Believe it or not, this strand of hair can cause a microelectronics failure
Authored by HSB
Physical damage to microelectronics is way too small to be seen
Every business depends on microscopic technology, which is becoming more complex every day. And it's not just computers: Boilers, air conditioners, furnaces, diagnostic equipment, CNC machines, retail point-of-sale systems; all of which are prone to microelectronic damage.
A speck of dust straddling two electrical circuits on a computer chip
When combined with humidity and other vapours in the air, this particle can cause arcing between components on circuit boards. And certain types of dust, when combined with humidity, can even be slightly corrosive to electrical components and cause them to break down.
A fractured silicon wafer
This silicon wafer serves as a base for microelectronics built in and upon the wafer. The fractures or cracks can be seen in the left of the image.
During manufacture, silicon wafer preparation and handling can result in damage in the form of micro-cracks at the edges of the wafers.
While the damage may initially be harmless, under some conditions, such as increased temperatures, the micro-crack may later increase dramatically, finally cutting the wafer into pieces, resulting in failure of the circuit, and causing the equipment to stop working.
Technology is now the size of DNA
Today, more than 100 million transistors could fit on the head of a pin. These transistors are so small, just 22 nanometers, that you could fit 4,000 of them across the width of a human hair.
A strand of human DNA is 2.5 nanometers in diameter. We are dealing with technology that is only a little larger than DNA.
Whilst technology brings many benefits, ever more reliance on electronic components and software is increasing the risk to businesses of equipment breakdown: failures, sudden and unforeseen damage (SUD), and defects.
How HSB can help
Are your customers covered for the failure of computers or electronics controlling their machinery or equipment where there is no physical signs of damage? This is where a specialist insurer, like HSB, can help.
HSB Machinery and Technology Combined
A solution designed for businesses operating machinery and equipment. Our product responds to changing equipment risks, exposures, and applicable health and safety legislation by providing comprehensive equipment breakdown insurance; with the option to include engineering inspection services within the policy.
About HSB
HSB, part of Munich Re, is a leading specialist provider of engineering and technology insurance and inspection services.
Backed by over 150 years of innovation and covering a broad range of technologies and industry sectors, we help customers reduce risk through the provision of innovative construction, engineering, energy, and cyber insurance products.
Established in the U.S. in 1866, HSB’s founding principles of technical expertise and loss prevention remain at the forefront of the work we do today. Whether it’s engineering solutions for contractors, comprehensive machinery and technology insurance, innovative energy efficiency policies, or SME cyber risk covers, we have the knowledge to show customers how, working with HSB, they can stay ahead of emerging risks in a complex world.
With over 500 employees, and offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Dublin, Glasgow, London and Manchester, we provide insurance and engineering inspection services that touch almost every aspect of work and life.
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