Beware of ESD (Electro Static Discharge)
Guenther Daubach
Posts: 1,321
Hey all,
although there are already some other threads in this forum dealing with problems using the SX-Keys/Blitzes where either the Key/Blitz, or the target device seem to being fried, I think it is worth while starting a new thread to deal with possible Electro Static Discharge (ESD) problems.
First, this is important for all types of SX-Keys/Bl
although there are already some other threads in this forum dealing with problems using the SX-Keys/Blitzes where either the Key/Blitz, or the target device seem to being fried, I think it is worth while starting a new thread to deal with possible Electro Static Discharge (ESD) problems.
First, this is important for all types of SX-Keys/Bl
Comments
You have bought up some excellent general points concerning ESD protection. Whilst in an ideal world we would all have special carpet, heel straps and ESD testing equipment before we touch any semiconductors. Even in our home workshops, we can become a little carried away at times. I cringe every single time when I hear the words "Touch a radiator before you install those parts" Touch an object that is more often then not even earth bonded. I prefer to use a wrist strap in to a mains earth system. If we go with the Just touch any metal object to discharge our own static charges, we should wear no nylon,don't walk over any man made carpets etc. Also check the composition of the soles of our shoes. My own humble bench has an ESD mat with a direct to known good earth connection. A wrist strap is also always used. I feel would also be interesting to hear of worst practice, and what people have got away with. I do find ESD practice to be a mix of good luck and also black art at times. I'm here to continue learning.
Regards
Mike.
I absolutely agree with you - on one hand, ESD practice can be a mix of good luck, and black art but on the other hand, it's just that simple: Make sure that all parts you want to connect together are floating on the same electrical potential before.
Think of two birds, both sitting on the same wire of a 110.000 Volts high-voltage power line. They don't have trouble grinding their peckers, even though they did not "touch a radiador" before. Although it is hard to imagine how they could reach a radiator, let's assume they could - I would not even think about doing that
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Greetings from Germany,
G
ESD control is a practice too few of us take seriously IMO .
I always use ESD mats at my workbench, connected to ground, through a 1 Meg resistor. I also ground my soldering iron, and use anti-static storage as well.
Here's some additional info to Guenther's and Mike's posts.
It is always wise to connect to ground through a resistor; for safety, 1 MegOhm is an industry standard for grounding a wrist strap.
Most people can't feel an ESD discharge of less than 2000-4000 Volts, and a charge buildup can exceed 20,000-30,000 Volts. Keep in mind many components can be damaged by less than 100 V. This is why safe ESD practice and electronics go hand-in-hand
Parts that are damaged by ESD may degrade slowly, and fail at a much later date.
60-90% of part failure in consumer electronics is caused by ESD, and 70% of these failures are caused by people who aren't using ESD protection.
Don't forget ESD when storing parts; use anti-static bags, containers, foam etc. It's always best to "double insulate" components whenever possible. For example ICs in an ESD safe storage tube, can be placed in an anti-static bag.
Your points were well taken by me, and also the additional information from Brian218. I sought to make a very general point about touching a radiator (or rad as we call them in the uk) if A recent install or any major re plumbing has taken place, will generally find under the floor has been plumbed using plastic piping and just have copper tails coming out of the floor to please people. Is done for speed mainly and also the high prices of copper tubing. Hence the reason wish to urge caution with people thinking this is good enough. As Brian and Gunther suggest we need a good wrist strap to take us back to earth potential. ESD was really invented for a reason. Two birds sat on serioius power lines, they don't see earths potential
Mike