What is electrostatic discharge?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of electricity between two objects at different charges – the same tiny shock you feel touching a door handle. To a person it is harmless. To a circuit board or component it can be the difference between a good board and a field failure.

Charge builds up through normal movement: walking across a floor, sliding a board out of a bag, even standing up from a chair. When a charged person or tool touches a sensitive part, that energy discharges through it.