Definition:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a sudden and momentary flow of electric current between two differently charged objects when brought close together or when the dielectric between them breaks down, often creating a visible spark associated with the static electricity between the objects. (Source: Wikipedia)
Cause:
The unwanted difference in electric charge between objects can be caused by simple, daily movements.
![PDF] Electrostatic Discharge: Understand, Simulate and Fix ESD Problems | Semantic Scholar](https://ai2-s2-public.s3.amazonaws.com/figures/2017-08-08/cd28223d08034d6824d462866466a6fb47637cbc/20-Figure1.2-1.png)
Effect:
Discharges usually happen as visible sparks and can cause (minor) discomfort to people.
It will cause damage in electronic components.
Impact:
Electrostatic Discharge may occur when anything ungrounded comes close to or touches the Printed Circuit Board and can cause a variety of damage to the electric components, Including:
- Permanent damage
- Partial degradation
- Melting or vaporizing
- Malfunction
- Attraction of contaminates
- Data corruption