, program 150 may be included as part of a CAD program that is capable of performing a design rule check.

[0036] 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of the CPU 102 that executes the program 150 according to the embodiment. The CPU 102 executes the program 150 to function as the input unit 10, the verification unit 20, and the output unit 30.

[0037] The input unit 10 inputs information used to verify the presence or absence of electrostatic discharge to the verification unit 20. In this embodiment, the information used to verify the presence or absence of electrostatic discharge includes information 11 on the thickness t of the insulating coating 205, information 12 on the dielectric breakdown strength a of the air, information 13 on the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205, information 14 on the distance d1, and information 15 on the applied voltage Vg of static electricity at position P1. A required model of the electronic device 200 or an electrostatic discharge test model, such as a model of the exterior 201, a model of the ESD gun 202, a model of the printed wiring board 203, a model of the wiring pattern 204, a model of the insulating coating 205, or a model of the atmosphere, is used in the simulation. The models include information on the shape, position, physical properties, temperature, etc.

[0038] Information 11 on the thickness t of the insulating coating 205 is, for example, a design value (unit: mm, for example) and is stored in a database such as the HDD 104. Information 11 on the thickness t of the insulating coating 205 may be acquired, for example, from a database of printed wiring boards or a database of components that includes information on the layer structure. Note that, in the database, information 11 on the thickness t of the insulating coating 205 can be added or edited by an operator. Furthermore, if CAD data for the printed wiring board 203 is available, the thickness t of the insulating coating 205 may be found from the CAD data.

[0039] Information 12 on the dielectric breakdown strength a of the atmosphere to which static electricity is applied is included in program 150 as, for example, a design value (unit: [kV / mm], for example), or is stored in a database such as HDD 104 separately from program 150. Here, information (value) 12 on the dielectric breakdown strength a of the atmosphere to which static electricity is applied may be less than 5 [kV / mm]. Information (value) 12 on the dielectric breakdown strength a of air, which is the atmosphere to which static electricity is applied, is set to a fixed value of approximately 1 [kV / mm], for example, 1.13 [kV / mm], but may also be set to approximately 3 [kV / mm]. Information 12 on the dielectric breakdown strength a of air may be written in program 150 in advance, or may be rewritten depending on experimental results, etc.

[0040] The information 13 on the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205 is, for example, a design value (unit: for example, [kV / mm]) and is stored in a database such as the HDD 104. The input unit 10 is configured to receive input of information 16 on the insulating coating 205. When the input unit 10 receives input of the information 16 on the insulating coating 205 from the input device 114, the input unit 10 refers to the HDD 104 (database) and obtains the information 13 on the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205 corresponding to the information 16 on the insulating coating 205 from the HDD 104 (database). Note that the information 13 on the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205 can be added or edited in the database by an operator. Information 13 on the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205 is, for example, 5 [kV / mm] or more, for example, 10 [kV / mm] or more, for example, 500 [kV] or less, for example, 200 [kV / mm] or less, for example, 100 [kV / mm] or less, for example, 50 [kV / mm] or less.

[0041] The information 16 regarding the insulating coating 205 is, for example, information regarding the type of insulating coating 205 (e.g., solder resist, insulating tape, insulating sheet, etc.) and / or information regarding the name of the insulating coating 205 (e.g., product name, model number, etc.), and may be input in a pull-down format using the input device 114.

[0042] The information 14 about the distance d1 between the positions P1 and P2 is, for example, a numerical value in units of mm. The distance d1 includes a spatial distance, a creepage distance, or a total distance of the spatial distance and the creepage distance. The spatial distance is a linear distance in the air (atmosphere). The creepage distance is the length of a path along the surface (creepage) of an insulator.

[0043] Position P1 is a position where static electricity is applied, and is the position of the tip of the discharge tip of ESD gun 202. Position P2 is a target position where it is verified whether electrostatic discharge occurs, and is a position on wiring pattern 204 covered with insulating coating 205.

