Anti-static tape

Simple antistatic tape with connector

An antistatic strap , also known as wrist grounding strap (abbreviated to HgB), is used to ground people and thus prevent electrostatic discharges (ESD) , which can destroy integrated circuits . The antistatic strap is connected to an earthed metal part or earthing point, e.g. B. a machine part or an earthing point at the workplace.

The antistatic strap is the safest form of personal earthing in terms of ESD protection .

Physical background

Materials and objects are charged electrostatically through separation and friction (see also frictional electricity ), and there is a potential difference between the bodies. If the potential difference is large enough, a sudden equalization can occur, which destroys electronic components, parts, circuits etc. For this sudden equalization it does not necessarily need a touch, a distance of a few millimeters can be sufficient for a lightning discharge (similar to a thunderstorm).

For example, a person can become charged when walking across a carpet with insulating soles. Walking on a floor can generate up to 35,000 volts of body voltage. Touching ESD-sensitive components will damage or destroy the component.

The antistatic tape is an effective way of preventing potential differences between people and sensitive electronics, as the potential difference is balanced out in a controlled manner.

Structure, functionality and applications

Antistatic strap with ground connection

Antistatic tapes are used wherever electrostatic discharges are harmful, for example when assembling circuit boards with electronic components or assembling entire assemblies. Antistatic strap should also be worn when dismantling / assembling a computer or other devices with highly integrated circuits, unless other measures have been taken to prevent ESD, such as antistatic shoes. In the absence of ESD protective measures, sensitive components will be damaged or destroyed.

The antistatic tape ensures that any charge can flow away via a high resistance (nominal value of 1 MΩ according to the VDE standard) and thus no potential difference (i.e. electrical voltage) can occur. This built-in resistor prevents larger currents from flowing through the carrier to earth when it comes into contact with dangerous voltages (see touch current ). A simple cable is unsuitable as a substitute for an anti-static tape because it has too little resistance and the wearer is at risk of serious injury.

Web links / literature

Measures against electrostatic charging at heise.de
Why we have to protect our electronics from ESD
DIN EN 61340-4-6 Electrostatics, Part 4-6: Standard test methods for special applications - wrist grounding straps
DIN EN 61340-5-1 Electrostatics, Part 5-1: Protection of electronic components against electrostatic phenomena - General requirements -

Individual evidence

↑ ESD consultant: Why we have to protect our electronics from ESD. In: https://www.esd-berater.de . Päselt engineering office / ESD consultant, accessed on June 25, 2018 (German).
↑ ESD consultant: Are your areas ESD safe? Accessed June 25, 2018 (German).

[1] ESD consultant: Why we have to protect our electronics from ESD. In: https://www.esd-berater.de . Päselt engineering office / ESD consultant, accessed on June 25, 2018 (German).

[2] ESD consultant: Are your areas ESD safe? Accessed June 25, 2018 (German).