Power transistors and ESD

[hannobisschoff@gmail.com]

Hi everyone

I'm building a power supply that uses a driver circuit to regulate the current through two 2N3055 power transistors. So i wondered, what are the effects of static electricity on big semiconductors like the 2N3055. Is it anything to worry about?

 

[colin55]

They are not sensitive enough to have any problems.

 

[hannobisschoff@gmail.com]

So, is there any basic rule of thumb that indicates whether a component is ESD sensitive?

 

[colin55]

If an input line or lead has a very high impedance, it will be sensitive to static electricity.
If an input has 1M resistance (impedance) the 1M will discharge the static and reduce it to zero, by conducting the charge to the 0v line. The input will have to be 10M or higher to allow the static charge to build-up to a point where it causes damage.

 

[ericgibbs]

hi,
If you need a more detailed and accurate explanation of ESD, this pdf covers it very well.