GAINING ISO CERTIFICATION FOR ESDS COMPONENTS NECESSARY IN AVIATION (DEMO)
In the field of aviation, systems have become smaller and more compact, thanks to the emergence of integrated circuits, microelectronics, and microprocessors. These components make up for more reliable aviation systems that improve upon the performance of aircraft such as helicopters and airplanes. However, along with the benefits that come along with these small yet complex electronic devices is the danger brought upon by forces such as electrostatic discharge (ESD), more commonly known as static electricity.
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ESD is an ongoing concern, especially for newer aviation systems. Static electricity, or electrostatic discharge, is defined as the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically-charged objects caused by contact or an electrical short. A buildup of ESD can be caused by tribocharging, simple examples of which include walking on a rug, rubbing a balloon against a sweater, or rubbing a plastic comb against dry hair. The friction caused by the rubbing of two materials results into tribocharging, thus creating a difference of electrical potential that can lead to an ESD event.
Components that are susceptible to ESD are commonly known as ESD-sensitive (ESDS) parts. These are vulnerable to damage due to electrostatic induction, where electrically-charged objects are placed near a conductive object isolated from the ground. Some ESD events happen without an audible or visible spark, and ESDS components can be damaged by discharges as small as 30 volts, which insufficient to have any effect on a human.
Electrostatic discharge can cause damage to up to 60 percent of devices, including those used in the aviation industry. ESDS parts will usually manifest signs of damage when there is an immediate failure while testing the system, or the part shows random failures. Also, an ESDS component can be deemed damaged when it fails much sooner than its designed “Mean Time Between Failure” figure. For aircraft owners and operators, this is a big issue that could cause potentially fatal problems.
ESDS components adhering to ESD 20:20 set up by the International Standards Authority can be helpful in ensuring that these will not cause electrostatic discharge damage that might affect the whole aircraft. Also, setting up an electrostatic protective area, which could be a small container or a working station, will ensure that no highly charging materials will be in the vicinity of these ESDS electronics by electrically neutralizing anything that will come in contact with the part.
Damage caused by ESD can range from simple ones, such as unreliable systems, to drastic events, such as overall system failure. Electronic parts with ISO certification are essential in ensuring that no damage is to come to your aircraft even during electronic failures.
(Source: Avionics & Electrostatic Discharge, Helicopter Maintenance)
ESD is an ongoing concern, especially for newer aviation systems. Static electricity, or electrostatic discharge, is defined as the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically-charged objects caused by contact or an electrical short. A buildup of ESD can be caused by tribocharging, simple examples of which include walking on a rug, rubbing a balloon against a sweater, or rubbing a plastic comb against dry hair. The friction caused by the rubbing of two materials results into tribocharging, thus creating a difference of electrical potential that can lead to an ESD event.
Components that are susceptible to ESD are commonly known as ESD-sensitive (ESDS) parts. These are vulnerable to damage due to electrostatic induction, where electrically-charged objects are placed near a conductive object isolated from the ground. Some ESD events happen without an audible or visible spark, and ESDS components can be damaged by discharges as small as 30 volts, which insufficient to have any effect on a human.
Electrostatic discharge can cause damage to up to 60 percent of devices, including those used in the aviation industry. ESDS parts will usually manifest signs of damage when there is an immediate failure while testing the system, or the part shows random failures. Also, an ESDS component can be deemed damaged when it fails much sooner than its designed “Mean Time Between Failure” figure. For aircraft owners and operators, this is a big issue that could cause potentially fatal problems.
ESDS components adhering to ESD 20:20 set up by the International Standards Authority can be helpful in ensuring that these will not cause electrostatic discharge damage that might affect the whole aircraft. Also, setting up an electrostatic protective area, which could be a small container or a working station, will ensure that no highly charging materials will be in the vicinity of these ESDS electronics by electrically neutralizing anything that will come in contact with the part.
Damage caused by ESD can range from simple ones, such as unreliable systems, to drastic events, such as overall system failure. Electronic parts with ISO certification are essential in ensuring that no damage is to come to your aircraft even during electronic failures.
(Source: Avionics & Electrostatic Discharge, Helicopter Maintenance)