🚀 go-pugleaf

"Jim (from Oz)" wrote:
> 
> On Thu, 24 May 2001 04:48:21 -0400, w_tom <w_tom1@usa.net> wrote:
> 
> > This entire thread continues to revolve about the idea that noise and
> >interference constitute increased possibility of damage.  That is just not so.
> >Just because RF radiation can interfere with operation does not mean that RF
> >will ever create damage.  Semiconductors are such susceptible to damage when
> >alone, but in systems they are resoundingly durable.   Just because the
> >operation can me interfered with by noise is absolutely no indication that it
> >will be damaged by increased noise.
> 
> snip
> 
> Perhaps I'm not correctly understanding what you mean; you seem
> to be saying RF will not damage semiconductors? I would just
> offer one word in response to that claim; EMP.

EMP is a step-change in static magnetic field, caused by plasma
displacement of the earth's field by a large volume high-temperature,
high-speed blast.

It induces a few voltage/current spikes into circuits that form loops,
and damage by current happens to diode junctions, and damage by voltage
happens to mos junctions. Effective shielding is just a layer of alfoil.

It VHF and higher, most transistors/ICs are protected from direct
damage by junction capacitances. Damage is mainly caused by diode
rectification inducing DC offsets, causing the system to malfunction,
which then can damage components indirectly.

Mobile phones are very unlikely to cause direct damage to
semiconductors.

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/__/   / Russell Shaw, B.Eng, M.Eng(Research) /__/\/\/
\  \  /  Victoria, Australia, Down-Under      \  \/\/
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