ESD Association Releases Revised ANSI/ESD S20.20 Standard

(March 21, 2007) The Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA) released the revised ANSI/ESD S20.20 standard this month. Approved as an ANSI standard, it covers the requirements necessary to design, establish, implement, and maintain an ESD control program to protect electrical or electronic parts, assemblies and equipment susceptible to ESD damage from Human Body Model (HBM) discharges greater than or equal to 100 volts. ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007 is now available for download at www.esda.org.

The primary differences between the 1999 version and the 2007 revision are: 1) The recommended limits in the 1999 version now become required limits. 2) The guidance sections have been removed for the ANSI/ESD S20.20 standard. Further information on process design, controls and materials can be found in TR20.20 (ESD Handbook). 3) Compliance Verification procedures are now specified and can be found in TR53 (Compliance Verification of ESD Protective Equipment and Materials), which is available from the ESD Association.

In order to meet the global need in the electronics industry for technically sound ESD Control Programs, the ESD Association has established an independent third party certification program. The program is administered by the ESD Association through country-accredited ISO9000 registrars that have met the requirements of this program. The Facility Certification Program evaluates a facility's ESD program based on industry standard ANSI/ESD S20.20.

Facilities that choose to become certified this year will still use the ANSI/ESD S20.20-1999 standard as the basis for their certification. In 2008, companies will have a choice to become certified to the 1999 or 2007 version. In 2009, facility certifications will be based on the 2007 version only.

ANSI/ESD S20.20-1999 will remain available at www.esda.org to download until the end of 2008.

Founded in 1982, the ESDA is a not-for-profit, professional organization directed by volunteers dedicated to furthering the technology and understanding of electrostatic discharge. The Association sponsors education programs, develops ESD standards, holds an annual technical symposium, and fosters the exchange of technical information among its members and others. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the ESD Association, 7900 Turin Rd., Bldg. 3, Rome, NY  13440-2069 USA. Phone: 315-339-6937. Fax: 315-339-6793. Email: info@esda.org. Website: www.esda.org.

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