Soldering station

Since July 2006 only lead-free solder may be used in the EU. The lead-free replacement solders
place increased demands on the soldering stations. The times of unregulated soldering irons with
power below 50 W at the electronics workstation are therefore over. Higher temperatures must
be maintained more precisely in order to obtain a functioning soldered joint. This requires above
all higher electrical power in the soldering iron. 80 W-150 W are necessary today to reach and
maintain the working temperatures for the soldered joint. In order to maintain the soldering
temperature exactly, an electronic control is necessary. These requirements are easily met by
modern soldering stations.

Product recommendation:
WELLER WT1010H

ESD protection
There were times in the history of electronics when ESD protection was not an issue. ESD means
Electro Static Discharge. Tubes, relays or mechanical selector switches were absolutely
insensitive to electrostatic discharge. With the advent of semiconductors in the 50s of the last
century, the topic became more and more important. Today, ESD protection is mandatory at
every electronics workstation. Working on electronic assemblies without effective protective
measures against “ESD flash” is grossly negligent. Fortunately, this was quickly recognised and
products were brought onto the market which provide effective help against electrostatic
discharge.

ESD work mat

If you are working on ESD-sensitive components in an environment that is not designed for such
work, you can use an ESD work mat. Such a mat is connected with a special plug to an earthed
socket in order to maintain safe contact with the protective earth. Electrostatic discharges are
discharged via this connection. The second important utensil is a wristband for the technician,
which is connected to the working mat by a push button. In the supply line there is a resistor with
less than 1Mohm as personal protection. Equipped like this it is unproblematic to work on ESD
sensitive assemblies.

In addition to this work mat, there are other accessories for an ESD-safe workplace. This is
especially important for industrial use.

Product recommendation:
RND 600-00140

The range of ESD grounding material is relatively comprehensive.

ESD tool kit

An ESD-protected workplace also requires the right tools. Otherwise, all the expensive ESD
protection measures are useless. The tool used on such a workstation must also provide ESD
protection. It is an important link in the ESD protection chain.

Product recommendations:
WIHA 33504
KN 00 20 18 ESD

Summary
These were my advices about the electronic workplace. One last tip at the end: When an
electronic workstation is set up, you invest a large amount of money, whether it is private or
business. Apart from quality and precision, you should make sure that there is a local repair and
calibration service for the expensive equipment. With regular maintenance and care of the
equipment you will enjoy it for a long time.