Overview
IEC PAS 61340-5-6:2022 - Electrostatics, Part 5-6: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena - Process assessment techniques - describes methodologies, measurement techniques, and tools to characterize processes where electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive (ESDS) items are handled. This publicly available specification (PAS) helps determine whether ESD risks remain in manufacturing, assembly, test, inspection, packaging, transport, service or other handling operations after static-control measures are in place. It is based on ANSI/ESD SP17.1-2020 and is part of the broader IEC 61340 electrostatics series.
Key Topics
- Scope and limitations: Applies to handling of electronic parts, assemblies and equipment susceptible to ESD; excludes electrically initiated explosive items, flammable liquids/powders and does not cover program management, compliance verification, troubleshooting or certification of personnel. AC field (EM) risks are not considered in this edition.
- Process assessment flows: Practical procedures to assess risk from charged personnel, ungrounded conductors, charged ESDS items and ESDS items in electrostatic fields.
- Measurement techniques (Annex A): Guidance on measurements of grounding, electrostatic fields, surface and item charges, electrostatic voltages, discharge events and discharge currents - including recommended equipment and measurement locations.
- ESD robustness considerations: Methods to relate measured electrostatic events and charge levels to device sensitivity (e.g., Human Body Model, Charged Device Model considerations) and to assess potential for damage to components and assemblies.
- Manual handling, conductors and insulators: Parameter limits and detailed flows for assessing manual steps, conductive objects, charged ESDS items and process-required insulators.
- Event detection: Use of ESD event detectors, antennas and oscilloscopes to detect and quantify ESD events in-process.
Applications
IEC PAS 61340-5-6:2022 is intended for:
- ESD/control engineers and process engineers performing in‑line process evaluations and risk characterization
- Quality assurance and reliability teams assessing whether static control measures are adequate
- Test engineers and technicians designing measurement campaigns to detect damaging ESD events
- Facilities that manufacture, assemble, test, package, label, transport or service electronic components and PCBA
Practical uses include process audits, targeted ESD event detection, defining measurement locations, and deciding whether further mitigation or changes to grounding, materials or handling procedures are needed.
Related Standards
- Part of the IEC 61340 electrostatics series (see IEC website for other parts)
- Based on ANSI/ESD SP17.1-2020 (source document)
- Complements device qualification standards (e.g., HBM/CDM test methods) by focusing on in‑process risk assessment
Keywords: IEC PAS 61340-5-6:2022, electrostatics, ESD, process assessment techniques, electrostatic discharge, ESDS, electronic device protection.