Using a conductor for a ESD ground pad is not a good idea. Besides the obvious short circuit or electric shock hazard that could occur. I learned from taking ESD courses at Lucent Technology and Motorola where I was employed. that slow gradient discharge of the static electric buildup is required otherwise a high peak current can destroy semiconductors. That is why it is called (ESD) electrostatic dissipative A properly designed ESD pad is essentially non-conductive at low voltages because it has well over 1 MegOhm per square Centimeter of resistance. The wrist bands have a 1 Megohm series resistance to allow a path to ground and provide some safety to protect againest electric shock. 73, Bob Johansen WB2SRF _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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