This application note was created to help customers with best handling practices for prevention

of accidental damage to Silicon Micro-Structures Inc. (SMI) pressure sensors. SMI follows

industry standards such as JEDEC, EIAJ, IPC, RoHS, and REACH when designing and

Like many ceramic and SOIC compliant packages, SMI sensors are susceptible to

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Therefore SMI suggests creating a certified

Electrostatic Discharge Protected Area (ESA) when handling SMI sensors. Please use

ESD compliant equipment when testing, using, and moving or handling SMI sensors

to prevent parts from being damaged by ESD. At minimum an ESD band and

grounding surface mat should be used when working with SMI pressure sensors.

applied to use of SMI sensors. When using SMI sensors take caution as to not bend

or break sensor leads. Breaking or bending leads can cause inability to use the

sensor. Proper handling will ensure that the sensor gives accurate readings.

For package dimensions, please refer to sensor data sheet for the external

dimensions of the package. Some SMI packages have long ports, for these packages

SMI uses both tubes and reels to ship sensors to customers. All SMI sensors are

shipped with ESD safe packaging material to prevent against ESD. Both tubes and

reels help prevent damage and issues with delivery.

SMI sensors should be stored in a dry environment. Storing sensors at temperature

outside of the storage temperature range may cause parts to become damaged. For

SMI sensors are sensitive to overpressure. Therefore applying pressure outside of

the specified sensor range may damage the device. The respective sensor data sheet

lists limits for both proof pressure and burst pressure. Pressure applied directly or

indirectly can affect performance and damage the sensor. Uncontrolled pressure

may flex sensor die beyond burst pressure and cause the sensor die to break.

Caution should always be taken when applying pressure to a sensor as to prevent a

surge in unwanted pressure.

Please refer to the exact product data sheet to determine the appropriate pressure

range for the SMI sensor.

performance of the sensor may degrade over time. Debris and large particles can

damage sensor membrane and alter part performance. Please ensure only clean dry

air is used when using SMI pressure sensors to prevent damage and to facilitate

accurate readings. If the use of non-clean dry air is needed, backside pressure may

be applied to certain SMI sensors. Please contact SMI sales team to determine which

sensors can be used in this method.