hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
ESD mat and wrist strap grounding - Netherlands - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: builder01
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 06, 2020, 08:07:41 pm
content: Hello,I'm building my new lab and I'm not sure where to ground since I live in the Netherlands; we only have hot and neutral available, I don't see a third a hole (see attached).I understand I should get an ESD mat and wrist strap that includes the 1Mohm resistor. And ground these 2 with a common-point ground as shown herehttp://documents.desco.com/pdf/tb-2000.pdfThe ESD mat should also include a 1Mohm resistor in order to soft-ground it as well, but I'm a bit confused as to why wouldn't the non-conductive top surface be considered a soft-ground for the bottom-conductive layer.However, my question is about how should I ground the the common-point ground. Should I unscrew the third hole on my wall socket a bit and tie it there? I'm a bit lost how to continue, all the tutorials I see on the internet always include a dummy plug with ground connection to a hot-neutral-ground wall socket, which I don't have.Any help is appreciated!

author: User32
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2020, 08:57:48 am
content: Have you got a radiator or something metallic nearby?

author: fordem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2020, 12:48:24 am
content: Mine is grounded to a dedicated eight foot copper coated ground rod, which is typical of what the electrical power ground would be connected to, I just chose to use a dedicated ground.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 09, 2020, 01:05:41 am
content: It's probably an old building without an earth wire. If there are only 2 wires coming to that socket, you cannot do anything about it. If there actually is the earth wire, then you should replace the socket with a proper one. If there is no earthing in the house whatsoever, then you can only use pipes as a workaround. Or if this is a private house, then put your own earthing rod into the earth.

author: cheeseit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2020, 07:14:59 pm
content: Relying on plumbing/radiators may be bad because some of the piping could be PEX tube, right?With regard to a dedicated ground rod, assuming the installation is earthed at the entry point (it is, isn't it?) but isn't routed to any sockets, is it then safe to rely on this?What issues does plumbing or dedicated ground rod pose? How do you make sure it's okay and safe to use either? Measurements?I can drive a proper rod to whatever depth no problem (except, I don't know where the underground cables and pipes are located) but I never was certain that it was safe.
ESD mat cable clip connects top and bottom layer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Haggis McHaggis
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 09:02:56 pm
content: Hi,i wonder why the mount of my ESD mat cable connects the top and bottom layer of the mat. The clip is made of metal.In this video you can see the cable i have got and how it is mounted:I thought the grounding cable should be connected to the bottom layer only. The mat itself has some conduction between the top and bottom layer.What do you think?

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 09:06:45 pm
content: The bottom layer is the resistive one (ie. the one that spreads ground potential over the whole area of the mat). The top layer is static dissipative (resistance too high to measure by normal methods). Having the eyelet riveted through both is just a matter of practicality, it makes no difference that it contacts the top layer too.

author: Haggis McHaggis
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2019, 10:13:01 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on June 19, 2019, 09:06:45 pmThank you. So i can use this cable and be done with it.
ESD Mat + GLASS workbench. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: katjap
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 23, 2012, 10:40:01 pm
content: Hi, i realize there are other threads about ESD mats, but i have a kind of specific situation.My workbench is literally a big piece of 1/4" thick tempered plate glass about 7 or 8 feet long slung over a table at each end. I rather like it because i can just stick a light-source and a diffuser underneath and i've got a lightbox wherever i want, etc. I've had a really lax attitude about ESD, but i recently upgraded to a Hakko (BEST $100 EVER!) so now that my soldering station is ESD-safe, I figure it's time to upgrade the rest of the lot. Most of the ESD mats that i see are rubber backed. Now... i suppose as long as the mat is properly grounded it'll be an improvement, but.... GLASS AND RUBBER! that just doesn't sound good.So what do you guys think? should i stick some kind of barrier between the mat and the glass table or am I over-thinking it?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2012, 05:25:30 am
content: Just connect the ground lug on the mat, or if it does not have one add one. I would be more worried about solder splashes on the glass causing a stress fracture than ESD though..............

author: ftransform
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2012, 11:03:05 pm
content: Lol glass tables can take a hell of a thermal beating before they pop, I would not worry about solder.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 04:27:53 am
content: 6mm tempered glass is tough, but I have seen them break from a hot cup placed on top of them.

author: katjap
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 12:16:38 am
content: Yah, always have to lookout for those thermal issues. I remember taking one of those "Unbreakable" tumbler glasses out of the dishwasher once. Everything was still hot from the wash and the glass exploded like a hand grenade when i touched it. I've been soldering on this glass for almost a year and no problems yet, but that doesn't mean it won't randomly explode on me someday. I've moved my desks around so i'll be soldering on wood

