Chapter 16 673
Safety and Regulatory Information
Protection from Electrostatic Discharge
Handling of Electronic Components and ESD
The possibility of unseen damage caused by ESD, is present whenever
components are transported, stored, or used. The risk of ESD damage
can be greatly reduced by close attention to how all components are
handled.
• Perform work on all components at a static-safe workstation.
• Keep static-generating materials at least one meter away from all
components.
• Store or transport components in static-shielding containers.
CAUTION Always handle printed circuit board assemblies by the edges. This will
reduce the possibility of ESD damage to components and prevent
contamination of exposed plating.
Test Equipment Usage and ESD
• Before connecting any coaxial cable to an analyzer connector for the
first time each day, momentarily short the center and outer
conductors of the cable together.
• Personnel should be grounded with a 1 M Ω resistor-isolated
wrist-strap before touching the center pin of any connector and
before removing any assembly from the analyzer.
• Be sure that all analyzers are properly earth-grounded to prevent
build-up of static charge.
For Additional Information about ESD
For more information about preventing ESD damage, contact the
Electrical Overstress/Electrostatic Discharge (EOS/ESD) Association,
Inc. The ESD standards developed by this agency are sanctioned by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI).