5 responses to “EEVblog #3 – Anti Static Myths Busted”

• Martin August 26th, 2009 at 05:31

  Dave,

  Really enjoying your vlog!

  Just thought I’d add that it’s not just the PIC24s that have an awful silicon bug list. The dsPIC30s are just as bad, including a 32kHz RTC oscillator that shuts down in sleep mode! Microchip apparently isn’t interested in fixing things either – this is present through several revisions of multiple chips. The only way out for most of them is the 33F, which comes with a whole new load of problems!

  So my next project is going to be on an AVR…

  Martin

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• Gau February 15th, 2010 at 09:38

  Hi Dave,
  I recently bumped on to your page via Tom Hayes’(of AoE fame) course page. I find it a great source of info and entertainment! keep them coming.
  With ref. to this blog- about ESD zapping, don’t you think it’s a bit too paranoid to expect a zap thru the anti-static poly-bags damaging the chip?
  I mean, the IC-designers put in place an extensive ESD-protection around all the pads for precisely this reason?

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  • EEVblog February 15th, 2010 at 13:37

    It is not being paranoid to fear anti-static poly bags, as that’s the point of the blog, they are all but useless at protecting devices from being zapped. If you want protection then you need static shielding.
    The argument over modern devices being more robust in regards to ESD is moot, there is still the danger there of damaging devices.

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• Sam April 10th, 2010 at 11:19

  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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• ac August 6th, 2010 at 06:37

  Some funny old news I found when googling about ESD:

  http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200509/s1461751.htm

  The man left a trail of scorch marks and molten plastic behind him.
  …
  The CFA has Mr Clewer’s jacket and says it is continuing to give off voltage.

  I recall reading about some synthetic clothes made to generate electricity for wearable device by the motion the material makes or something. I guess that’s a bit different though than trying to harness this static energy into some usable form.

  Reply