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 05:51:11 pm
content: try those kitchen desk you can buy it almost any wood store those have a pretty thick and hard (plastic?) coating on them it wont care what are you doing on it. as for glass further i am away from it the safer i hate unpredictable sharp/exploding objects

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2013, 05:54:04 pm
content: Most issues with glass and heat arise where the glass is constricted such as a car windscreen in the sun or a coffee table where the glass is in a surround.
ESD protection for MOS tech. SID 6581 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: DarkBabylon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2017, 08:12:11 am
content: Hello, I have recently received a SID chip from an ebay seller. So far continuity tests indicate it will take in supply voltages at near the ratings the datasheet available online say.http://www.waitingforfriday.com/?p=661Since they don't manufacture this chip anymore, been keeping it safe in an antistatic bag. Apparently rightly so since it is more susceptible to ESD than the (imo inferior) 8580. Don't have a good indication as to how susceptible it really is.What crosses my mind is to use inductors to do the job at least for the supply, but then data lines become a more convinient way for the current to come. The second that comes to mind is use spark gaps. Are there better ways to protect the IC from huge spikes and route the current to ground in the event of a spike?

author: plazma
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2017, 12:28:09 pm
content: Protect the audio connector and joystick port POT pins with TVS ESD diodes. Bidirectional for audio and unidirectional for the joystick port.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2017, 05:42:35 am
content: Beware that many of the SID chips sold on ebay are pulls that have defective filters. From what I recall, the filters in particular are especially prone to ESD damage, good protection is difficult due to the very fast rise times of static discharges but the ESD protection diodes mentioned above can help.

author: plazma
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2017, 06:31:29 am
content: Some ESD protection I madehttp://pasilassila.blogspot.fi/2014/06/c64-esd-protection-first-attempt.htmlI'll update the SID audio connector sometime.
ESD Protection for SWD interface - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Sikanda
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 05, 2025, 07:36:32 pm
content: I have a problem to select the right ESD Diode. Let’s assume I want to choose ESD protection for an SWD interface using TVS diodes. If the microcontroller operates at a voltage of 5V, the V_RM should be at 5V, right? But the V_BR and V_CL are already above the voltage where the internal protection diodes of the microcontroller would activate. How do I choose the right diode?Here is an example from ST:https://www.st.com/resource/en/application_note/an5612-esd-protection-of-stm32-mcus-and-mpus-stmicroelectronics.pdfPage 25The ESDALC6V1W is designed for a 3V operating voltage, but even here, the V_BR and V_CL are much higher than the voltages at which the protection diodes activate.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2025, 08:20:03 pm
content: ESD diodes are not supposed to protect against continuous high voltage, they are for fast transients. The diode just takes the brunt of the spike and the MCU itself will be fine with a short leftover spike.If you suspect a possibility of continuous high voltage, you will need a better protection method.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2025, 11:41:30 pm
content: You can read a bit here:https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/eu/semiconductor/knowledge/e-learning/basics-of-tvs-diodes/chap3/chap3-3-2.htmlhttps://fedevel.com/forum/other/17085-esd-protection-guidesEssentially what ataradov said.The internal protection diodes will eventually activate, and eventually charge up the rail caps, etc. but its probably not nearly as fast as the esd diode.

