Livescribe PULSE - Manual (Page 86)

Page 86 Pulse
TM
Smartpen User Manual
Description of ESD
Static electricity is an electrical charge caused by the buildup of excess electrons on the surface
of a material. To most people, static electricity and ESD are nothing more than annoyances. For
example, after walking over a carpet while scuffing your feet, building up electrons on your body,
you may get a static shock—the discharge event—when you touch a metal doorknob. This little
shock discharges the built-up static electricity.
ESD-susceptible equipment
Even a small amount of ESD can harm circuitry, so when working with electronic devices, take
measures to help protect your electronic devices, including your Livescribe™ smartpen, from
ESD harm. While Livescribe has built protections against ESD into its products, ESD
unfortunately exists and, unless neutralized, could build up to levels that could harm your
equipment. Any electronic device that contains an external entry point for plugging in anything
from cables to docking stations is susceptible to entry of ESD. Devices that you carry with you,
such as your handheld, build up ESD in a unique way because the static electricity that may
have built up on your body is automatically passed to the device. Then, when the device is
connected to another device such as a docking station, a discharge event can occur.
Precautions against ESD
Make sure to discharge any built-up static electricity from yourself and your electronic devices
before touching an electronic device or connecting one device to another. The recommendation
from Livescribe is that you take this precaution before connecting your smartpen to your
computer, placing the smartpen in a cradle, or connecting it to any other device. You can do this
in many ways, including the following:
• Ground yourself when you’re holding your mobile device by simultaneously touching
a metal surface that is at earth ground. For example, if your computer has a metal
case and is plugged into a standard three prong grounded outlet, touching the case
should discharge the ESD on your body.
• Increase the relative humidity of your environment.
• Install ESD-specific prevention items, such as grounding mats.
Conditions that enhance ESD occurrences
Conditions that can contribute to the buildup of static electricity in the environment include the
following:
• Low relative humidity.