Electrostatic Discharge - Compaq Armada 4100 User Manual

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This chapter provides general service information for the Compaq Armada 4100 and
4200 Families.
Adherence to the procedures and precautions described in this chapter is essential for
proper service.
A sudden discharge of static electricity from a finger or other conductor can destroy
static-sensitive devices or microcircuitry. Often the spark is neither felt or heard, but
damage occurs. An electronic device exposed to electrostatic discharge (ESD) may not
be affected at all and will work perfectly throughout a normal cycle. Or it may function
normally for a while, then degrade in the internal layers, reducing its life expectancy.
Networks built into many integrated circuits provide some protection, but in many
cases, the discharge contains enough power to alter device parameters or melt silicon
junctions.
Table 4-1 shows how different activities generate static electricity and at different
electrostatic voltage levels.