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Compaq Prosignia Desktop 340 Series Computer 3–1
3
Removal and Replacement Preliminaries and
Routine Care
This chapter provides general service information for the computer. Adherence to the procedures
and precautions described in this chapter is essential for proper service.
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CAUTION: When the computer is plugged into an AC power source there is always voltage applied to
the system board. You must disconnect the power cord from the power source before opening the
computer to prevent system board or component damage.
3.1 Electrostatic Discharge Information
A sudden discharge of static electricity from your finger or other conductor can destroy
static-sensitive devices or microcircuitry. Often the spark is neither felt nor heard, but damage
occurs. An electronic device exposed to electrostatic discharge (ESD) may not be affected at all
and can work perfectly throughout a normal cycle. The device may function normally for a
while, then degrade in the internal layers, reducing its life expectancy.
Networks built into many integrated circuits provide some protection, but in many cases, the
discharge contains enough power to alter device parameters or melt silicon junctions.
3.1.1 Generating Static
The table below shows how different activities generate static electricity at different electrostatic
voltage levels.
Typical Electrostatic Voltages
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
*Dual Inline Packaging (DIP) is the packaging around individual microcircuitry. These are then multi-
packaged inside plastic tubes, trays, or Styrofoam. 700 volts can degrade a product.