author: PGPG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 12:01:37 pm
content: Quote from: Sikanda on March 05, 2025, 07:36:32 pmThere is nothing wrong in activating internal protection diodes.What can be wrong is to allowing the current going through these diodes to be higher than value that can lead to latch-up.I think typical value for this current limit is 20mA (probably can be found in datasheet).If V_CL is for example 7.7V then (7.7-5.7)/20m = 100Ω between ESD protection and IC pin will limit internal diode current to safe value.I am not using any protection at PDI interface (ATXmega 2 wire In System programming). I put at PCB 3 holes from 2x2 1.27mm pin-header near the IC. It takes not a lot of area. I shifted holes a little to make pin header (with one pin removed) used to connect during programming not be too loose in these holes.In production interface is used only once for few seconds and then it is not exposed to ESD. We never noticed any problems with this.You can see it in use at PCB here:https://forum.kicad.info/t/approaching-pcb-track-routing-for-a-newbie/36302/8
ESD protection for the home lab - where to start - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2018, 12:18:33 pm
content: Hi guysSo right now, when in the lab I'm a bit naughty and I don't use proper protection (for esd that is... ). However, as I'm slowly going up in terms of complexity of projects and gear I want to repair, I want to change that. I am hoping to work on some RF repairs in the not-too-distant future, and while my TO-220 transistors and basic jellybean opamps I mainly work with now might be able to take a bit of a beating ESD wise, those RF components can't.I was looking to at least start out with a good wriststrap and 1 \$M \Omega \$ to ground point. Since I will be using this quite a bit and prefer being comfortable, I would like to get something decent that doesn't chafe or itch after wearing it for extended periods of time.Any suggestions as to what wristbands to get? Is there a significant quality/reliability difference? I don't want to blow up the front-end mixer of a spectrum analyzer because I saved a few tens of euros on a cheap ebay wristband and such...
ESD Protection on Headphone Port - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: timecrystal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2022, 07:06:24 am
content: Hello,I am building a little headphone amplifier. I am using TPA6138A2 as my output driver. It's essentially dual opamps coupled with an integrated charge pump to create a negative rail for the output. I want to protect the output port from human caused ESD. The datasheethttps://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tpa6138a2.pdfsays that ESD protection can be added to the output by using a resistor + capacitor but I'm not sure about the best way to do this. I'm assuming I would use a resistor and a capacitor in a low pass filter RC configuration. There are some constraints around this because this amplifier IC is meant for driving low resistance loads (32R), so if the resistor I use has too much resistance it will end up using the majority of the max output power (40mW).In general I'm confused about the ESD protection in this IC. It says it can support a maximum of +-4kV surge for the human body model but also says a resistor + capacitor can be used to support +-8kV ESD surges. I feel as though there is a context that I am missing. I'm assuming there are clamping diodes on the input/output but there is no spec on the max current supported by those clamping diodes in this datasheet. Is there a standard amount to assume? If I knew this value I could more easily select the resistor and capacitor to meet all my requirements.Any help / clarification on ESD protection circuits with these ICs would be very much appreciated!Time

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2022, 07:56:39 am
content: When in doubt and the datasheet alone is not enough, look if any application notes, any typical application schematic, or any evaluation board schematic exist, and use the values found there.For this IC, from thehttps://www.ti.com/product/TPA6138A2page, there is s a link to an EVM (evaluation module/devboard), and the module's schematic might tell the resistor values you were looking for:https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/slou305a/slou305a.pdfThis is generic advice only, and helped me a few times in the past, I never designed with TPA6138A2.

author: timecrystal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2022, 08:08:05 am
content: Great find RoGeorge, the little filter they have on the output stage actually looks right (relatively small resistor, small capacitor but large enough for HBM ESD). Many thanks!If anyone else has any sage advice when designing for ESD, would still love to hear it!
ESD protection question from beginner - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: alexg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 05:52:48 pm
content: Hi All, I have a beginner ESD question, I already did some research and know what it is, where it comes from and that it needs to be directed off sensitive parts of the circuit but still somewhat stuck, can you please explain few things or at least provide a push in right direction of research.1. If you building a handheld device or simply a circuit that lives in an enclosure and powered by AA, AAA or whatever common battery, do you need to consider ESD protection for it.2. Again, per my understanding, you need to ESD protect (or simply if worded route out high voltage spikes to ground) any data line of the device, does that mean that if you for example have a Microprocessor that has LCD display connected to it and a temperature sensor, and barometer and something else that feeds data into microprocessor, then you need to ESD protect every data line that connecting those peripherals with microprocessor? That would be like 10 lines to protect, let's say it is 4 or 5 data lines to LCD display, then couple data lines for barometer, 1 data line for temperature sensor, etc... All all of those needed to be connected to GND via ESD protection device?3. If case is made of metal, then no need to ESD protect internals at all?PS: I apologize for a beginner question but as simple as this sound I can't find answers to those particular questions in all readings that I find on net.

author: Towz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2016, 01:46:27 am
content: Most uC and othe cmos devices will have protection diodes included in each pin. However if the application requires an input (like a probe) that could be subject to esd then extra esd protection may be required. Also advisable if it has FET inputs (discrete transistors or FET input opamps). Then...1. If it has some kind of sensor or probe sticking out then yeah.2. The uC already has integrated ESD protection. Depending on the location of the barometer it might be wise to add some extra protection (check the datasheet, it might recommend it).3. Same case a no. 1.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 29, 2016, 01:59:26 am
content: ESD protection is needed on those pins which are exposed to the outside world. If the LCD, sensors, whatever are inside the same enclosure and are permanently connected, there is no need for ESD protection unless for some very specialized reasons which generally do not apply.