[0044] The information 14 of the distance d1 is stored in a database in the HDD 104, for example. The input unit 10 refers to the database and acquires the information 14 of the distance d1. Note that the information 14 of the distance d1 can be added or edited in the database by an operator. The information 14 of the distance d1 stored in the database may be calculated from CAD data or the like.

[0045] The information 15 of the applied voltage Vg is, for example, a numerical value indicating a voltage level (unit: for example, [kV]), and is information about the electrostatic applied voltage to be applied to position P1 by ESD gun 202. The set value of the applied voltage Vg of the electrostatic electricity to be applied to position P1 is 15 kV or less. When verifying an electrostatic discharge test (air discharge) in accordance with IEC 61000-4-2, the information of the applied voltage Vg may be a numerical value selected by the user from numerical values ​​such as 2 kV, 4 kV, 8 kV, 15 kV, etc., or may be a fixed value such as 15 kV.

[0046] The processing of the verification unit 20 will be described. The verification unit 20 estimates whether or not an electrostatic discharge accompanied by a dielectric breakdown of the air and a dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating 205 will occur between a position P1 in the air where static electricity is applied and a position P2 of the wiring pattern 204 covered with the insulating coating 205. Note that estimation can also be expressed as inference. Estimation differs from assertion, and inference differs from actual measurement.

[0047] In this embodiment, the verification unit 20 executes the processes of steps S21 to S23 shown in Fig. 3 based on the information 11 to 15 received from the input unit 10. If there are multiple wiring patterns to be verified, the processes of steps S21 to S23 may be executed for each of the wiring patterns to be verified in turn.

[0048] In step S21, the verification unit 20 calculates a composite dielectric breakdown strength c, which is a composite of the dielectric breakdown strength of air and the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating coating. Then, in step S22, the verification unit 20 calculates a reference distance d2. Then, in step S23, the verification unit 20 estimates whether or not a discharge has occurred. The reference distance d2 serves as a criterion for determining whether or not a discharge has occurred, and therefore can also be referred to as a discharge distance.

[0049] Step S21 will now be described. In step S21, the verification unit 20 calculates a composite dielectric breakdown strength c by combining the dielectric breakdown strength a of air and the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205. A method for calculating the composite dielectric breakdown strength c will now be described with reference to FIG. 2(a).

[0050] Air and insulating coating 205 exist on path X between position P1 where static electricity is applied and position P2, which is the inspection position. Therefore, to inspect whether or not a discharge occurs on wiring pattern 204, it is necessary to consider and combine both the dielectric breakdown strength a of air and the dielectric breakdown strength b of insulating coating 205. The concept of combination is described below.

[0051] Dielectric breakdown strength is an electric field expressed in kV / mm, and is calculated by dividing the breakdown voltage by the distance. When a voltage greater than the breakdown voltage is applied to an insulator per unit length, the insulator breaks down, causing a sudden large current to flow.

[0052] Path X can be considered a two-layer composite consisting of air and insulating coating 205. Therefore, if the dielectric breakdown voltage of the composite is V, the dielectric breakdown voltage of air is V1, and the dielectric breakdown voltage of insulating coating 205 is V2, the relationship is expressed by the following equation (1). V=V1+V2 (1)

[0053] It is believed that when a voltage equal to or greater than the breakdown voltage V is applied to a portion on the path X, both the air and the insulating coating 205 undergo dielectric breakdown, causing discharge from the ESD gun 202 to the wiring pattern 204 .

[0054] In this embodiment, the verification unit 20 calculates the reference distance d2 based on information 11 about the thickness t of the insulating coating 205, information 12 about the dielectric breakdown strength a of the air, information 13 about the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205, information 14 about the distance d1, and information 15 about the applied voltage Vg of static electricity at the position P1. The reference distance d2 is an example of the second distance.

