Quantitative monitors minimize cost impact of ESD events on GMR heads

摘要

ESD-conscious companies spend millions of dollars on ESD-protective measures such as ionizers, static-dissi-pative floors and clothing, grounding, wrist-straps, static-voltage monitors, and personnel training. The assumption is that if all these measures are implemented, ESD will no longer be a problem. Manufacturers of giant magnetoresistive (GMR) heads know better, however. In contrast, ESD event monitors that generate information about when and where these inevitable ESD events have occurred provide GMR head manufacturers with measurable and clear-cut benefits. Using this information, production managers can determine where to best invest their ESD-protection dollars, correct ESD problems in real time, and correlate yield with the actual ESD environment. In addition, workers can be made aware of what specific operation caused an ESD event and adjust their work habits accordingly.