6 Classification of ESD packaging material properties
6.1 General
Materials and packaging that are useful in preventing damage to ESD sensitive devices exhibit
certain properties. These properties include:
a) resistance properties:
– conductive;
– dissipative;
b) shielding properties:
– electrostatic discharge;
– electrostatic field;
c) low charging properties:
See Annex D.
6.2 Material resistance properties
6.2.1 General
Most standard packaging materials are electrically insulating and insulating materials retain
charge. Making the packaging less insulating provides a path for the charge to dissipate from
the packaging to a material at a lower potential.
Specific ranges of resistance are useful for different purposes. Packaging can be classified by
these resistance ranges of the material used in its construction.
6.2.2 Resistance of conductive materials
Conductive materials can be surface conductive, volume conductive or both.
a) Surface conductive materials
Surface conductive materials shall have a surface resistance of < 1 × 104 Ω.
b) Volume conductive materials
Volume conductive materials shall have a volume resistance of < 1 × 104 Ω.
NOTE The thickness of the material can have a significant influence on the measured value of volume resistance.
6.2.3 Resistance of dissipative materials
Dissipative materials can be surface dissipative, volume dissipative or both.
a) Surface dissipative materials
Surface dissipative materials shall have a surface resistance ≥ 1 × 104 and < 1 × 1011 Ω.
b) Volume dissipative materials
Volume dissipative materials shall have a volume resistance ≥ 1 × 104 and < 1 × 1011 Ω.
NOTE The thickness of the material can have a significant influence on the measured value of volume resistance
6.2.4 Resistance of insulating materials
Electrostatic insulating materials can be surface insulating, volume insulating or both.
a) Surface insulating materials
Electrostatic surface insulating materials have a surface resistance ≥ 1 × 1011 Ω.
b) Volume insulating materials
Electrostatic volume insulating materials have a volume resistance ≥ 1 × 1011 Ω.
6.3 Material electrostatic shielding properties
NOTE Electrostatic shielding materials protect packaged ESDSs from the effects of electrostatic discharges and
fields that are external to the packaging.
6.3.1 Electrostatic discharge shielding
Electrostatic discharge shielding packaging is capable of attenuating an electrostatic discharge.
The calculated energy allowed inside an electrostatic discharge shielding bag shall be less than
20 nJ when tested according to IEC 61340-4-8 or equivalent test method modified to
accommodate the product.
6.3.2 Electrostatic field shielding
Electrostatic field shielding packaging is capable of attenuating an electrostatic field.
See Annex C.