Electrostatic discharge

Electrostatic discharge happens when a large current passes through a component, such as a bypass diode, in a very short time. It is one of the causes of bypass diode failure. It can happen while the module is being assembled at the factory and also during field operation, for example after a lightning strike. A failed bypass diode can cause substring loss, overheating, reverse-bias stress and arcing risk. Inverters and other electronic equipment can also be damaged or destroyed by static discharge when someone touches their internal components, and the damage may be permanent and impossible to detect. To limit exposure, ground yourself, your work surface and the equipment before you remove covers or touch components, follow ESD safety rules, and use an ESD wrist strap. The technical specification IEC TS 62916 describes a test of how well a bypass diode withstands electrostatic discharge.