SIMATIC IPC427C
Operating Instructions, 04/2009, A5E02414743-01
147
ESD guidelines
B
B.1
ESD Guidelines
Definition of ESD
All electronic modules are equipped with large-scale integrated ICs or components. Due to
their design, these electronic elements are highly sensitive to overvoltage, and thus to any
electrostatic discharge.
The electrostatic sensitive components/modules are commonly referred to as ESD devices.
This is also the international abbreviation for such devices.
ESD modules are identified by the following symbol:
CAUTION
ESD devices can be destroyed by voltages well below the threshold of human perception.
These static voltages develop when you touch a component or electrical connection of a
device without having drained the static charges present on your body. The electrostatic
discharge current may lead to latent failure of a module, that is, this damage may not be
significant immediately, but in operation may cause malfunction.