XR12 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarmsIssue 3.0 2009-07-28 Page 1-3Electrostatic protectionThe transmitter's assemblies contain semiconductor devices that are susceptible to damage fromelectrostatic discharge. The following precautions must be observed when handling an assemblywhich contains these devices.Electrical discharging of personnelPersonnel should be electrically discharged by a suitable grounding system (e.g., anti-static mats,grounding straps) when removing an assembly from the transmitter, and while handling the assemblyfor maintenance procedures.Handling/StorageAn assembly should be placed in an anti-static bag when it is not installed in a host transmitter, orwhen it is not undergoing maintenance. Electronic components should be stored in anti-staticmaterials.Tools/Test equipmentTesting and maintenance equipment – including soldering and unsoldering tools – should be suitablefor contact with static sensitive semiconductor devices.Stress current protectionEvery precaution should be taken to ensure the static sensitive semiconductor devices are protectedfrom unnecessary stress current. This is achieved by ensuring that current is not flowing when an electricalconnection is broken, and that voltages are not present on external control/monitoring circuits when they are connected.CAUTION:Electrostatic energy is produced when two insulating materials are rubbedtogether. A person wearing rubber-soled shoes, walking across a nylon carpet or awaxed floor, can generate an extremely large electrostatic charge. This effect ismagnified during periods of low humidity. Semiconductor devices such asintegrated circuits, field-effect transistors, thyristors and Schottky diodes may bedamaged by this high voltage unless adequate precautions are taken.