[0055] Let a be the dielectric breakdown strength of air, b be the dielectric breakdown strength of insulating coating 205, and c be the composite dielectric breakdown strength obtained by combining the dielectric breakdown strengths of air and insulating coating 205. Furthermore, if the total length of path X is d1 and the thickness of insulating coating 205 is t, then equation (1) can be transformed into equation (2). c×d1=a×(d1-t)+b×t (2)

[0056] Furthermore, when calculating the composite dielectric breakdown strength c, it becomes formula (3). c=a×(d1-t) / d1+b×t / d1 (3)

[0057] In step S21, the verification unit 20 calculates the composite dielectric breakdown strength c using equation (3). The values ​​of the parameters used in equation (3) are input to the verification unit 20 as information 11 to 14.

[0058] In step S22, the verification unit 20 calculates the reference distance d2 from the composite dielectric breakdown strength c calculated in step S21 and the information (numeric value) 15 of the applied voltage Vg acquired from the input unit 10. The reference distance d2 is calculated by the following formula (4). d2=Vg / c (4)

[0059] The reference distance d2 is the maximum distance at which, when static electricity of an applied voltage Vg is applied to the tip of the discharge tip of the ESD gun 202, both the air and the insulating coating 205 break down, causing discharge in the wiring pattern 204. The value of the applied voltage Vg used in equation (4) is input to the verification unit 20 as the information 15 on the applied voltage Vg.

[0060] In this embodiment, the verification unit 20 first calculates the composite dielectric breakdown strength c using equation (3) and then calculates the reference distance d2 using equation (4), but this is not limiting. For example, the verification unit 20 may directly calculate the reference distance d2 using the following equation (5). d2=Vg / (a×(d1-t) / d1+b×t / d1) (5)

[0061] In either case, the verification unit 20 calculates the reference distance d2 so as to satisfy the formula d2=Vg / (a×(d1−t) / d1+b×t / d1).

[0062] Next, in step S23, the verification unit 20 compares the distance d1 between the position P1 and the position P2 with a reference distance d2 to estimate whether or not electrostatic discharge will occur from the position P1 to the position P2.

[0063] 4 is a flowchart for estimating whether electrostatic discharge has occurred according to an embodiment. First, in step S231, the verification unit 20 compares the distance d1 with a reference distance d2. Next, in step S232, it is determined whether the distance d1 is smaller than the reference distance d2. If the distance d1 is smaller than the reference distance d2, the verification unit 20 estimates that electrostatic discharge to the wiring pattern 204 will occur (step S233). If the distance d1 is larger than the reference distance d2, the verification unit 20 estimates that electrostatic discharge to the wiring pattern 204 will not occur (step S234). If the distance d1 is equal to the reference distance d2, the verification unit 20 may be set to estimate that electrostatic discharge will occur, that it will not occur, or that both are possible.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, an electrostatic discharge test simulation is performed taking into consideration the phenomenon of dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating 205 covering the wiring pattern 204, and therefore the occurrence of electrostatic discharge can be accurately estimated. The worker can change the design of the electronic device 200 as needed, and when the design of the electronic device 200 is changed, the worker can have the information processing device 100 perform an electrostatic discharge test simulation again. In this manner, the electronic device 200 is designed, and a prototype of the electronic device 200 is manufactured according to the design. The prototype electronic device 200 is actually subjected to an electrostatic discharge test. In the electrostatic discharge test, there is a high possibility that results close to those of the simulation are obtained, which reduces the work of remaking the electronic device 200 and reduces the burden on the worker.

[0065] The output unit 30 outputs output information according to the estimation result of whether or not electrostatic discharge will occur. In this embodiment, the output information is image information according to the estimation result to be displayed on the monitor 110, and the verification unit 20 outputs the image information to the monitor 110, thereby causing the monitor 110 to display an image based on the image information. For example, the monitor 110 displays a user interface image including an image according to the estimation result. The image according to the estimation result may be a text image, or an image combining a text image and a graphic image. By displaying the image on the monitor 110, the user can visually confirm the estimation result of whether or not electrostatic discharge will occur, and can easily determine whether or not a change in the design of the electronic device 200 is necessary.

