The Secret to Eliminating ESD Damage? Read Your Datasheet

The Secret to Eliminating ESD Damage? Read Your Datasheet - RF CafeESD is a big potential [pun intended] problem for modern electronics. Ultra small gate thicknesses and overall geometry miniaturization of ICs makes for vulnerability to shocks. All new IC designs incorporate some level of ESD protection, but discrete devices like transistors often do not. Low voltage electronics that operate off of just a couple volts are using super small capacitors and resistors that are only rated for 6.3 V. Improperly designed circuits can easily be taken out when you grab your cellphone or iPod on a cold, arid day. Design News' Charles Murray has sage advice for dodging such hazards: Read your datasheet. I would also suggest also researching the plethora of papers and books written on the subject.

Posted November 2012