MIL-HDBK-773A
FOREWORD
1. This handbook is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of
Defense (DoD).
2. Military packaging has experienced many changes in the packaging of electrical devices. Many of the new electronic parts and devices are highly susceptible to damage from static electricity, even at levels that can be neither seen nor felt. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) affects many components such as transistors, resistors, integrated circuits, and many types of semiconductor devices. Static charge can degrade or destroy electronic devices during shipping, handling, and installation. Often it takes only a small charge to cause this damage. In fact, nearly half of today's new semiconductors, with their denser geometries, have a static sensitivity of 100 volts or less. This means that almost any moving object can generate a dangerous charge in an unprotected environment. A spark discharge resulting from the accumulation of
electrostatic charges does not necessarily destroy a device or cause a circuit in which it is used to become nonfunctional. The device can be permanently damaged, yet performs its intended function. Additional exposures to these spark discharges or using the device in a circuit can further damage and degrade it until failure occurs. This is known as a latent failure and can seriously affect a system's reliability.
3. It is essential that everyone involved in the acquisition, handling, transporting, and storing of Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) items be concerned about ESD. All ESDS items should be packaged, shipped, and stored in ESD protective materials, including condition code F returns (economically reparable materiel which requires repair, reconditioning, or overhaul).
4. Reducing damage to ESDS items begins with understanding the problem. This handbook is intended to provide guidelines on precautionary measures for reducing failures as they relate specifically to packaging and handling of ESDS items.
5. Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to Chief, Logistics Support Activity, Packaging, Storage, and Containerization Center,
ATTN: AMXLS-AT, Tobyhanna, PA 18466-5097 or emailed to logsapt@logsa.army.mil. Since contact information can change, you may want to verify the currency of this address information using the ASSIST Online database at https://assist.daps.dla.mil.
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