SIMATIC Rack PC IL 40, Getting Started
A5E00171493-02
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Guidelines for Handling Electrostatically-
Sensitive Devices (ESD)
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What is ESD?
Definition
All electronic modules are equipped with large-scale integrated ICs or components.
Due to their design, these electronic elements are very sensitive to overvoltages
and thus to any electrostatic discharge.
These Electrostatically-Sensitive Devices are commonly referred to by the
abbreviation ESD.
Electrostatically-sensitive devices are labeled with the following symbol:
!
Caution
Electrostatically-sensitive devices are subject to voltages that are far below the
voltage values that can still be perceived by human beings. These voltages are
present if you touch a component or the electrical connections of a module
without previously being electrostatically discharged. In most cases, the damage
caused by an overvoltage is not immediately noticeable and results in total
damage only after a prolonged period of operation.
