Grounding guidelines

Electrostatic discharge damage

Electronic components are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Circuitry design and structure determine the degree of sensitivity. Networks built into many integrated circuits provide some protection, but in many cases, ESD contains enough power to alter device parameters or melt silicon junctions.

A discharge of static electricity from a finger or other conductor can destroy static-sensitive devices or microcircuitry. Even if the spark is neither felt nor heard, damage may have occurred.

An electronic device exposed to ESD may not be affected at all and can work perfectly throughout a normal cycle. Or the device may function normally for a while, then degrade in the internal layers, reducing its life expectancy.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer when you are removing or installing internal components, observe these precautions:

Keep components in their electrostatic-safe containers until you area ready to install them.

Use nonmagnetic tools.

Before touching an electronic component, discharge static electricity by using the guidelines described in this section.

Avoid touching pins, leads, and circuitry. Handle electronic components as little as possible.

If you remove a component, place it in an electrostatic-safe container.

The following table shows how humidity affects the electrostatic voltage levels generated by different activities.

CAUTION: A product can be degraded by as little as 700 V.

Typical electrostatic voltage levels

 

 

Relative humidity

 

 

 

 

 

Event

10%

40%

55%

 

 

 

 

Walking across carpet

35,000 V

15,000 V

7,500 V

 

 

 

 

Walking across vinyl floor

12,000 V

5,000 V

3,000 V

 

 

 

 

Motions of bench worker

6,000 v

800 V

400 V

 

 

 

 

Removing DIPS from plastic tube

2,000 V

700 V

400 V

 

 

 

 

Removing DIPS from vinyl tray

11,500 V

4,000 V

2,000 V

 

 

 

 

Removing DIPS from Styrofoam

14,500 V

5,000 V

3,500 V

 

 

 

 

Removing bubble pack from PCB

26,500 V

20,000 V

7,000 V

 

 

 

 

Packing PCBs in foam-lined box

21,000 V

11,000 V

5,000 V

 

 

 

 

24 Chapter 5 Removal and replacement procedures

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Compaq F500 manual Grounding guidelines, Electrostatic discharge damage
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F500 specifications

The Compaq F500 series laptops were part of Compaq's effort to provide affordable, user-friendly computing solutions that served accurately for various computing needs. Launched in the mid-2000s, the F500 offered a blend of essential features and technologies aimed at both casual users and professionals alike.

One of the standout features of the Compaq F500 series is its design, characterized by a robust plastic chassis that was both lightweight and portable. With a screen size of 15.4 inches, this notebook struck a balance between being easily portable while providing ample workspace for productivity. It utilized an LCD display with an aspect ratio of 16:10, providing a broader viewing area for enhanced media consumption and multitasking.

In terms of performance, the Compaq F500 was equipped with various Intel Core processors, allowing users to choose configurations that met their specific needs, whether for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing or more demanding applications. The F500 also supported up to 2 GB of RAM, which was adequate for seamless multitasking during its time.

Storage solutions in the F500 included a traditional hard drive, with options generally ranging up to 160 GB, offering sufficient space for files, applications, and multimedia content. Additionally, the laptop featured an optical drive for both reading and writing DVDs and CDs, underscoring its versatility for media playback and data storage.

Connectivity was another strong suit for the Compaq F500, which came equipped with standard USB ports, an Ethernet port, and an integrated Wi-Fi module, ensuring users could easily connect to networks and peripherals. The built-in webcam and microphone enhanced the F500’s capabilities for video conferencing, an increasingly critical feature in the digital age.

The battery life of the Compaq F500 was satisfactory for typical usage, allowing for several hours of operation on a single charge—ideal for users who needed mobility without the constant need for power outlets. Moreover, the laptop featured integrated graphics, which, while not designed for heavy gaming, ensured adequate performance for everyday visuals and tasks.

Overall, the Compaq F500 series successfully delivered an impressive combination of user-friendly features, essential performance characteristics, and a design that catered well to both home and office environments, making it a notable choice in its era for budget-conscious consumers.
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