The new standard is somewhat unique among the standards documents published by the ESD Association. Most of the association's standards are test-method documents, whereas ANSI/ESD S20.20 is a true standard—a precisely stated set of requirements to be met by a material, product, system, or process, with procedures for determining whether the requirements are satisfied. In addition, the document covers all elements of a static-control program, rather than concentrating on individual components such as work surfaces. Outlining a program to protect devices to 100-V sensitivity (human body model), the standard helps answer that age-old question: What do I need to do to set up an effective ESD control program?

ANSI/ESD S20.20 is flexible enough to allow companies with established programs to adopt it, and it has requirements acceptable to both OEMs and their contract manufacturers, thus reducing duplication of process controls. It is "audit friendly": a third-party assessor can audit a program.

The standard has two major sections. An administrative section outlines all the documentation, training, and process requirements, and a technical section outlines the electrical and mechanical requirements, such as grounding, personal grounding, protected areas, and packaging. Both administrative and technical provisions can be tailored to specific applications and requirements.

In support of the standard, the ESD Association has also revised its ESD Control Handbook, which will provide additional guidance for implementing a program in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20.

Browse the archives of past questions and answers at ESD Help Desk. Information on the ESD Association and ANSI/ESD S20.20, including a downloadable copy of the standard, may be found at http://www.esda.org.