author: alexg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2016, 02:07:23 pm
content: Thanks everyone for replies.
ESD Protection - where shud it be used - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: amateur_25
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 08:33:50 am
content: HiAm I correct in saying anything that is an input into the microcontroller from the outside world should have some esd protection?So in my case it's the temperature sensor on the hotend, the microswitches, sd card slot.Could u suggest an ic for my to use?
ESD rating EN61000-4-2 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: hsn93
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2019, 06:59:26 am
content: hello,im looking at application note:http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00002587A.pdfpage 7:Quotehere what i summarize from above paragraph:-littlescary where it looks like manufacturers cheat or mislead.- time consuming for part selection). specially when i dont know all aspects of the standards im looking to meet.- im just taking this as example to all other standards that i will have to meet: this paragraph clearly says that (dont trust the first page and look for details)in page 8 they give example of "misleading" datasheet:Figure 2-2. Misleading IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 TVS Data Sheet Examplehowever!i searched for the part:https://datasheet.ciiva.com/22661/1876694-22661173.pdf< i think its this one:there is note 6 which is basically says that this IPP is based on this figure 6from my understanding this would be near the red marked area here:while this datasheet just shows the second half of the waveform.. this app note also is mistaken when it consider IPP as peak current clearly datasheet didnt show it as peak current ( i really dont know who have the right here) (or who to trust) ?

author: hsn93
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 07:16:48 am
content: is this in the right forumis it dumb question?

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 09:10:00 pm
content: It's a fair question but nobody wants to navigate the slow, disorganized disaster that is ON Semi's website. Fairchild is buried in it too. Sigh.You'll find a few manufacturers give misleading or fake claims on their TVS diodes for 61000-4-2. You must be careful. The TVS diode survives 10 hits, its "rating" becomes 61000-4-2. Hurray.But what clamping voltage?"Since there is no standard IPP or surge waveform for specifying a clamping voltage for ESD protection diodes there is a lot of variance from vendor to vendor."On Semi AND8308/D Interpretation of Datasheet Parameters for ESD DevicesMost are using a 8/20μs test pulse.Vishay uses8/20 μs single shotfor IPP and peak pulse power.ST gives data with a 2.5usec rectangular pulse, and you must know your IPP value to look up clamping voltage.Laugh at thisDiodes Inc DESDA5V3L datasheetthat gives no ESD clamping voltage information at all."ON Semiconductor has developed a way to examine the entire voltage waveform across the ESD protection diode over the time domain of an ESD pulse in the form of an oscilloscope screenshot, which can be found on the datasheets for all ESD protection diodes. For more information on how ON Semiconductor creates these screenshots and how to interpret them please refer toAND8307/D Characterization of ESD Clamping Performance."Your figure 6 appears to be some alien pulse with the slow rise and very slow msec fall time - no relevance to ESD.
ESD safe mail - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: shobo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 09:40:53 am
content: I need to mail a mobo + cpu + ram.how can i make sure that it doesn't get zapped on the way?i dont have the esd safe bag it came in,just common house hold stuff

author: grifftech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 03:28:48 pm
content: aluminium foil

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 03:31:49 pm
content: Quote from: grifftech on December 05, 2017, 03:28:48 pmBad idea. Motherboard has battery on it. Just wrapping with a foil may short something. Also tiny pieces of foil can easily get into connectors and short contacts.

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 06:06:55 pm
content: Why not wrap it first in plastic wrap (probably polyethylene) and then in aluminum foil over the plastic?

author: Twoflower
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 06:26:19 pm
content: Quote from: TimFox on December 05, 2017, 06:06:55 pmBad idea too: It can build up a charge just by open the bag.Any computer shop near by? They might have on ESD bag from a newly build computer.

author: Twoflower
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 06:45:02 pm
content: Aluminium foil could also ESD damage your parts because it is just too conductive. If there's potential difference between the foil and the device and you place it on aluminium foil the discharge current is too big and can cause damage. That's the reason why the package material and other ESD equipment has a specific conductivity.I know it is/was partly used to ship single devices (I've received a 40xx device on a polystyrene foam piece that had a aluminium foil glued on it) but if you want to be ESD compliant it's to my knowledge not acceptable to use aluminium foil.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 09:00:38 pm
content: If you can't get an ESD safe bag, you could just wrap the thing in paper and then optionally wrap the paper in foil. Paper is not conductive but it tends not to generate static either.

author: shobo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 09:39:49 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 05, 2017, 06:36:32 pmit's not shipped by air,by post.i'll try to see if i can find an esd bag

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2017, 12:41:02 am
content: Any computer shop probably has a pile of them in the trash. Every motherboard comes in one.

