What must a technician consider when working with ESD sensitive components on printed circuit boards?

When working with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) sensitive components on printed circuit boards, proper grounding or the use of ionized air blowers is crucial. This practice helps to prevent any static charge buildup that could potentially discharge and damage these sensitive components during handling and repair.

Proper grounding involves ensuring that the technician is grounded through the use of wrist straps or mats, which helps to safely dissipate any electrostatic charge. This is vital in maintaining the integrity of the components since even a small ESD can lead to permanent damage in electronic devices.

Using ionized air blowers is another effective method to minimize the buildup of static electricity by neutralizing charges in the environment around the components. This reduces the risk of static discharge occurring while working on the printed circuit boards.

In contrast, focusing solely on the cleanliness of the workspace, the time spent on repairs, or temperature and humidity control, while also important, does not directly address ESD safety as effectively as grounding and the use of ionized air blowers do. Cleanliness helps prevent contamination, time considerations may impact overall quality, and temperature and humidity control can influence electronic performance. However, without proper grounding or ESD protection strategies, the components remain at risk of damage due to electrostatic