What precautions are necessary for handling MOS devices?
The silicon dioxide layer, which isolates the gate from the substrate, is so thin that is very susceptible to burnthrough from electrostatic charges. You must be very careful and use the following guidelines when handling MOS devices:
1. Store the integrated circuits in a conductive foam or leave them in their original container.
2. Work on a conductive surface (for example, a metal table top) that is properly grounded.
3. Ground test equipment and soldering irons.
4. Wear a wrist strap to connect your wrist to ground with a length of wire and a 1 MΩ series resistor.
5. Do not connect signals to the inputs while the device power supply is OFF.
6. Connect all unused inputs to VDD or ground.
7. Do not wear electrostatic-prone clothing such as wool, silk, or synthetic fibers.
8. Do not remove or insert an IC with the power ON.