ESD and humidity
Significant influence on ESD measurements
Why is humidity so important for ESD measurements?
1. Dry air = higher ESD risk
At low humidity (< 30%) the air is less conductive. This makes it easier for electrostatic charges to build up and harder for them to dissipate. A typical example: in winter, when heating is used, the air is often very dry → more ESD problems.
2. Humid air = better dissipation
Humidity has an antistatic effect: water molecules on surfaces can dissipate electrical charge or prevent it from building up in the first place. At higher humidity (> 50%), the risk of ESD is lower.
EP0201038
EP0201039