Wednesday, February 1, 2012

New Analytical Lab

USBid recently undertook construction of an in-house analytical lab that will include a number of new capabilities to more thoroughly test for counterfeit electronic components. Future blogs will focus on the new equipment and  the types of information they provide - this one will discuss the preparation of the space (in particular the floor) to accommodate the lab itself.

The primary consideration for optimal flooring in the new lab is full ESD S20:20-2007 compliance and Zero Ohm Ground measurements. The first step is to strip the bare concrete of glue remnants and other debris, and make sure the moisture level of the stripped floor is less than 10Kg of water per 100 square meters of cement. The most effective solvent we found to strip the cement was Spray Nine Multi-Purpose Cleaner, as shown in the following photo:

Photo 1: Stripping/Prepping Cement

Next, about a quarter of the tile was laid, using ESD glue containing copper shards:


Photo 2: ESD Tile Installation
 Then, 2" copper strips were run both vertically and horizontally across the room and connected to grounded electrical outlets.

Photo 3: Two Inch Copper Strip

Photo 4: Grounding the Copper Strip to an Outlet
 The rest of the tile was installed, and the floor was buffed and waxed using special ESD wax. Preliminary resistance tests confirm a near zero ground measurement. The room is now ready for use.
Photo 5: The Finished Room
When fully outfitted, this lab will include electrical parametric test capabilities, x-ray and XRF/RoHS analysis, decapsulation and die authenticity analysis, and solderability testing as well as baking, and tape/reeling services. We'll discuss each of these capabilities in more detail in future posts.

About USBid
USBid Inc. is an independent distributor of electronic components located in Palm Bay, Florida, USA. Since 1998, we have been helping customers locate and purchase hard-to-find and long lead time components. We are AS9120 and ISO 9001:2008 certified and ESD S20.20-2007 compliant. USBid.com understands that sourcing parts in the “open market” is challenging. That’s why we conduct visual, physical, and chemical analysis of all orders and offer electrical parametric testing to manufacturer datasheet specifications.

2 comments:

Dave Bucklin said...

Does this ESD floor adhere to all SAE ESD guidelines?

takeastand said...

All product, including tile, glue and copper strip was purchased from Staticworx, Inc. in Watertown, MA, who make only ESD flooring products they claim meet all ESD requirements.