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Spectrascan, Inc.

Jan C Hoigaard

The apparatus for monitoring and controlling electrostatic discharge control systems provides an automated sequence of electrostatic discharge control and soldering iron performance measurements that can be used to verify the continued integrity of the electrostatic discharge control systems. This is accomplished by a microprocessor controlled central data acquisition and control unit that controls a plurality of test units. Each work station in the manufacturing environment is equipped with a test unit that performs a number of measurements and tests of various electrostatic discharge control systems and soldering iron performance. The central data acquisition and control unit sequentially and automatically polls each individual test unit to perform or prompt the operator to participate in the designated measurements. The data obtained by each test unit is transferred to the central data acquisition and control unit where the data is analyzed and recorded. This data can be used to generate an alarm when one of the test units indicates a failure of the associated electrostatic discharge control systems or the soldering iron operation. In addition, the collected data provides an on-going record of long-term performance of the electrostatic discharge control systems and the individual soldering irons at each test unit.

Apparatus for monitoring and controlling electrostatic discharge

An electrostatic system monitor and method for monitoring the operation of static control equipment such as conductive workbench and floor mats, conductive wrist straps, and the integrity of ground connections and soldering irons and to activate indicators and alarms when the static control equipment deteriorates or malfunctions by having resistances outside of predetermined values and ranges of resistance. The electrostatic system monitor also provides for the detection of unsafe voltage potentials on soldering irons, and for a surface resistance probe for measuring the surface conductivity of conductive surfaces of the static control equipment.

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Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America

Jan C Hoigaard