ESD: a cannot-be-ignored factor for LED lighting manufacturers

ESD (Electro-Static discharge) is a common damage for electronic components. Although circuits for LED lighting technique is relatively simple than more advanced intelligent electrical apparatus, there are still many electronic components used in LED Lights circuit PCBs, which are rather vulnerable to ESD. Most of time, these damages are irretrievable, leading to the failure and worse scrap. ESD problem is gaining extensive attention from LED lighting manufacturers.

ESD (Electro-Static discharge) is a common damage for electronic components.

ESD leads to an instant current/voltage surge, which is the instant release of the pre-stored electronic energy by energy storing elements. There are two different energy releases: 1. Predictable energy release through controlled switching effect; 2. Unpredictable energy release through random export.

 

As we mentioned before, ESD can bring huge damages to electronic circuits. ESD is generally caused by friction between two different substances (charges accumulate on the surface). ESD larger than 15000V can be sensed by our bodies, normally in the form of pricking. Thousands of ESD happened in our daily lives, almost every of them can cause damages to our LED lighting products. How can LED lighting manufacturers block these external killers became a primary consideration.

 

Understanding the transmission of ESD can help us solve this problem. ESD can be transmitted though the air (induction discharge) and conduction. Technicians usually use shielding to prevent air induction discharge ESD and use absorbing to prevent conducting ESD.

 

The most effective method to keep LED lighting applications from ESD is restricting ESD trigger voltage, making it in the safe range of LED Panel working voltage. SPA can avoid the shock brought by ESD. Firstly, using diodes to absorb the instant current; secondly, current induction; in the last step, Zener diodes will be used to restrict the current level.

 

Intelligent LED lighting products need to realize sensitive human-machine interactions, including short-term control and information feedback. All these relays on chip set and interfaces, which are typically vulnerable to ESD and needs more effective ESD protective measurers.

 

The maximum capacitance and ESD level need special attention during the process. LED lighting manufacturers should provide anti-static workbenches for their workers, letting them accept specialized training in ESD aspect.