BS EN 61340-5-3:2015

What is BS EN 61340-5-3 – Electrostatics about? 

BS EN 61340-5-3 is an international standard that discusses the electrostatic discharge sensitive device. Electrostatic forces can only be important when particles carry a sufficient amount of charge or when an external electric field is applied with sufficient strength. 

BS EN 61340-5-3 defines the ESD protective packaging properties needed to protect electrostatic discharge sensitive devices (ESDS) through all phases of production, rework/maintenance, transport and storage. Test methods are referenced to evaluate packaging and packaging materials for these products and material properties. Performance limits are provided. 

Note: BS EN 61340-5-3 does not address protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulsing (EMP) or protection of volatile materials. 

Who is BS EN 61340-5-3 – Electrostatics for? 

BS EN 61340-5-3 on electrostatic discharge sensitive devices applies to: 

• Manufacturer of electrostatic devices such as CPUs, graphics 
• Quality testing personnel 
• Manufacturer of electrostatic devices 

Why should you use BS EN 61340-5-3 – Electrostatics? 

An electrostatic discharge sensitive device is a sensitive device, integrated circuit or assembly that may be damaged by electrostatic fields or electrostatic discharge. 

BS EN 61340-5-3 provides materials and packages that are useful in preventing damage to sensitive electronic devices that exhibit certain properties. These properties include: 

• Resistance properties – conductive, dissipative 
• Shielding properties – electrostatic discharge, electrostatic field 

BS EN 61340-5-3 provides packaging which is necessary to protect electrostatic discharge sensitive devices (ESDS) from physical and environmental damage during manufacture, transportation and storage. Packaging for ESDS also prevents damage from static electricity. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 61340-5-3:2015 supersedes BS EN 61340-5-3:2010, which is withdrawn on 20 August 2018. It includes: 

• Removal of all references to ANSI/ESD STM11.13, replaced by normative reference IEC 61340-4-10 
• Additional notes added to Table 1 
• Addition of a new Table 3 related to the “ESD classification symbol” and the “primary function code”.