author: Awesome14
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2017, 01:02:40 am
content: Wrap it in paper. It's not 100% safe. But it's pretty safe, because paper absorbs water from the air.
ESD Safe Storage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Smafe
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 11, 2019, 01:19:22 am
content: Hi All,I'm after a bit of help finding some ESD Safe Storage. At the moment I've got my UT181A and 121GW multimeters and my BK880 LCR meter stored in a Supercheap Auto ToolPRO Safe Case. It says it can be used 'for keeping valuable electronics or tools safe from impact damage', but it doesn't say anything about it being ESD safe? My other meters and test equipment is in a cardboard box, apart from my DMMCheck Plus from Doug at VoltageStandard.com - I'm scared of damaging it so it's just sitting on a shelf when not in use. I'd like a more secure place to keep it, but am worried about damaging it with static electricity. I could get some ESD bags, but would prefer something a little more robust as I don't have an actual lab and have to set up in the garage and then pack away when I'm finished.I've seen some info on the previous threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/esd-safe-storage-considerations/but nothing that really answers my question.So does anyone know of a good (preferably padded) ESD safe storage case/box?

author: Sceadwian
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2019, 02:55:33 am
content: Why are you scared of ESD? If you're really paranoid get shorting sockets for your plugs that'll ESD safe pretty much any device, but you're largely worrying about nothing.

author: Smafe
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 02, 2019, 11:26:02 pm
content: Sceadwian I am just a beginner in the electronics field. I've been taking stuff apart for years and fixing it if it was mechanical, but couldn't do the electrical stuff. I've got a few books, like Electronics All-in-one for Dummies, How to fix everything Electronic by M. Geier, etc, and have done a few Jaycar and Elenco soldering projects. Now that I'm trying to do more intricate soldering projects they all warn about ESD safe protection. So I upgraded my soldering station from the Jaycar one which wasn't ESD safe to a Hakko FX888D which is, brought a couple of ESD mats with the obligatory wrist strap, and even got ESD safe tweezers for when I'm putting components in place.Mostly I'm scared because I live in a house with really thick shagpile which does cause static. I'm not 100% sure on earthing/discharging myself before I start working on stuff and it worries me when picking up a meter or the Malone DMMCheck. I keep the DMMCheck in the ESD bag it came with, but the other meters in the foam case worried me. Now I keep them in their individual bags and will only use the Safe Case if I have to take them somewhere with me so I can lock it.I haven't heard of ESD shorting sockets so will have a look into them. Thank you for the reassurance. I appreciate it.
ESD Setup - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Ford-Prefect
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2019, 05:38:30 pm
content: Hi,I got a JBC soldering station and it has an equipotential connector on the back. I measured the resistance between the tip and the earth, the tip and the connector, and the connector and earth. I figured out that the resistance between tip and earth is next to nothing and the connector seems to have something in the MOhm range.So I am wondering now what the best way to connect all the esd stuff might be. Before measuring I thought the connector might be an additional thing to ground the tip but that's wrong and I guess it's to connect some other ESD device. I have an ESD mat with an banana plug and ordered a wrist band with banana plug and a adapter to mains. So I could plug mat and wrist band to this adapter or connect them and plug them in the station and get rid of the adapter again or use a combination or whatsoever. I assume it doesn't matter and in that case I wouldn't need the mains adapter.Any Ideas?
ESD Tape-antenna measurement - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: generic_username
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2014, 09:14:26 am
content: Hello,I recently started at a new Job in the lab of a company.We have to do measurements with antennas a lot. The antennas are not that big, for example 85.2mm x 35.5mmWe run most of our tests automatically but it happens that we have to measure things per hand. Somehow the PCP's with the antennas have to be fixed somewhere. So we have to use tape and we should use ESD Tape (Lab rules).Nobody nobody seemed to care much for the rules and used normal tape. I recently was approached by a senior because I used ESD Tape instead of normal (usually not allowed) Tape to fix the antennas.An example measurement would be:1 antenna generates a field and a 2nd antenna in a small distance (free air) receives this field and I measure the incoming field strength.The Question I now have is: would ESD tape have a huge impact on this measurement if there would be ESD Tape between those 2 antennas?(Hope I could explain my problem clearly)Any hints would be much appreciated.cheers

author: TSL
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2014, 11:58:55 am
content: Given the size of the antennas it sounds like you dealing with frequencies in the microwave spectrum.Assuming this to be the case then different types of tape would have an effect on the tuning of the antenna, I've used ptfe tape to re-tune PCB filters to a lower frequency just by sticking it to the substrate.Useing the wrong tape could affect the VSWR at the required frequency of operation. If you have a VNA available to you, run a sweep on the antenna and observe s11 for your centre frequency for different types of tape.Also... non ESD tape could generate a significant static charge that could kill or damage the input device of your receiver. Most microwave devices are very static sensitive and ESD rules apply when using them.If you have an ESD meter, use it to measure the static potential as you remove the tape from the device.Google "sticky tape static charge" for more info.regardsTim