[0066] The design change may be, for example, a change to increase the creepage distance by increasing the gap 206 in the exterior 201 in Fig. 2(b), a change to the thickness of the insulating coating 205, or a change to provide a lightning rod on a metal plate (not shown). The worker can make the design change of the electronic device 200, for example, on a CAD program.

[0067] As described above, a simulation of electrostatic discharge is performed when the electronic device 200 is designed, and after the simulation, the electronic device 200 is manufactured based on the design of the electronic device 200.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the wiring pattern 204 of the printed wiring board 203 is the target of verification, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cable such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) may also be the target of verification.

[0069] Furthermore, there may be a plurality of wiring patterns to be verified, in which case the verification unit 20 verifies whether or not electrostatic discharge occurs at each of the plurality of positions P2.

[0070] Furthermore, in the program 150, the CPU 102 may infer whether or not electrostatic discharge will occur using a trained machine learning model. In this case, the inputs to the machine learning model may be information on the position P1, information on the position P2, information on the thickness t of the insulating coating 205, information on the dielectric breakdown strength b of the insulating coating 205, and information on the applied voltage Vg of static electricity, and the output of the machine learning model may be whether or not electrostatic discharge will occur.

[0071] So far, the information regarding electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205 has been exemplified by a form of estimating whether or not electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205 will occur. Information estimated as information regarding electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205 can be referred to as estimated information. The estimated information can be information regarding the occurrence of electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205. Information regarding the occurrence of electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205 can be referred to as occurrence information. The estimated information regarding the occurrence of electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205 is not limited to whether or not electrostatic discharge will occur, but may also be the probability of occurrence or frequency of electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205. The occurrence probability or frequency may also be classified into three or more levels. The estimated information regarding electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205 is not limited to information regarding the occurrence of electrostatic discharge accompanied by a breakdown of the insulating coating 205. For example, the threshold value for determining whether or not electrostatic discharge will occur may be a reference distance d2, a thickness t of the insulating coating 205, or an applied voltage Vg of static electricity. For example, in d2=Vg / (a×(d1-t) / d1+b×t / d1), an equation can be solved in which d1=d2 and any of d1, d2, Vg, and t is an unknown (variable). These thresholds can also be used to design the electronic device 200 or to obtain the conditions for an electrostatic discharge test.

[0072] Furthermore, estimation of information related to electrostatic discharge accompanied by dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating 205 does not necessarily have to be based on a simulation model. Estimation of information related to electrostatic discharge accompanied by dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating 205 may also be based on data actually obtained in an electrostatic discharge test. Estimation of information related to electrostatic discharge accompanied by dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating 205 may also be based on, for example, the current generated during discharge in an electrostatic discharge test. If the waveform of the current generated during discharge differs between cases where dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating 205 occurs and cases where it does not, a computer may be allowed to distinguish between the waveforms and estimate whether or not electrostatic discharge accompanied by dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating 205 will occur.

[0073] The estimation of information regarding electrostatic discharge accompanied by dielectric breakdown of insulating coating 205 may be based on, for example, the sound generated during discharge in an electrostatic discharge test. If the sound generated during discharge differs between cases where dielectric breakdown of insulating coating 205 occurs and cases where it does not, a computer may be made to distinguish between the sounds and estimate whether or not electrostatic discharge accompanied by dielectric breakdown of insulating coating 205 has occurred. The current waveform and sound generated during discharge can be used as training data to train a machine learning model.

[0074] The estimation of information related to electrostatic discharge accompanied by dielectric breakdown of insulating coating 205 is not limited to a model based on design data of electronic device 200, but may also be based on photographed images of electronic device 200. A machine learning model can be trained using photographed images showing the structure of an electronic device in which dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating has occurred and photographed images showing the structure of an electronic device in which dielectric breakdown of the insulating coating has not occurred as training data.

[0075] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and many modifications of the embodiments are possible within the technical concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described in the present embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described in the present embodiments.

