Reduction of Electrical Overstress (EOS)
"EOS is the number one source of damage to IC components" according to Intel. This is supported by many companies and organizations in the Industry - see the chart by an automotive electronics leader Bosch. Industry standards such as IPC-A-610 and SEMI E176, as recommendation by IRDS set acceptable voltage levels for sensitive components to no more than 0.3V peak. Such low damage levels comparing to 100V or 250V for ESD are due to the high energy that EOS-causing signals can inject into the device. See article in inCompliance Magazine describing SEMI E176 written by OnFILTER' Vladimir Kraz who leads SEMI EMC Standards' Task Force.
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Perhaps the most damaging aspect of EOS is that often the damage is "latent," i.e. when the device or the board which is "wounded," not outright "killed" by excessive voltages and currents, passes the test, but then fails in actual use due to the weakened internal structure. Not only this adds to the cost and aggravates customer relations, it also threatens applications where a "failure is not an option."
EOS
–#1 source of damage
–Latent damage
–Low voltage damage
Source: Bosch
EOS in Semiconductor Manufacturing
–Wafer probers
–Wafer saw
–Wire bonders
–Singulators
–Lead formers
–IC handlers
EOS in Electronic Assembly
–Pick-and-place
–Soldering
–Lead forming
–Lead trimming
–Test
A significant source of EOS damage is EMI, or high frequency voltages and currents, in the manufacturing and handling processes. In the device or PCBA handling and processing equipment, EOS exposure due to EMI comes from the difference in voltage on grounded parts of equipment which are deemed "safe" by conventional practices and measurements.
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OnFILTER, a pioneer and the leading manufacturer of EOS protection, offers several solutions to alleviate EMI-caused EOS exposure and comply with the requirements of IPC-A-610:
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To reduce leakage EMI current from soldering iron tip, use our soldering filters that work with any AC soldering irons
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To reduce influence of EMI and power line transients coming into the tool, use CleanSweep® AC power line EMI filters - they provide excellent noise reduction and unparalleled transient protection unachievable by regular surge protectors.
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Internally to equipment, our ground filters connected in line with ESD grounding in equipment block EMI on ground while meeting all ESD and safety specifications.
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Our SF-series servo motor filters greatly reduce EMI and ground currents caused by operation of servo motors that are the major electrical noise pollutant in robotic equipment.
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To reduce EMI on DC lines causer by noisy switched-mode power supplies use our DC EMI filter.
For technical papers on the subject of EOS please visit our Library.
Questions? Ask Us
Practical Aspects of Managing EMI-Caused EOS in IC Handlers and Similar Equipment
Measurements of Conducted Emission in the Manufacturing Environment
EMI-Generated EOS in a Wire Bonder
Mitigating EMI Issues in Servo Motors and Variable Frequency Drives
Dealing with EMI in Semiconductor Device Manufacturing
EOS Sources in Automated Equipment
Managing EMI in Back-End IC Manufacturing, TAP Times
EMI-Caused EOS Exposure of Components and its Mitigation
Origins of EOS in Manufacturing Environment and Its Classification