author: generic_username
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2014, 09:20:02 am
content: Thank you for your reply,Actually our Frequency is much lower than microwave, its in the 13Mhz range.I've looked into that matter as you described with the VNA and could find out that one of the tapes we're using does make a change on the SWR curve so we're probably won't use that in the future.Again thanks for the quick reply.cheers.generic
ESD without enclosure - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: chagli
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2019, 10:09:20 am
content: Hi all,I was wondering how can I pass the ESD tests for product which is a PCB mounted on a DIN rail. There's no enclosure so the top layer of the PCB is accessible to touch.Here's my first thoughts :- Use only ESD protected devices (maybe not possible)or- Put all sensitive devices on the bottom (not accessible to touch). The vias are still accessible so tent/fill the sensitive vias with soldermask. Put a protective earth (PE) plane on top and expose many PE vias to catch the arcs. (preferred solution)or- put a cover, so only the connectors are exposed (not preferred solution)Did you already have the same issue or do you have any idea/solution/comment ?Thank you

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2019, 06:34:19 pm
content: It depends also on what ESD standard you are required to meet and also the permitted disturbance - 'Needs power cycle to recover', 'operational disturbance but recovers without intervention' , 'no disturbance in operation' etc.Putting a ground flood on the top side may help but I doubt that tented vias would resist most esd tests. You can certainly use supply rail clamps, esd protectors on critical signals etc. but I think it's probably virtually impossible to design a (electronic) circuit with zero susceptible nodes.Putting the active stuff and nodes on the underside of the PCB would help of course, but beware of clearances needed against a probe applied at the edge of the PCB.A cover is clearly not your preferred solution but it might turn out to be the safest and even possibly the cheapest solution too.Another key issue on anything Din rail mounted - presumably on a plastic base, is how good your protective ground connection is, relative to its I/Os.

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2019, 06:48:21 pm
content: What Gyro said.I just want to add that you can either1 pot the circuit board (full cover the circuit board with an epoxy coating, look up potting compund)2 cover the circuit and components with conformal coating.Both should create a physical barrier between circuit, components and physical contact.

author: max_torque
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2019, 07:03:56 pm
content: With the assumption that "din rail" means an industrial application, i'd never buy anything that was a bare pcb on a din rail mount! Way too vulnerable in that environment just to physical damage.Plenty of people sell low cost COTS din rail enclosures to take pcbs ie:

author: chagli
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2019, 12:25:58 pm
content: Dear all,Thank you for your remarks and suggestions.
Esd wrist strap, is it working? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Moriambar
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 20, 2021, 06:34:03 pm
content: Hi,I "recently" redid my lab with an esd mat, a ESD plug connected to the mains socket and a wrist strap bounded to it through the mats.All bought through a very respectable source in the EU.But how can I check whether I'm properly esd-ok? should I shove a dmm probe into the earth terminal and measure the resistance to my hand? Or the voltage? Or neither?Perhaps I should learn a bit more.Thanks

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2021, 07:10:31 pm
content: A resistance check should be fine. Expect 1 MOhm between mat and PE, and also 1 MOhm between wrist strap and mat. That resistance is meant to protect you from mains voltage (it limits the current) in case of some mishap.

author: Feynman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2021, 09:01:06 pm
content: The resistance between wrist strap connection point and earth should be between 1M and 5M, which can be measured with a DMM easily.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2021, 08:11:32 am
content: ESD mats may very well only start leaking current at higher voltages, and it may be "open" to a DMM even if it can measure to 100MOhm.Testing ESD mats is usually done with "Isolation testers" which generate 1000V or more.In the "ugly outside world" lots of things that seem simple are not well modelled by lineair things such as resistors. Take for example a "spark gap". At low voltages, it's just an open connection, but above some threshold you get a spark and during a brief moment resistance is very low.As far as I know, the plastic polymers in ESD mats are a bit like varistors. Below their threshold voltage there is virtually no current.Calibrated ESD mat testers are overly complex and expensive. There are test procedures wich specify test contact area with the mat, and test weights or pressure on the mat to get a calibrated measurement.But if you make a (somewhat calibrated) 1000V generator, add a few series resistors to keep the current low (and make it safe), then you can easily measure the voltage over one of shunt resistors (Resistors are usually rated for 200V or so) to get an estimation of the mat resistance.One of the "dangers" with ESD mats is the wrong kind of cleaning substance. Some may leave a very thin but isolating film over the mat.For the wristwrap it's easier. Your DMM indeed probably measures some resistance between your hand and mans earth (if your wrist wrap is properly connected).

author: Moriambar
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2021, 08:25:11 am
content: Thanks all, I was able to measure my resistance at about 3 Megs. I was just poking the wrong thing before!Cheers.
ESP-32 or ESP8266 Remote listener  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: sairfan1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2019, 05:44:22 pm
content: Hi I want to build a project where i can setup ESP module with mic and listen to device remotely from my Android phone.I want to know if there are some modules available with complete hardware and any example libraries?

