Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Implementation
Build, implement, and maintain an effective ANSI/ESD S20.20 compliant ESD Control Program with confidence.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Implementation provides participants with a practical understanding of electrostatic charge generation, ESD failure mechanisms, and the methods used to protect sensitive electronic devices from ESD damage. Through instructor-led discussions, practical examples, and interactive activities, learners gain the knowledge needed to establish and maintain effective ESD controls within manufacturing, laboratory, test, and service environments.
The course also provides a detailed overview of ANSI/ESD S20.20 requirements, including both administrative and technical elements of an ESD Control Program. Participants will learn how to develop an ESD Program Plan, implement ESD Protected Areas (EPAs), select appropriate control measures, and verify ongoing compliance.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand the science behind electrostatic charge and the three models of discharge.
- Understand the fundamental control principles for ESD
- Understand, categorize, and measure the properties of common ESD-related materials such as insulators, conductors, and dissipators.
- Understand the technical requirements for an ANSI/ESD S20.20 ESD control program including: Equipment and Personnel Grounding, ESD Protected Areas, ESD Control Items, Packaging and Marking requirement
Course Testimonial: "The course delivered invaluable context that gave us a head start in building our organization's ESD Control Plan that would have taken far longer if we had to make assumptions on the S20.20 standards on our own."
This course is intended for:
- Quality Engineers
- Process Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Production Supervisors
- ESD Coordinators
- Reliability Engineers
- Test Engineers
- Laboratory Personnel
- Technical Managers
- Compliance Specialists
- Electronics Manufacturing Personnel
- Anyone responsible for implementing, managing, or auditing an ESD Control Program
Module 1: Understanding Electrostatic Charge (ESC)
- Fundamentals of electrostatic charge
- Triboelectric charging mechanisms
- Charge generation and material interactions
- Triboelectric series
Module 2: Understanding Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
- ESD fundamentals
- Device susceptibility
- ESD damage mechanisms
Module 3: Material Properties
- Conductors
- Dissipative materials
- Insulators
- Electrostatic fields
- Material behavior and measurements
Module 4: ESD Damage and Failure Models
- Human Body Model (HBM)
- Machine Model (MM)
- Charged Device Model (CDM)
- Field-Induced Charged Device Model (FICDM)
- Failure thresholds and device sensitivity
Module 5: Fundamental ESD Control Principles
- Principles of ESD control
- Grounding conductors
- Insulator control
- Protective packaging
Module 6: ANSI/ESD S20.20 Overview
- Purpose and scope
- Program requirements
- ESD Coordinator responsibilities
- Tailoring requirements
Module 7: Administrative Requirements
- ESD Control Program Plan
- Training Plan
- Product Qualification Plan
- Compliance Verification Plan
Module 8: Grounding and Equipotential Bonding
- Grounding systems
- Common point ground concepts
- Ground verification techniques
Module 9: Personnel Grounding
- Wrist straps
- Garments
- Footwear/flooring systems
- Compliance verification
Module 10: ESD Protected Areas (EPAs)
- EPA requirements
- Insulators
- Isolated conductors
- Worksurfaces
- Seating
- Ionization
- Shelving and carts
- Garment systems
Module 11: Packaging Requirements
- Packaging materials
- Packaging systems
- Qualification and compliance verification
- Packaging planning
Module 12: Marking Requirements
- Marking requirements
- Customer-specific considerations
Module 13: ESD Program Plan Development Workshop
- Practical implementation exercise
- Program design scenarios
- Group presentations and discussion
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is one of the most common causes of damage to electronic components, assemblies, and finished products. Organizations that manufacture, assemble, test, service, transport, or handle ESD-sensitive devices must establish robust controls to minimize risk, improve product reliability, and meet customer and industry requirements.
This instructor-led course provides a comprehensive understanding of electrostatic charge generation, electrostatic discharge mechanisms, and ESD damage models, including Human Body Model (HBM), Machine Model (MM), Charged Device Model (CDM), and Field-Induced Charged Device Model (FICDM). Participants will gain practical insight into how ESD events occur and how they affect modern electronic devices.
The course explores the fundamental principles of ESD control and introduces the material properties, measurements, and behaviors of conductors, dissipative materials, insulators, and isolated conductors. Learners will understand how these materials influence ESD risks and how to evaluate them within an ESD control environment.
A significant portion of the training focuses on the implementation of ANSI/ESD S20.20. Participants will learn the administrative and technical requirements necessary to establish, document, implement, and maintain an effective ESD Control Program. Topics include grounding and equipotential bonding systems, personnel grounding, ESD Protected Areas (EPAs), packaging requirements, marking practices, product qualification, compliance verification, training plans, and program documentation.
