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PREVENTION OF ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)
Some semiconductor solid state devices can be damaged easily by static electricity. Such components
commonly are called Electrostatically Sensitive (ES) Devices, Examples of typical ES 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 electrostatic
discharge (ESD).
1. Immediately before handling any semiconductor component or semiconductor-equipped assembly, drain
off any ESD on your body by touching a known earth ground. Alternatively, obtain and wear a
commercially available discharging ESD wrist strap, 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 ES 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 ES devices.
4. Use only an anti-static solder removal device. Some solder removal devices not classified as "antistatic
(ESD protected)" can generate an electrical charge sufficient to damage ES devices.
5. Do not use Freon propelled chemicals. These can generate electrical charges sufficient to damage ES
devices.
6. Do not remove a replacement ES device from its protective package until immediately before you are
ready to install it (most replacement ES 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 ES 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 ES devices. (Otherwise harmless
motion such as the brushing together of your clothes fabric or the lifting of your feet from a carpeted
floor can generate static electricity (ESD) sufficient to damage an ES device.)
NOTE to CATV system Installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to article 820-22 of the NEC that
provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be
connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
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