GeekGirl
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2006
- Posts
- 35
- Likes
- 5
I was wondering why I have not seen any discussions mentioning the risk of ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) and proper handling procedures? Any semiconductor is affected, not just op-amps.It might be helpful if the risks of ESD and the awareness of proper handling procedures were emphasized, especially to beginners.
ESD failure is more than "zapping" the chip. It can also be a partial failure that is very subtle to detect, e.g. degradation in performance. A part affected by ESD must be replaced. The only prevention is the observance of proper handling techniques.
I don't want to scare anyone, but this is a "proper parts handling technique" topic that should be taught right after learning to solder and basic measurement techniques. The most important point is to understand what causes it and to be aware of how to prevent it. I'd like to offer some tutorial information:
Fundmentals of the history and background of ESD, including the tribolelectric effect: http://www.esda.org/basics/part1.cfm (parts 2 through 6 also apply)
Texas Instrument's Application Note on ESD, including some basic information on the proper setup of an ESD safe workbench. Intended for industry, so a home workbench will probably not have all of the safeguards in place. "Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Application Report" http://focus.ti.com/docs/apps/catalo...ctName=ssya008 (app note ssya008)
Another TI application note, from a more technical perspective. Includes models and failure modes. "Electrostatic Discharge" http://focus.ti.com/docs/apps/catalo...ctName=ssya010 (app note ssya010)
From Analog Devices: "Electrically Induced Damage to Standard Linear Integrated Circuits: The Most Common Causes and the Associated Fixes to Prevent Reoccurrence Application Note (AN-397)"
http://search.analog.com/search/defa...n-397&local=en
ESD failure is more than "zapping" the chip. It can also be a partial failure that is very subtle to detect, e.g. degradation in performance. A part affected by ESD must be replaced. The only prevention is the observance of proper handling techniques.
I don't want to scare anyone, but this is a "proper parts handling technique" topic that should be taught right after learning to solder and basic measurement techniques. The most important point is to understand what causes it and to be aware of how to prevent it. I'd like to offer some tutorial information:
Fundmentals of the history and background of ESD, including the tribolelectric effect: http://www.esda.org/basics/part1.cfm (parts 2 through 6 also apply)
Texas Instrument's Application Note on ESD, including some basic information on the proper setup of an ESD safe workbench. Intended for industry, so a home workbench will probably not have all of the safeguards in place. "Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Application Report" http://focus.ti.com/docs/apps/catalo...ctName=ssya008 (app note ssya008)
Another TI application note, from a more technical perspective. Includes models and failure modes. "Electrostatic Discharge" http://focus.ti.com/docs/apps/catalo...ctName=ssya010 (app note ssya010)
From Analog Devices: "Electrically Induced Damage to Standard Linear Integrated Circuits: The Most Common Causes and the Associated Fixes to Prevent Reoccurrence Application Note (AN-397)"
http://search.analog.com/search/defa...n-397&local=en