aPPLICATION NOTE Handling Precautions for Schottky Barrier Mixer and Detector Diodes Damage by Burnout from Static Electricity Source of Static Electricity Precautions Operator discharging charge on self through diode Use metal or conductive plastic bench tops and chair seats. Ground operator with strap or use static eliminators, radioactive or ionized air type. Instruct operator in handling precautions. Use of snow (expanded polystyrene) to hold diodes Don’t use. Use of plastic bags Only use dissipative bags or containers. Do not use non-dissipative plastic bags Cold dry weather (resulting in low humidity) will increase the likelihood of static burnout. Damage by Burnout on Test Kits Source of Transient Precautions Bias circuit voltage transient Have low voltage supply—not high voltage with dropping resistor. Do not use high value capacitance in voltage network. Bring bias voltage to zero before inserting diode. Bias voltage wrong polarity Use polarized plugs and supplies. Transients in power supplies Use regulated power supply shunting diodes. Coupled voltage from other circuits Use shielded leads to diodes. Avoid common wire harness for diode leads and high voltage circuits. Charge in cables while connecting to circuit Design checkout procedure and circuits to avoid this. Ground loops Have all connecting cables touch outside connections first. High resistance scale ohmmeter Maximum open circuit voltage should be 1.5 V. Use appropriate circuit or ohmmeter. It is extremely important in all diode testing that the test equipment, test jig, and test fixtures be all connected and at the same electrical potential before the diode is inserted. Damage by Burnout by Microwave Energy Source of Microwave Power Precautions Pulse energy from same system Use TR tubes in good condition. Use solid state limiters as well as TR tubes. Pulse energy from other systems Use shutter tubes when system not working. High rectified voltage Restrict dynamic range of signal or limit load resistor size. Skyworks Solutions, Inc. • Phone [781] 376-3000 • Fax [781] 376-3100 • [email protected] • www.skyworksinc.com 200840 Rev. A • Skyworks Proprietary Information • Products and Product Information are Subject to Change Without Notice. • January 28, 2008 1 APPLICATION NOTE • Handling Precautions for Schottky Barrier Mixer and Detector Diodes Damage by Burnout During Electronic Assembly and Test Source of Burnout Energy Precautions Leakage current from welding equipment and soldering irons Ground equipment if possible. Test for leakage current and ground loops. Pulse voltages from controllers and relays on ovens, environmental test equipment, etc. Put capacitors across relays. Shield equipment. Shield diodes. Pickup of RF energy from sources such as induction heaters, high power transmitters. Shield and ground transmitters. Keep diodes in shielded containers. Keep diode and plumbing subassemblies shielded. Accumulated charge on handling or assembly equipment Use adequate grounding on all assembly and handlers Damage by Mechanical Shock Source of Shock Precautions Handling Don’t drop diodes or packages on bench or floor. Don’t shake in packages. Insertion in equipment Diodes should not seat with a jerk or snap. Adjust mechanical tolerances for smooth insertion. Cutting and forming leads Support diode during operation. Have cutting and forming tools work smoothly. Damage by Excessive Heat Source of Heat Soldering Precautions Use heat sink between diode body and point of soldering heat application. Keep exposure to heat at a minimum. Detection of Damage Test Precautions DC reverse test—3 V reverse Low resistance indicates burnout of some type. DC forward test High resistance indicates mechanical or thermal damages. General Precautions Mark packages containing diodes with cautionary notices. (Upon request, Skyworks will supply diode packaging with such notation.) Post instructions at locations where diodes are handled (such as incoming inspection, test stations, etc.). Instruct inspectors and test operators as to precautions required. It is extremely important in all microwave diode testing that the test equipment, test fixtures, diode holders, etc., all be connected together and at the same potential before the diode is inserted into the diode holder. 2 Skyworks Solutions, Inc. • Phone [781] 376-3000 • Fax [781] 376-3100 • [email protected] • www.skyworksinc.com January 28, 2008 • Skyworks Proprietary Information • Products and Product Information are Subject to Change Without Notice. • 200840 Rev. A APPLICATION NOTE • Handling Precautions for Schottky Barrier Mixer and Detector Diodes Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, Skyworks Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Information in this document is provided in connection with Skyworks Solutions, Inc. 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Skyworks Solutions, Inc. • Phone [781] 376-3000 • Fax [781] 376-3100 • [email protected] • www.skyworksinc.com 200840 Rev. A • Skyworks Proprietary Information • Products and Product Information are Subject to Change Without Notice. • January 28, 2008 3