ESD protected area at plant BMZ 3

We have extended our production area in January, 2007 with a 3rd building about 400 m ²:
Our new ESD building, which we are very proud of.

The BMZ 3 is a closed ESD protected zone equipped with the latest ESD working equipment, from ESD protected bottom covering, ESD-capable assembly areas, teaching aids to the entire ESD-clothing - we have thought on everything and manufacture our Lithium Ion battery packs, with PCB, now in a continuous ESD-protected production process. The feared damage of electronic components by electrostatic discharge  - often noticeable much later - is impossible in our production.

ESD (Electro Static Discharge) is the electrostatic discharge and describes the processes and impacts at the adjustment of electric charges between two differently loaded materials. If these come in contact, positive and negative electric charges will be exchanged.

Electrostatic discharges cause yearly damages in the economy running into millions. Best-known in history is the fire at the zeppelin "Hindenburg". With the development of the MOS technology in the microelectronics an increasing complexity of the semiconductor construction elements associates with much higher clock rates. A rising sensitivity comparing to ESD impulses results from that, so its high voltage or high current peaks.

Today it is assumed that 10% of the ESD-stressed semiconductor construction elements cause mistakes. These can be a total loss or much the worse a damage of the device. The latter often remains unrealized and can cause expensive recalls. Therefore, today the protection of electrostatic discharges (ESD protection) is essential in all areas of the microelectronics.

Based on a substantiated current state analysis to the risk potential, there is a fundamental ESD protection strategy to be drawn, which should consist “internal” safety measures (“tempering” of the construction elements against ESD), “external” safety measures (prevention of uncontrolled discharges) and organizational safety measures.

With regard to external safety measures the German Institute for Standardization EN 61340-5-1 f. is relevant.