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MOS devices are found in many integrated circuits (ICs) and transistors. ICs

and transistors that use bipolar devices do not have the very thin layers of

insulating glass found in MOS devices, so they are less susceptible to damage

from static discharge. Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transformers, and coils,

on the other hand, aren’t in too much danger from static discharge. Keep

static discharge away from your projects just to be safe.

How to guard against ESD ...................................................................

To get rid of static discharge in your electronics workshop, you can do

several things, such as wearing anti-static devices and clothing, using static-

dissipative floor mats, and grounding your tools.

First, wear an anti-static wrist strap. An anti-static wrist strap is one of the

best ways to get rid of ESD. This strap, like the one shown in Figure 2-1, fits

snugly on your wrist. You then attach the wire on the strap to earth ground—

which is just what it sounds like: namely, the earth beneath your feet.

The cold water pipe on a water heater or under a sink is a good option for

earth ground — if the water pipes are metal, that is. Plastic water pipes that

you find in some newer construction won’t work. Because the cold water

pipe comes up out of the ground, it is therefore grounded (logical, huh?),

which works where the hot water pipe usually won’t. Use a clamp to attach a

wire to the pipe (earth ground) and run it to your worktable, being sure to

Figure 2-1:

An anti-

static wrist

strap is

ESD’s worst

enemy.

22 Part I: Project Prep