New IEEE Course on Electrostatic Discharge Prevention

Today’s semiconductor devices are built with nanometer-scale features and operate at increasingly lower voltages—which makes them more susceptible to even minor electrical overstress.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a persistent, costly challenge in the electronics industry. A discharge of just 100 volts can degrade or destroy sensitive components designed to operate at voltages as low as 1.2 V.

According to the EOS/ESD Association, ESD rapidly and spontaneously transfers an electrostatic charge induced by a high electrostatic field. It typically occurs when two objects with different electrical potentials come into contact or close proximity, allowing electrons to jump between them, often through a small spark.

ESD can cause immediate physical damage to circuit paths or introduce latent defects that lead to failures later in the product life cycle.

As electrical devices become smaller and more sensitive, the ESD risks grow, along with their financial impact.

Industry experts estimate that ESD is responsible for more than 30 percent of semiconductor failures during manufacturing and handling.

The financial impact can add up quickly. The cost of the discharge damage can range from a few US cents for a simple diode to thousands of dollars for complex integrated circuits, according to the EOS/ESD Association. When factoring in revisions, labor, shipping, and overhead, the total cost to manufacturers can be substantial.

A new ESD protection design program

To equip engineers, technicians, and quality-assurance professionals with knowledge and tools to mitigate electrostatic discharge, IEEE has launched a Practical ESD Protection Design course and certificate program. The new training is suitable for individuals and organizations seeking to improve their ESD control.

The standards-based instruction is aligned with ANSI/ESD S20.20–21: Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts and other industry guidelines. The interactive modules cover theory, real-world case studies, and practical mitigation techniques.

“An understanding of ESD is valued in multiple areas, ranging from design to testing and handling equipment in the field,” says Zachariah Peterson, an IEEE member and ESD industry expert and executive consultant for Northwest Engineering Solutions, in Portland, Ore.

“Equipment failure due to ESD results in more than just rework costs, the damage is also to a company’s brand. The ability to anticipate ESD gives engineers a critical leg up in building reliable products and a durable business.”

After successfully completing the training program, learners earn an IEEE certificate for 89 professional development hours and 8.9 continuing education units.

As the electronics industry evolves, the importance of ESD control is likely to increase. With the rise of artificial intelligence, 5G, and edge computing, the demand for high-performance, reliable chips is growing while the margin for error is shrinking.

The IEEE Practical ESD Protection Design program is not just a preventative measure; it’s a strategic choice that can support innovation, quality, and long-term success.