Packaging for ESD sensitive items

The paper deals with packaging of sensitive items. The term packaging means in this approach: the box or wrapping in which a product is offered for sale. The paper is divided into three main parts plus conclusions. The short introductory section presents generalities on modern packaging and the necessity of manufacturing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protective packaging. In the second section the issues of ESD sources, of ESD sensitivity and of ESD measurements recommended by the Electrostatic Association are addressed. The third section proposes a technique of assessing the ESD of the shelf ready packaging based on the immunity standard IEC/EN 61000-4-2, generally ignored in this matter.