ESD Protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage MASSO's electronics. Protect the controller whenever you handle or work on circuit boards.
1. What is ESD?
ESD is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact – like the shock after walking on carpet and touching a metal doorknob, or static from clothes out of a dryer. A discharge you can feel is typically around 3,000 volts or more, and a person can build up 10,000 to 25,000 volts. Discharges far too small to feel can still damage electronic components.
Even when you can't see it, ESD generates significant heat. Passed into an electronic device, it can melt, vaporise or damage delicate components, so the device fails immediately or later in its life.
2. Protection methods
The minimum protection when working on electronics such as a MASSO controller. Inexpensive, and safely drains static from your body. The crocodile clip connects to earth; a 1 MΩ resistor in the cable protects you if you accidentally touch live mains.
For storing ESD-sensitive electronics such as PCBs. Usually silver or pink and labelled anti-static. Only the inside is anti-static. Always ship a board for repair in an anti-static bag.
Bench mats connect to earth through a lead with a 1 MΩ resistor, preventing build-up and dissipating charge; use them with a wrist strap. Floor mats reduce build-up from people in the work area. Typical for OEMs and component-level PCB repair.
