Is a antistatic mat absolutely neccessary?

[deadwulfe]

I've yet to buy an ESD wristband, nice or cheap, that doesn't include instructions for proper use with some examples of where & how people can ground themselves in an environment such as their own home. Also, they typically include additional pointers and tips for dealing with ESD. My advice was to use one. How to use one is included with the product.

squeakr, this is the second time you've derailed a thread to jump all over one of my posts. You're trolling me and you're arguing/debating over the internet and calling it a friendly discussion. Semantics...

Your posts have been about how I'm giving bad information, but it isn't significantly different than what you've previously posted in another thread. Again, my advice was to use an ESD wristband, based on my own experiences testing microchips that were fully packaged. When failure rates jump from 3%-5% up to as high as 50%-60%, it was a given that someone didn't have the ESD straps plugged in. Yet, you are claiming I was giving bad information based on your insinuation that I was suggesting people wear them improperly. Your debate point makes no sense, because it was brought up by you as a counterpoint to nothing I had stated.

If you want to warn people about improper use of ESD gear, fine, but don't get in my face about something I definitely did not say. Assert your pompous and assuming behavior elsewhere, because you're one of the reasons I am getting tired of coming to these boards trying to help others. If you don't like the way someone posts, that's your problem and not mine, but it doesn't help anyone when you create a problem out of it for everyone by putting words in someone else's mouth.

Go ahead and respond to this and get it over with. Have the last word. Your posting already shows you're one of those people who are never wrong even when you're not right.

 

[squeakr]

I've yet to buy an ESD wristband, nice or cheap, that doesn't include instructions for proper use with some examples of where & how people can ground themselves in an environment such as their own home. Also, they typically include additional pointers and tips for dealing with ESD. My advice was to use one. How to use one is included with the product.

squeakr, this is the second time you've derailed a thread to jump all over one of my posts. You're trolling me and you're arguing/debating over the internet and calling it a friendly discussion. Semantics...

Your posts have been about how I'm giving bad information, but it isn't significantly different than what you've previously posted in another thread. Again, my advice was to use an ESD wristband, based on my own experiences testing microchips that were fully packaged. When failure rates jump from 3%-5% up to as high as 50%-60%, it was a given that someone didn't have the ESD straps plugged in. Yet, you are claiming I was giving bad information based on your insinuation that I was suggesting people wear them improperly. Your debate point makes no sense, because it was brought up by you as a counterpoint to nothing I had stated.

If you want to warn people about improper use of ESD gear, fine, but don't get in my face about something I definitely did not say. Assert your pompous and assuming behavior elsewhere, because you're one of the reasons I am getting tired of coming to these boards trying to help others. If you don't like the way someone posts, that's your problem and not mine, but it doesn't help anyone when you create a problem out of it for everyone by putting words in someone else's mouth.

Go ahead and respond to this and get it over with. Have the last word. Your posting already shows you're one of those people who are never wrong even when you're not right.

I will respond as I have gotten in no one's face and have not been pompous about anything. I have not insinuated that you gave bad information on wearing wristbands. I have stated you gave bad information on the growth of electronic breakdown (the same thing you never have proven exists when questioned about it). You misread that and took it for commenting on wristbands. I originally stated that the figures you reported were just the same as the difference between not wearing one correctly and wearing one correctly.

I never called it a friendly discussion, I called it an educated discussion.

I don't know where you think that calling names and using slurs elevates you to a level above me. I have no where resulted in personal attacks, I just questioned your data about the destructive growth (of which you have provided none). If anyone questioning you posts bothers you, then you definitely should stay away from these boards. What posting shows what you claim? You ask a question and I responded. I don't see where discussing the topic is derailling (as you say it is). You are the one that has taken it to another level. If you had the information I asked for, please post it and I will gladly retract my statement about it being wrong. I have been unable to find refutable and verifiable proof in my searches and discussions with others that would support your claim about the electronic degradation growth. This claim is not the type of claim that would be made from a person that you think I am. I admit when I am wrong and thank the people for educating me further. Do as I asked and I will concede your statements are fact.

 

[BlaqkAudio]

Go take your argument to PMs and stop going off topic.

 

[deadwulfe]

Back on topic about ESD damage and why I recommend using an ESD wristband, at the least...

My point was that ESD damage is serious and you may not even notice it right away. Some corroborative evidence, through two quick Google searches, follows.

http://blog.all-spec.com/2008/07/types-of-esd-damage/

All ESD damage is not created equal. In fact, there are three different types of ESD damage and they can be classified as a catastrophic failure, a latent defect or an upset failure...

Latent defects are a little more difficult to spot. This type of damage would allow a device to work properly for the most part, but over time the small amount of damage might affect the life of the device or its ability to function. The issue with latent defects is that the item usually passes testing and is sent to the customer where it may fail.

Lastly, an upset failure is when ESD damages a device or component but not enough to cause complete failure. But while in use, the component may intermittently result in gate failure and cause problems with software and data storage. Just like latent defects, upset failures will pass testing but may have issues in the future.

http://www.descoindustries.com/AboutESD/Damage.aspx

...Latent failures occur when ESD weakens or wounds the component to the point where it will still function properly during testing, but over time the wounded component will cause poor system performance and eventually complete system failure. Because latent failures occur after final inspection or in the hands of your customer, the cost for repair is very high. Not only is this type of damage hard to find, but it severely affects the reputation of your company's product.

An upset failure occurs when an electrostatic discharge has caused a current flow that is not significant enough to cause total failure, but in use may intermittently result in gate leakage causing loss of software or incorrect storage of information.

Upset or latent failures may pass your company's quality control testing program. In other words, static damage may occur that cannot be felt, seen, or detected through normal testing procedures.

http://www.ce-mag.com/archive/02/Spring/dangelmayer.html

...Latent failure due to prior ESD damage was witnessed under laboratory conditions. As a result of EPS packaging, ESD damage was suspected of having occurred on customer premises while the PWB assemblies were in service. This, in conjunction with other reports of latency, supports previous conclusions that ESD damage can adversely affect the reliability of bipolar devices.