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2019, 01:57:37 am
content: https://github.com/espressif/esp-adf

author: jackthomson41
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2019, 03:32:31 pm
content: Yeah you can find such ready made module on ebay and aliexpress quite easily and you can also design them on your own. You will needNodeMCUmodule which usedESP8266and can send the data on your mobile App.

author: sairfan1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2019, 03:57:41 pm
content: Does NodeMCU has builtin mic? I was looking for some module who has MIC pre builtin, I was not able to find such, if NodeMCU has one i will check again.Thanks

author: jackthomson41
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2019, 04:02:20 pm
content: No it doesn't has a builtin MIC on the chip, you have to interface MIC Jack withNodeMCU.You should also have a look atRaspberry Piwhich has the MIC jack on it but may be it will be too complex/expensive for the project.
ESP-IDF programming using NVS - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: franzel61
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 06, 2018, 03:24:53 pm
content: Hallo Community,it seems a simple programming question keeps me busy for a couple of days...... may someone can bring a torch to the dark. The Situation is on selection 2 (read the field)... I want to get the result shown in the field Char* Ergebnis. as result in selection 2 the field nvs_ret_data is a pointerHope for a solutionAll the best Franzel61/****************************************************** NVS handling******************************************************/Char* nvs(int nvs_select,char* nvs_key, char* nvs_data){char* nvs_result="abababababababa";char* nvs_ret_data="bababababababababab";/printf("Selection %i\n",nvs_select);/** write to NVS String --Select 1**/if (nvs_select==1){esp_err_t err = nvs_flash_init();if (err != ESP_OK) printf("NO NVS Initialization\n");const esp_partition_t* nvs_partition = esp_partition_find_first(ESP_PARTITION_TYPE_DATA, ESP_PARTITION_SUBTYPE_DATA_NVS, NULL);if(!nvs_partition) printf("FATAL ERROR: No NVS partition found\n");nvs_handle my_nvshandle;err = nvs_open(nvs_partition, NVS_READWRITE, &my_nvshandle);if (err != ESP_OK) printf("FATAL ERROR: Unable to open NVS\n");printf("wOS: Saving collected data into NVS...\n");printf("%s\n", nvs_data ); //Prints the correct valueerr = nvs_set_str(my_nvshandle, nvs_key, nvs_data );printf((err != ESP_OK) ? "wOS: Failed to save Collected Data\n" : "wOS: Successfully saved Collected Data!\n");esp_err_t nvs_commit(nvs_handle my_nvshandle);}/** read from NVS String --Select 2**/if (nvs_select== 2){esp_err_t err = nvs_flash_init();if (err != ESP_OK) printf("NO NVS Initialization\n");const esp_partition_t* nvs_partition = esp_partition_find_first(ESP_PARTITION_TYPE_DATA, ESP_PARTITION_SUBTYPE_DATA_NVS, NULL);if(!nvs_partition) printf("FATAL ERROR: No NVS partition found\n");nvs_handle my_nvshandle;err = nvs_open(nvs_partition, NVS_READWRITE, &my_nvshandle);if (err != ESP_OK) printf("FATAL ERROR: Unable to open NVS\n");size_t nvs_required_size;err = nvs_get_str(my_nvshandle, nvs_key, NULL, &nvs_required_size );switch (err) {case ESP_OK:printf("wOS: Successfully grabbed size %i, loading in value..\n",nvs_required_size);size_t nvs_ret_data = malloc(nvs_required_size);err = nvs_get_str(my_nvshandle, nvs_key, &nvs_ret_data, &nvs_required_size );printf( "Downloaded Data>: %s\n", nvs_ret_data ); // ****** the correct value will be shown}return(nvs_ret_data);}printf("result> %s < \n",nvs_ret_data);}******************* and of NVSvoid app_main(){/** ******************************************** Initialization**********************************************/nvswait(10);//write stringnvs(1,"key4","merlin");nvswait(5);//read stringErgebnis= nvs(2,"key3",NULL);printf("result 1st %s\n",Ergebnis);Ergebnis=nvs(2,"key4",NULL);printf("result 2nd - %s\n",Ergebnis);}
ESP modules - standalone or not? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: bodzio_stawski
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2023, 09:55:02 pm
content: Hello,When searching for web servers turorials based on ESP modules, I'm having trouble understanding a general thing.In general, a web server can probably be made in many ways. You can use a standalone ESP8266, or ESP32, or ESP module in combination with microcontroller (like STM32) sending AT commands.Question: which variant is theoretically better when creating a device "from scratch"? Is the combination of ESP+STM more suitable for existing STM32 devices "extended" with WiFi functionality provided by the ESP module, or is there simply another reason why the STM32 should be a "master" controller than it would be worth using the ESP module alone?

