Inventors:
Merle E. Weight - Coon Rapids MN
Theodore S. Swenson - Isanti MN
Assignee:
Sperry Corporation - New York NY
International Classification:
H05F 302
Abstract:
A system and method for protecting electrostatic sensitive devices from damage caused by electrostatic discharge therethrough when being placed in electrical interconnection in an operating system is described. Electrostatic sensitive devices are mounted on a printed circuit carrier and have all ground circuits electrically connected to a common juncture. A guide block for cooperating with a guide pin during insertion is mounted on the printed circuit assembly. All guide pins are electrically coupled in common to a discharge potential. A spring contact is mounted in the guide block and electrically coupled to the common juncture, and is arranged for making contact with the guide pin prior to electrical contact of any signal pins with any connector terminals, whereby static charge is discharged through the discharge path without causing damage to the electrostatic sensitive device.