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ESD PRECAUTIONS
[Electrostatically Sensitive Devices (ESD)]
Some semiconductor (solid state) devices can be damaged easily by static electricity. Such omponents
commonly are called Electrostatically Sensitive Devices (ESD). Examples of typical ESD devices are
integrated circuits and some field-effect transistors and semiconductor chip components. The following
techniques should be used to help reduce the incidence of component damage caused by static electricity.
1) Immediately before handling any semiconductor component or semiconductor-equipped assembly, drain
off any electrostatic charge on your body by touching a known earth ground. Alternatively, obtain and
wear a commercially available discharging wrist strap device, which should be removed for potential
shock reasons prior to applying power to the unit under test.
2) After removing an electrical assembly equipped with ESD devices, place the assembly on a conductive
surface such as aluminum foil, to prevent electrostatic charge buildup or exposure of the assembly.
3) Use only a grounded-tip soldering iron to solder or unsolder ESD devices.
4) Use only an anti-static solder removal device. Some solder removal devices not classified as “anti-static”
can generate electrical charges sufficient to damage ESD devices.
5) Do not use freon-propelled chemicals. These can generate electrical charges sufficient to damage ESD
devices.
6) Do not remove a replacement ESD device from its protective package until immediately before you are
ready to install it. (Most replacement ESD devices are packaged with leads electrically shorted together
by conductive foam, aluminum foil or comparable conductive material).
7) Immediately before removing the protective material from the leads of a replacement ESD device, touch
the protective material to the chassis or circuit assembly into which the device will be installed.
CAUTION: Be sure no power is applied to the chassis or circuit, and observe all other safety precautions.
8) Minimize bodily motions when handling unpackaged replacement ESD devices. (Otherwise harmless
motion such as the brushing together of your clothes fabric or the lifting of your foot from a carpeted floor
can generate static electricity sufficient to damage an ESD device).
[CAUTION. GRAPHIC SYMBOLS]
THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH APROWHEAD SYMBOL. WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL
TRIANGLE, IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE SERVICE PERSONNEL TO THE PRESENCE
OF UNINSULATED “DANGEROUS VOLTAGE” THAT MAY BE OF SUFFICIENT
MAGNITUDE TO CONSTITUTE A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
THE EXCLAMATION POINT WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO
ALERT THE SERVICE PERSONNEL TO THE PRESENCE OF IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION IN SERVICE LITERATURE.