SCS Iron Man Plus Dual-Wire Monitor (CTC331-WW)
The SCS Iron Man Plus Workstation Monitor - monitors a voltage level that is being generated on a printed circuit board while working on it; monitors resistance to ground of a conductive or dissipative static control type of worksurface; monitors resistance and voltage on a dual conductor wrist strap while being worn by a person.
Printed Circuit Board Overvoltage Monitor - The Iron Man Plus Workstation Monitor continuously monitors the voltage level between ground and a printed circuit board (PCB) while in contact with the ground plane, any grounded part of the PCB, or of the product in process. The Iron Man Plus Monitor uses a potentiometer located at the back of the unit which allows adjustment of the voltage alarm level.
When a soldering iron, tweezers, or other type of tool touches the grounded pad of a board, the Iron Man Plus Monitor will alarm if overvoltage was introduced onto the PCB. If a soldering iron is not grounded properly, the components on a PCB can be subjected to an overvoltage that can cause component damage. When the voltage (AC or DC) on the PCB exceeds the preset level, the alarm and red LED activate. If the operator is not grounded and holding tweezers to touch a PCB, the tweezers may also induce a damaging discharge.
Overvoltage conditions generate an electrostatic overstress (EOS) or electrostatic discharge (ESD) event. To prevent this, 1) conductive objects, tools, and personnel need to be grounded properly 2) nonconductive objects must be neutralized by ionization and remain in a neutral state, and 3) surface materials must be dissipative and connected to the ground.
Worksurface Ground Resistance Monitor - The Iron Man Plus Workstation Monitor continuously monitors the resistance between the ground and the ESD worksurface. The dissipative worksurface must be grounded using the recommended means. The Iron Man Plus Workstation Monitor does not ground dissipative surfaces; it only monitors the proper grounding of such surfaces. If the resistance of the conductive path from such a dissipative surface to the ground exceeds the threshold, the alarm will activate. There is a slight delay in time before the alarm activates.
Voltage on Person Wrist Strap Monitor - The Iron Man Plus Workstation Monitor continuously monitors the voltage on a person through the dual conductor wrist strap. The loop resistance is monitored, which includes the resistance of the operator’s wrist between the two halves of the wrist band.
Overvoltage Alarm Level - The alarm level can be adjusted for low or high ranges. This setting is selected by moving an internal jumper socket inside the unit. The Iron Man Plus Workstation Monitor will respond to either a positive or negative voltage. If the voltage is higher than the pre-set level, a visual red LED and audible alarm are activated. The alarm will be on for at least 1 second. If the voltage level is below the preset alarm level, a green LED remains illuminated. A wire must be attached from the Iron Man Plus monitor to a ground plane of PCB or a fixture to complete the monitoring system.