Pat writes:
"
At present within one of our sites we hand assemble pcb's using no form of
static protection, I am told by the design authority that because the only
active device fitted is bi-polar, no protection is required - the device in
question is a Nat. Semicon. LM158AH/883 low power dual op-amp in a TO-5
package. I feel that precautions should still be taken, can anyone offer
some advice?"

The safest way to protect your assemblies is to treat ALL devices as
static sensitive and to practice static control thoughout the process
(including receiving and shipping).

Bipolar parts certainly can and do suffer EOS/ESD damage. The thresholds
of damage are typically higher, but they surely should be treated the same
as their MOS counterparts.

Rgds
John

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