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Esd
Esd
Esd
2-2006
Reaffirmation of ANSI/ESD STM4.2-1998
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ANSI/ESD STM4.2-2006
ESD Association standards and publications are designed to serve the public interest by
CAUTION eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturers and purchasers, facilitating the
NOTICE interchangeability and improvement of products and assisting the purchaser in selecting
and obtaining the proper product for his particular needs. The existence of such
standards and publications shall not in any respect preclude any member or non-member
of the Association from manufacturing or selling products not conforming to such
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by the Association preclude its voluntary use by non-members of the Association whether
the document is to be used either domestically or internationally. Recommended
standards and publications are adopted by the ESD Association in accordance with the
ANSI Patent policy.
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DISCLAIMER OF makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, of any kind with respect to
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limitation, warranties of merchantability, fitness for particular purpose or use, title and non-
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other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use
or misuse of ESDA standards or publications, even if advised of the possibility thereof.
This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind,
including without limitation, loss of data, income or profit, loss of or damage to property
and claims of third parties.
Published by:
ISBN: 1-58537-104-1
ANSI/ESD STM4.2-2006
(This foreword is not part of ESD Association Standard Test Method STM4.2-2006)
Foreword
The test methods outlined in this standard were developed to further characterize the ability of ESD
Control worksurfaces to dissipate static charge from conductive objects placed on them. Although
the resistive properties of worksurfaces give the user a "relative" indication of their ability to dissipate
charge, other factors such as contact resistance between the object and the worksurface,
worksurface hardness and surface finish, and ambient relative humidity also affect their charge
dissipation efficiency.
This standard test method provides for a worksurface test apparatus and conductive charged object
configuration designed to give a better perspective as to the charge dissipation characteristics of
worksurfaces based on the factors mentioned above. It is intended for qualification purposes only
and should only be used in a laboratory environment. Specific environments are required for both
conditioning and testing of samples.
This standard test method was originally designated ESD STM4.2-1998 and was approved on
February 8, 1998. This standard test method is a reaffirmation of ANSI/ESD STM4.2-1998 and was
approved on February 26, 2006. This standard test method was prepared by the 4.0 Worksurfaces
Subcommittee. The 1998 version was prepared by the 4.0 Worksurfaces Subcommittee. At that
time the 4.0 Worksurfaces Subcommittee had the following members:
Shane Wooldridge
Kewaunee Scientific
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ANSI/ESD STM4.2-2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FIGURES
Figure 1: Charge Dissipation Test Apparatus ................................................................................ 8
Figure 2: Disk Assembly................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 3: Charge Plate Detail ....................................................................................................... 10
TABLES
Table 1: Summary of Results of Capacitance Calculation ............................................................. 4
ANNEX A....................................................................................................................................... 11
ANNEX B....................................................................................................................................... 12
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ESD Association Standard Test Method ANSI/ESD STM4.2-2006
ESD Association Standard Test Method for the Protection of Electrostatic Discharge
Susceptible Items - ESD Protective Worksurfaces Charge Dissipation Characteristics
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this standard test method is to aid in determining the ability of ESD protective
worksurfaces to dissipate charge from a conductive test object placed on them. This ability may not
be revealed through standard resistance measurements as outlined in ANSI/ESD S4.1.
1.2 Scope
This document provides a test method that measures the charge dissipation characteristics of
worksurfaces. To accomplish this, a conductive test object is charged, placed on the worksurface
under test, then removed. The resultant charge on the test object is an indicator of the ability of the
tested worksurface to dissipate charge from the test object placed on it. This is only applicable
however for the test object specified within this document. This standard test method is designed for
use in a laboratory environment for qualification, evaluation or acceptance of worksurfaces and not
for periodic testing.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
The terms used herein are defined in the ESD Association Glossary of Terms.
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4.4 Ohmmeter
An ohmmeter is required to ensure electrical continuity between the charge plate and disk assembly
as specified in 7.2.
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experiment is performed in a repeatable manner, the standard deviation should be less than 0.5 pF.
Example
This technique was used to measure the capacitance of an isolated conductive plate with the
dimensions of 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm x 0.625 cm (6 inches x 6 inches x 0.25 inches) located 1.875 cm
(.075 inches) above a 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm (6 inch x 6 inch) ground plane. All measurements are
referenced to the electrical ground at the ground plane. Ten measurements were taken for the value
of a charge Q (listed below) on the plate when it is charged to V (100 volts). The calculated values
for the plate capacitance using the equation (C = Q/V) are listed in Table 1.
The average capacitance and standard deviation calculated from Table 1 are:
Capacitance = 17.33 pF
Standard deviation = 0.206 pF
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Date 29 Nov. 94
Positive
1) 385
3) 394
Negative
1) -401
3) -397
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ANSI/ESD STM4.2-2006
Date ____________
Positive
1) _________
3) _________
Negative
1) _________
3) _________
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ANNEX A
Interpretation of Data
Materials that exhibit lower retained charge, as indicated by lower average voltages, have better
decay properties and are preferred.
Any two materials with voltage differences of less than 50 volts should be considered equivalent.
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ANSI/ESD STM4.2-2006
ANNEX B
Triboelectric Contribution Test
Voltage readings may be affected by triboelectrification. This procedure will determine if tribocharging
is making a significant contribution to voltage values. A result of 50 volts or less should be
considered insignificant.
Procedure
A) Lower the disk assembly to the contact position using the RLM. Ensure that the charge plate
monitor reads 0 volts ± 5 volts.
B) Raise the disk assembly from the test sample using the RLM. Record the resultant voltage
displayed on the charge plate monitor. Again, record this measurement within 10 seconds of
cycle completion.
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