[0077] The electronic devices to which the above-described embodiments can be applied may be imaging devices such as digital cameras and surveillance cameras, information devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers, and communication devices such as modems and routers. Alternatively, the electronic devices may be office equipment such as printers and copiers, medical equipment such as X-ray devices and endoscopes, industrial equipment such as robots and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and transportation equipment such as vehicles, airplanes, and ships.

[0078] The disclosure of this specification includes not only what is explicitly described in this specification, but also all matters that can be understood from this specification and the drawings attached hereto. The disclosure of this specification also includes the complement of the individual concepts described in this specification. In other words, if this specification states, for example, that "A is B," it can be said that this specification discloses that "A is not B," even if it omits the statement that "A is not B." This is because when "A is B," it is assumed that the case where "A is not B" is taken into consideration.

[0079] The disclosure of the above embodiments includes the following sections.

[0080] (Section 1) A program to be executed by a computer, causing the computer to estimate information regarding electrostatic discharge occurring between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered with an insulating member, the electrostatic discharge resulting from dielectric breakdown of the insulating member; A program characterized by:

[0081] (Section 2) causing the computer to simulate the application of static electricity using the model of the insulating member and the model of the conductive member; Item 1. The program according to item 1.

[0082] (Section 3) The information about the electrostatic discharge includes information about the occurrence of the electrostatic discharge. Item 1. The program according to item 1.

[0083] (Section 4) causing the computer to output output information according to the result of the estimation; 4. The program according to any one of items 1 to 3,

[0084] (Section 5) the output information includes image information according to the result of the estimation. Item 5. The program according to item 4,

[0085] (Section 6) causing the computer to compare a first distance and a second distance between the position and the conductive member to estimate whether the electrostatic discharge will occur; 6. The program according to any one of items 1 to 5,

[0086] (Section 7) causing the computer to infer that the electrostatic discharge has occurred if the first distance is less than the second distance; and / or If the first distance is greater than the second distance, causing the computer to assume that the electrostatic discharge will not occur. Item 7. The program according to item 6, characterized in that

[0087] (Section 8) causing the computer to calculate the second distance based on information on the first distance, information on the dielectric breakdown strength of the atmosphere to which the static electricity is applied, information on the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member, information on the thickness of the insulating member, and information on the applied voltage of the static electricity at the position; 8. The program according to item 6 or 7,

[0088] (Section 9) When the first distance is d1, the second distance is d2, the dielectric breakdown strength of the atmosphere to which the static electricity is applied is a, the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member is b, the thickness of the insulating member is t, and the applied voltage of the static electricity at the position is Vg, causing the computer to calculate the second distance so as to satisfy the formula d2=Vg / (a×(d1−t) / d1+b×t / d1); 9. The program according to any one of items 6 to 8, characterized in that

[0089] (Section 10) causing the computer to receive input of information about the insulating member and to obtain information about the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member corresponding to the information about the insulating member; 10. The program according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that:

[0090] (Section 11) causing the computer to refer to a database and obtain information on the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member corresponding to the information on the insulating member; 11. The program according to any one of items 1 to 10,

[0091] (Section 12) causing the computer to refer to a database to obtain information on the distance between the position and the conductive member; 12. The program according to any one of items 1 to 11,

[0092] (Section 13) The distance between the position and the conductive member is at least twice the thickness of the insulating member. 13. The program according to any one of items 1 to 12,

[0093] (Section 14) The thickness of the insulating member is 1 mm or less. 14. The program according to any one of items 1 to 13,

[0094] (Section 15) the first distance includes a spatial distance from the position to the insulating member; 10. The program according to any one of items 6 to 9, characterized in that

[0095] (Section 16) the insulating member is a first insulating member, the first distance includes a creepage distance along a second insulating member located between the position and the first insulating member; 16. The program according to any one of items 6 to 9 and 15,

[0096] (Section 17) The thickness of the second insulating member is greater than the thickness of the first insulating member. Item 17. The program according to item 16,

[0097] (Section 18) The atmosphere to which the static electricity is applied is air. Item 18. The program according to any one of items 1 to 17,

[0098] (Section 19) 19. A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to any one of items 1 to 18 recorded thereon.

