Desco TB-3040 Installation Manual

TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-3040

Digital Static Field Meter
Operation and Maintenance

Its accuracy is dependent upon three factors:

• Grounding of the Meter via a ground cord (not

• The instrument must be properly zeroed.

• The distance from the front edge of the case to the

Charged insulators in the ESD protected area can
adversely impact quality, productivity, and reliability.

“When any object becomes electrostatically charged,
there is an electrostatic eld associated with that charge.
If an ESDS (ESD sensitive) device is placed in that
electrostatic eld, a voltage may be induced on the
device. If the device is then momentarily grounded, a
transfer of charge from the device occurs as a CDM
(Charged Device Model) event. If the device is removed
from the region of the electrostatic eld and grounded
again, a second CDM event will occur as charge (of
opposite polarity from the rst event) is transferred from
the device.” (Handbook ESD TR20.20 section 2.7.5
Field Induced Discharges)

Made in America

included) (Meter is also grounded when held by a
grounded operator).

target or surface under examination must be
accurately dened.

Figure 1. Desco 19492 Digital Static Field Meter

Description

The Desco Digital Static Field Meter is a high quality,
portable non-contacting static eld meter which
consistently produces accurate readings with ease and
provides years of trouble-free operation.

The Digital Static Field Meter indicates surface voltage
and polarity on objects up to ±19.99 kV at a distance of
1 inch with an accuracy of ±5% of the displayed value. It
is chopper-stabilized for use under almost any condition
including ionized environments. The conductive case
and ground snap facilitate grounding for accurate
measurement. Also featured are a zero button and a
display hold function. A unique LED rangender
system provides accurate positioning of the Meter from
the target.

Compliance verication should include periodic checks
with a static eld meter to determine if high charging
material is present in the ESD protected area. All
packaging and other materials that may be electrostatic
generative to 2,000 volts must be kept a minimum of 12"
from ESD sensitive items at all times. It is proper to rub
an item and measure that it can charge.

“In order to mitigate eld-induced CDM (Charged Device
Model) damage, the ESD program shall include a plan
for the handling of process-required insulators. If the
eld exceeds 2,000 volts/inch, steps shall be taken to
either:

A. Separate the insulator from the ESD-sensitive device
by a distance of 30 cm (12 inches); or

B. Use ionization or other charge mitigating techniques
to neutralize the charge.” (ANSI/ESDS20.20 section

8.3)

Other steps that can be taken are to remove the item
from the ESD protected area or replace with a static
control protective version of the item.

TB-3040 Page 1 of 6

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Website: Desco.com

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

Rev. June 2009

© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Employee Owned

Packaging

1 Digital Static Field Meter
1 9V Alkaline Battery
1 Data Output Cord
1 Certicate of Calibration

C. Analog Output Jack: A low-voltage replica of the
measured voltage is provided at this output. The voltage
at this output is 1/1000th (±2 kV range) or 1/10,000 (±20
kV range) of the measured voltage.

D. POWER Button: Press to turn the unit ON and OFF.

Features and Components

A

B

FRONT VIEW

E. 4mm Stud: Use this stud to ground the Meter using

a 4mm ground cord (not provided - any standard single
wire wrist strap cord can be used).

F. Battery Cover: Slide the cover down to open the 9V
battery compartment.

Operation

Note: The 19492 Digital Static Field Meter is built in a

conductive case. The instrument senses the difference

C

D

in potential between the case (and the person holding
the case / ground connection) and the surface under
test. Ensure that the person using the instrument is
grounded or that the rear panel ground snap connection
is utilized to achieve accurate measurements.

BATTERY CHECK

The battery should be replaced when “BAT” is indicated
on the display. Always replace the battery with a 9V
alkaline or equivalent battery in order to remain CE
compliant.

ZERO THE METER

Turn the meter on by pressing the POWER button.
Press the RANGE / ZERO button to set the meter to
the 2 kV (3 decimal places) range. Point the top of the
Meter approximately 1 inch away from a grounded metal
surface. Use the red LED range guide. The Meter is
properly positioned when the projected red bullseyes
are centered on top of each other. Press and hold the
RANGE / ZERO button until the meter displays “.000”.

E

F

BACK VIEW

Figure 2. Digital Static Field Meter features and
components

A. HOLD Button: Press to freeze the reading on the
display. Press again to return to normal measurement
operation.

B. RANGE / ZERO Button: Press to select the
measurement range. Press and hold to zero the meter.

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Website: Desco.com

TB-3040 Page 2 of 6

MAKING A MEASUREMENT

Place the meter 1 inch from the object to be measured.
This distance is measured from the front edge of the
meter case to the surface of the object. The meter now
displays a reading (from 0 to ±.200 or ±2.00) of the
electrostatic eld in kilovolts per inch.

Note: The red ranging lights are provided to help place
the meter at the correct distance from the object. The
lights are set to produce a concentric red bullseye
pattern on a at opaque surface 1 inch from the front
edge of the meter. This can be practiced by aiming the
meter at a sheet of white paper.

The display will indicate “1” or “-1” when the meter is
over-ranged. Change the range of the unit if necessary.
If the measurement exceeds 20 kV, move the meter
farther away from the object and multiply the reading
by the distance (in inches) away from the object being
measured. The measurement accuracy is dependent on

© 2009 DESCO INDUSTRIES, INC.

Employee Owned