author: BlackICE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2023, 02:24:10 am
content: I think it depends on how much resources RAM, ROM, CPU your web server needs? If you can fit what you want done in the ESP32 and it works fast enough then stand alone would be fine. Writing the web server code for the ESP32 may be more time consuming and limiting compare to other processors. So if it a "one of" and not for profit, it may be easily to use another processor to make the software side easier.

author: liaifat85
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2023, 07:40:43 am
content: For general purposes like receiving sensor data or controlling the load, only one ESP32/8266 is enough. Firebase is a good choice:https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2022/03/reading-data-from-firebase-database-with-esp32.htmlYes, for some applications you may need to combine the ESP module with a microcontroller like the STM32. If your project requires more computational power or complex data processing beyond the capabilities of the ESP module alone, integrating it with a microcontroller like the STM32 allows you to leverage the additional processing capability of the microcontroller.

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2023, 09:34:16 am
content: As long as you're serving up static files and not putting too many string manipulations on the ESP32, it should be able to do a decent job. It has two cores (don't mess with the single core modules.) Use one core for your program, and allow the other core to handle all of the Wifi work. If you tie up the Wifi core, it will have issues dropping connections. Try to just serve HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. Use JS on the client end for the heavy lifting. For example, if you want to convert C to F, load send the C data to the browser and let JS in the browser do the math to calculate F. Avoid string manipulation on the ESP32. Just send the HTML, CSS, JS, Graphics, etc to the client and let it do the hard work.
ESP-WROOM-32 getting started on ESP-IDF tutorial - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Vindhyachal.takniki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2024, 09:25:09 am
content: Hi1. I am getting started on ESP-WROOM-32 using ESP-IDF2. i am able to download ESP-IDF, running hello world & blinky examples.3. Where I can find step by step tutorial(preferably video) on running rest of peripherals on this board using ESP-IDF.I can find lot of tutorial using arduino -IDE or VS , but I have to use ESP-IDF only

author: Vindhyachal.takniki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 12:37:04 am
content: HiAny help on this?

author: shabaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 01:16:55 am
content: I'd suggest that if Google has not found you such a tutorial, you may need to trailblaze and create it yourself, and share it with the world.Treat your problem in bite-size chunks to not overwhelm yourself. For instance, pick one of the simpler peripherals that you have managed to understand (for instance, from inspecting the blinky example, you can see how to use the GPIO integrated peripheral for output purposes), and document that as a tutorial.Then, pick another integrated peripheral and search for example code using it, and run it and try it out to understand it, simplify the example for tutorial purposes, and document it as another tutorial. And so on.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 05:06:24 am
content: I don't think Espressif ever expected to have as much non-china attention as they presently have. The issue then is that documentation is more of the China-Centric-Company variety than Western-Company. Don't expect anything exceptional.Another thing to be heads up on is to check the "Breaking Changes" in the IDF version change log.https://github.com/espressif/esp-idf/releases

author: selcuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 01:11:46 pm
content: When I need help about a peripheral which I don't use before, I check the examples in the below link. There are lots of connectivity examples there. Hardware examples are under "peripherals" directory. You can compile and download them into your board.https://github.com/espressif/esp-idf/tree/v5.2-dev/examples
ESP32 and 12v LED strip - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: obtur
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 16, 2021, 09:13:42 pm
content: Hello,I'm trying to control RGB 12v RGB led strip with ESP32 via mosfets and its only barly shining.(te less leds the better result)I was following tutorial fromhttps://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-esp8266-rgb-led-strip-web-server/but i used that mosfethttps://html.alldatasheet.com/html-pdf/249143/RENESAS/FS12KMA-5A/600/2/FS12KMA-5A.htmlCould it be a reason that it doesn't work or its the resistor to blame ?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 12:05:08 am
content: The answer is right on the first page of the MOSFET datasheet: “10V drive”.For it to turn on fully, it needs 10V applied to the gate. Your ESP32 supplies 3.3V, so the MOSFET is barely turning on at all.You want a 3.3V-logic-level MOSFET, i.e. one that will turn on fully at 3.3V. The absolute minimum would be a 5V-logic-level MOSFET, which will at least be mostly on at 3.3V (just with higher resistance from drain to source).Alternatively, use a MOSFET driver IC.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 08:41:43 am
content: How long is the LED strip? How about just using BJTs, as suggested in the article?