The Secret to Eliminating ESD Damage? Read Your Datasheet

ESD 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

Anritsu MG36021A Microwave Frequency Synthesizer Module - RF Cafe Website

RF Cafe began life in 1996 as "RF Tools" in an AOL screen name web space totaling 2 MB. Its primary purpose was to provide me with ready access to commonly needed formulas and reference material while performing my work as an RF system and circuit design engineer. The World Wide Web (Internet) was largely an unknown entity at the time and bandwidth was a scarce commodity. Dial-up modems blazed along at 14.4 kbps while tying up your telephone line, and a lady's voice announced "You've Got Mail" when a new message arrived...