Both the wrist strap and pad are inexpensive and are generally available from computer supply companies.
Short for electrostatic discharge: the rapid discharge of static electricity from one conductor to another of a different potential.
Under certain conditions (low humidity, carpeted floors, etc. static electricity will build up. Contact with these sensitive components may cause the build-up to discharge into the integrated circuitry of the component; a powerful enough discharge may damage or destroy the component.
Electrostatic discharge can change the electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device, degrading or destroying it. Electrostatic discharge also may upset the normal operation of an electronic system, causing premature equipment malfunction or failure.
To protect components against damage from static electric discharge, you should follow some basic precautions whenever you handle them:
Use a grounding wrist strap. The strap will have an ‘alligator’ clip at the end of a shielded wire lead. Clip it to a grounded object. Any static electricity will then harmlessly discharge through the strap. Put on and connect the strap before you handle the components.
Use an anti-static pad. Put any components on the pad whenever you work on them outside the computer. If you don’t have a pad, put the components on the anti-static bag they came in.
|
|