Page 3-2
Vector-LP Radio Beacon Transmitter Technical Instruction Manual
Issue 1.1
Section 3 Operating Instructions
3.4 ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE
PROTECTION
The transmitter's assemblies contain
semiconductor devices that are susceptible
to damage from electrostatic discharge
(ESD). Observe the following precautions
when handling an assembly that contains
these devices:
NOTE
Electrostatic energy is produced when two
insulating materials are rubbed together. A
person wearing rubber-soled shoes,
walking across a nylon carpet or a waxed
floor can generate an extremely large
electrostatic charge. This effect is
magnified during periods of low humidity.
This high voltage may damage
semiconductor devices such as integrated
circuits, field-effect transistors, thyristors
and Schottky diodes unless adequate
precautions are taken.
3.4.1 Discharging of Personnel
Maintainers must be electrically discharged
by a suitable ground system (anti-static
mats, grounding straps) when removing an
assembly from the transmitter and while
handling the assembly for maintenance
procedures.
3.4.2 Handling/Storage
Place the assembly in an anti-static bag
when it is not installed in a host transmitter
or when it is not being subjected to
maintenance procedures. Electronic
components should be stored in anti-static
materials.
3.4.3 Tools/Test Equipment
Testing and maintenance equipment,
including soldering and unsoldering tools,
should be suitable for contact with static
sensitive semiconductor devices.
3.4.4 Stress Current Protection
Always ensure the static sensitive
semiconductor devices are protected from
unnecessary stress current. This is
achieved by ensuring:
x
Current is not flowing when an electrical
connection is broken.
x
Voltages are not present on external
control/monitoring circuits when they
are connected.
3.5 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
Nautel recommends the operator/
maintainer is familiar with the transmitter's
controls and indicators before operating the
transmitter and/or attempting to perform
fault diagnostics. In most cases, controls
and indicators are presented in an
assembly-by assembly format. A
mechanical drawing and an associated
table are provided as aids to locating and
understanding the assembly’s controls and
indicators.
NOTE
On some mechanical drawings, numbered
callouts are provided to cross-reference the
control/indicator to the description table.
The names used in the
PANEL MARKING
column of the controls and indicators tables
are intended to be the closest possible
representation to the item’s label/
silkscreen.