The course concludes with a practical ESD Program Plan Development activity in which participants apply course concepts to realistic business scenarios. By the end of the training, learners will be equipped to support the implementation, improvement, or maintenance of an ANSI/ESD S20.20 compliant ESD Control Program within their organization.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain the science of electrostatic charge generation and discharge.
- Describe how ESD events occur and how they affect electronic devices.
- Differentiate between Human Body Model (HBM), Machine Model (MM), Charged Device Model (CDM), and Field-Induced Charged Device Model (FICDM).
- Identify and classify ESD-related material properties, including conductors, dissipative materials, insulators, and isolated conductors.
- Apply fundamental ESD control principles to reduce ESD risks in manufacturing and laboratory environments.
- Interpret key administrative and technical requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20.
- Develop and document elements of an ESD Control Program Plan.
- Implement grounding and equipotential bonding systems, personnel grounding methods, and ESD Protected Areas.
- Evaluate packaging and marking requirements for ESD-sensitive products.
- Understand product qualification, compliance verification, and ongoing program maintenance requirements.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of an organizational ESD Control Program.
Participants will gain:
- Practical understanding of electrostatic charge generation and ESD damage mechanisms.
- Knowledge of industry-recognized ESD control principles and best practices.
- Understanding of ESD failure models and device sensitivity considerations.
- Ability to identify ESD risks associated with materials, equipment, personnel, and work environments.
- Knowledge of administrative and technical requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20.
- Ability to establish and maintain an effective ESD Control Program.
- Understanding of ESD Protected Area (EPA) design and management.
- Practical experience through interactive exercises and ESD Program Plan development activities.
- Increased confidence in supporting product reliability, quality, and compliance initiatives.
This course is delivered as a live, instructor-led virtual classroom training.
Learning methods include:
- Interactive lectures
- Demonstrations and examples
- Group discussions
- Practical exercises
- Scenario-based workshops
- ESD Program Plan development activity
- Knowledge checks
- End-of-course examination
Participants have direct access to the instructor throughout the training to ask questions and discuss practical implementation challenges.
Participant learning is assessed through:
- Instructor-led discussions and knowledge checks
- Practical exercises and group activities
- Participation in the ESD Program Plan Development workshop
- End-of-course examination designed to verify understanding of key ESD concepts and ANSI/ESD S20.20 implementation requirements
Participants should have completed:
or
- Equivalent foundational knowledge of electrostatic discharge concepts and ESD awareness.
Basic familiarity with electronics manufacturing, assembly, testing, or laboratory environments is beneficial but not mandatory.
What is the main purpose of this course?
The course teaches participants how to implement, document, and maintain an effective ANSI/ESD S20.20 compliant ESD Control Program.
Is this course focused on theory or practical implementation?
Both. Participants learn the scientific principles behind ESD and how to apply those principles in real-world manufacturing, laboratory, testing, and service environments.
Does the course cover ANSI/ESD S20.20 requirements?
Yes. The course provides a detailed review of both administrative and technical requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20.
Will I learn how to create an ESD Control Program?
Yes. Participants complete an ESD Program Plan Development activity that applies course concepts to practical implementation scenarios.
What ESD failure models are covered?
The course covers Human Body Model (HBM), Machine Model (MM), Charged Device Model (CDM), and Field-Induced Charged Device Model (FICDM).
Does the course cover ESD Protected Areas (EPAs)?
Yes. EPA design, requirements, controls, and management are major topics within the course.
Are grounding and personnel grounding systems included?
Yes. Grounding systems, equipotential bonding, wrist straps, garments, and footwear/flooring systems are covered.
Will packaging requirements be discussed?
Yes. The training explains ESD protective packaging, packaging plans, qualification methods, and compliance verification practices.
Is prior ESD knowledge required?
Participants should complete Introduction to ESD training or possess equivalent background knowledge before attending.
Who should attend this course?
Engineers, ESD Coordinators, quality professionals, manufacturing personnel, laboratory staff, technical managers, and anyone responsible for ESD control and compliance.
How is participant understanding assessed?
Learning is evaluated through practical activities, participation, and an end-of-course examination.
Is the course suitable for organizations implementing a new ESD program?
Yes. The course is specifically designed to help organizations establish, implement, and maintain effective ESD Control Programs.
Matthew Parry, Engineering and Quality Systems Trainer, TÜV SÜD
Matthew Parry is an accomplished engineering professional with over 27 years of experience in product development, reliability, operations, and talent development. He has led award-winning global training initiatives, including Seagate’s Brandon Hall–recognized Talent Acceleration Program, and holds Lead Auditor certifications for ISO 9001 and ISO 22301. Matthew brings deep expertise in quality systems, electrostatic discharge (ESD) control, structured problem solving (including 8D and corrective actions), process improvement, and strategic upskilling, with a strong track record of delivering measurable business impact. His practical knowledge and leadership in engineering and quality make him a valuable contributor to TÜV SÜD Academy’s technical training programs.
