Introduction  Reliability & Failure    Analysis  Electrostatic Discharge    Sensitivity  Corporate Environmental    Policy  Iso Certifications  Sirenza Qualification    Reports

As with all high-performance integrated circuits, caution must be used when handling RFMD® products. Without proper precautions, electrostatic discharge can be a major contributor to device failures. Electrostatic discharge sensitivity (ESDS) is defined as the level of susceptibility of a device to damage by static electricity. The level of susceptibility of a device is found by ESDS classification testing, and is used as the basis for assigning an ESDS class. RFMD continually evaluates devices to determine the ESD sensitivity level. RFMD’s standard method of ESD testing is Human Body Model (HBM) and Machine Model (MM) testing, although Charged Device Model (CDM) can be performed as well. Knowing the ESD sensitivity will enable the end user to assess the adequacy of work areas, shipping materials, storage materials, and production equipment used while handling RFMD parts. We recommend that all personnel wear conductive smocks, heel straps on both feet or conductive shoes, wrist straps (RFMD recommends the use of 3M 722 continuous monitor wrist straps), and antistatic hand lotion. Production facilities should have ESD safe floors, and all benches, chairs, and production equipment should be grounded.ESD generating materials (paper, glass, plastic, Scotch tape, styrofoam, etc.) should be kept out of ESD safe areas at all times. All employees should be soft grounded via a 1MW resistor, and all equipment should be hard grounded. Continuous process improvement and the relentless drive to exceed customer quality and reliability needs is a critical part of our success. Please contact RFMD for more detailed information on our
Quality Program.