The phenomenon of electrostatic discharge (ESD) is one of the most frequent causes of defects, especially among semiconductor-based integrated circuits. Due to various reasons, a potential difference in the electrically conducting material can occur during the manufacturing. This causes a short, high-voltage pulse leading to a defective device. For Micronas, as a supplier for the automotive industry, the prevention of ESD plays a major role. While the proportion of electronics is growing, the requirements on devices and device groups are increasing steadily. These demands, especially regarding performance and packing density at decreasing structure sizes, heightens the danger of electrostatic discharge during production. Micronas successfully introduced an ESD program to minimize this potential risk already many years ago. Essential parts of the factory were voluntarily certificated according to the IEC 61340 standard by an independent accredited company in 2008.
In December 2012, the Scottish site at Glenrothes has been certificated to this standard as well. “We are very proud of being able to guarantee the same ESD standard across sites as of today,” says Wolfgang Bossinger, Vice President Quality at Micronas. “Thus, our consequent quality policy enables us to set another important milestone.”
By the ESD certification of its factory according to the IEC 61340 standard, Micronas greatly exceeds the quality requirements of ordinary semiconductor standards. This ESD certification constitutes one more element in the implementation of a consequent quality policy at Micronas.