Small Form Factor (Sff); Electrostatic Discharge Information - HP Dx5150 - Compaq Business Desktop Reference Manual

Identifying the Chassis, Routine Care, and Disassembly Preparation

5.1.2 Small Form Factor (SFF)

5.2 Electrostatic Discharge Information

A sudden discharge of static electricity from your finger or other conductor can destroy
static-sensitive devices or microcircuitry. Often the spark is neither felt nor heard, but damage
occurs. An electronic device exposed to electrostatic discharge (ESD) may not appear to be
affected at all and can work perfectly throughout a normal cycle. The device may function
normally for a while, but it has been degraded 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.
5–2 361685-001 Service Reference Guide, dx5150