Electro-static discharge

Updated January 11, 2007

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All active components in a microwave module should be considered sensitive to electro-static discharge, or ESD. If you want to take no chance, always wear a grounded wrist strap when you are handling them, even if you are just touching the housing. Remember, the active devices all have at least one terminal that is grounded, so that spark of electricity is going to find a home somewhere in one of those expensive MMICs.

Keeping the humidity up in your factory or lab reduces the chance of destroying product due to ESD. Relative humidity of 30% to 70% is recommended for factories and labs that produce electronic products. Lower relative humidity may cause ESD failures, higher relative humidity may cause mold to grow. Yuck!