[0099] (Section 20) A computer configured to execute the program according to any one of items 1 to 18, 1. An information processing device comprising:

[0100] (Section 21) Estimating information about electrostatic discharge that occurs between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered with an insulating member, the electrostatic discharge resulting from dielectric breakdown of the insulating member; 1. An information processing device comprising:

[0101] (Section 22) causing a computer to estimate information regarding electrostatic discharge that occurs between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered with an insulating member, the electrostatic discharge accompanying dielectric breakdown of the insulating member; An information processing method comprising:

[0102] (Section 23) Designing an electronic device using the program according to any one of items 1 to 18, manufacturing the electronic device based on the design; A method for manufacturing an electronic device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] P1...position (first position), P2...position (second position), 100...information processing device, 102...CPU (processor), 150...program, 201...exterior (second insulating member), 204...wiring pattern (conductive member), 205...insulating coating (insulating member, first insulating member)

Claims

1. A program to be executed by a computer, causing the computer to estimate information regarding electrostatic discharge occurring between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered with an insulating member, the electrostatic discharge resulting from dielectric breakdown of the insulating member; A program characterized by:

2. causing the computer to simulate the application of static electricity using the model of the insulating member and the model of the conductive member; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. The information about the electrostatic discharge includes information about the occurrence of the electrostatic discharge.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

4. causing the computer to output output information according to the result of the estimation; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

5. the output information includes image information according to the result of the estimation.

5. The program according to claim 4.

6. causing the computer to compare a first distance and a second distance between the position and the conductive member to estimate whether the electrostatic discharge will occur; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

7. causing the computer to infer that the electrostatic discharge has occurred if the first distance is less than the second distance; and / or If the first distance is greater than the second distance, causing the computer to assume that the electrostatic discharge will not occur.

7. The program according to claim 6.

8. causing the computer to calculate the second distance based on information on the first distance, information on the dielectric breakdown strength of the atmosphere to which the static electricity is applied, information on the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member, information on the thickness of the insulating member, and information on the applied voltage of the static electricity at the position; 7. The program according to claim 6.

9. When the first distance is d1, the second distance is d2, the dielectric breakdown strength of the atmosphere to which the static electricity is applied is a, the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member is b, the thickness of the insulating member is t, and the applied voltage of the static electricity at the position is Vg, causing the computer to calculate the second distance so as to satisfy the formula d2=Vg / (a×(d1−t) / d1+b×t / d1); 7. The program according to claim 6.

10. causing the computer to receive input of information about the insulating member and to obtain information about the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member corresponding to the information about the insulating member; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

11. causing the computer to refer to a database and obtain information on the dielectric breakdown strength of the insulating member corresponding to the information on the insulating member; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

12. causing the computer to refer to a database to obtain information on the distance between the position and the conductive member; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

13. the distance between the position and the conductive member is at least twice the thickness of the insulating member; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

14. The thickness of the insulating member is 1 mm or less.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

15. the first distance includes a spatial distance from the position to the insulating member; 7. The program according to claim 6.

16. the insulating member is a first insulating member, the first distance includes a creepage distance along a second insulating member located between the position and the first insulating member; 7. The program according to claim 6.

17. The thickness of the second insulating member is greater than the thickness of the first insulating member.

17. The program according to claim 16.

18. The atmosphere to which the static electricity is applied is air.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

19. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is recorded.

20. A computer configured to execute a program according to any one of claims 1 to 18, 1. An information processing device comprising:

21. Estimating information about electrostatic discharge that occurs between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered with an insulating member, the electrostatic discharge resulting from dielectric breakdown of the insulating member; 1. An information processing device comprising:

22. causing a computer to estimate information regarding electrostatic discharge that occurs between a position where static electricity is applied and a conductive member covered with an insulating member, the electrostatic discharge accompanying dielectric breakdown of the insulating member; An information processing method comprising:

23. Designing an electronic device using the program according to any one of claims 1 to 18, manufacturing the electronic device based on the design; A method for manufacturing an electronic device.

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