Traceability and Electrostatic Discharge

Question 1

What is Traceability

Answer 1

• Knowing what parts/materials are going into your device
• knowing where they came from
• ensuring that quality standards are upheld by everyone along the supply chain

Question 2

Why is it important to know what our products are made from and where they come from?

Answer 2

• It is more likely our product will meet its objectives
• and less likely to fail in its lifetime
• counterfeit products are sub standard

Question 3

How can counterfeit products be detected?

Answer 3

• slightly different labels
• Labels can be removed with acetone if its cheap ink
• X-raying the product to see the internal structure
• Semiconductor products have unique markings

Question 4

What does ESD stand for?

Answer 4

• Electrostatic discharge

Question 5

How are some devices protected from ESD destroying the internals?

Answer 5

• They have diodes on input pins to divert high-voltage currents away from sensitive areas
• They come in static preventive packaging

Question 6

What is the risk of ESD?

Answer 6

• the high voltages potentially generated from ESD may vaporise or melt sensitive parts of the circuit

Question 7

How can we prevent the risk of ESD when handling devices?

Answer 7

• employ a static safe workspace
• eg work on surfaces covered by a grounded mat while wearing wrist straps at the same potential
• or connect devices directly to earth