Advanced Technology Research s.r.l.
8
endoPocket
GB
Operating instructions
• Discharging the operator’s body charge to ground connections or large-size metal
objects.
• Grounding oneself through an arm band.
We recommend all persons using this device be informed on the meaning of this warning
and that adequate training is provided on the physics of electrostatic charges, which may
build up in a dentist’s office, and on the potential damage to electronic components in the
event of contact by an electro-statically charged USER.
ESD is the acronym for Electro Static Discharge.
Any discharge implies a previous charge.
Electrical charges are generated whenever two bodies move against one another; for
example, when walking (soles of shoes on the floor) or driving (tires on the road surface).
The charge is greater in conditions of low (rather than high) ambient humidity and with
synthetic rather than natural materials (clothing, floor coverings).
The following empirical rule provides an idea of the voltages involved in electrostatic
discharges.
An electrostatic discharge:
• will be felt if it is 3,000 Volts or greater
• will be heard if it is 5,000 Volts or greater (bang, hiss)
• will be visible if it is 10,000 Volts or greater (flash).
The currents involved in these discharges are in the order of 10 amperes. These currents
are innocuous to man because they only last a few nanoseconds. 1 nanosecond = 1
billionth of one second = 1/1,000,000,000 of one second.
In the case of voltage differentials greater than 30,000 Volts per centimetre, the charge is
compensated (electrostatic discharge, flash, discharge).
It is easy to understand how the integrated circuits permitting the miniaturisation of the
electronic device in question are sensitive to electrostatic discharges.
Voltages that are imperceptible to the user can cause a current discharge sufficient to
burn the microprocessor. Damage of the single integrated circuits can cause incorrect
operation or the breakdown of the entire device.
To prevent this, it is necessary that the user is electro-statically discharged before
using the device.
1. Precautions
