C H A P T E R 3 - Handling Cards and Assemblies

C H A P T E R 3

Handling Cards and Assemblies

This chapter gives instructions on how to safely handle the CompactPCI cards and assemblies. This chapter is divided into the following sections:

Section 3.1, Handling CompactPCI Cards

Section 3.2, Handling Assemblies

Consult the Netra CT Server Safety and Compliance Manual for safety information prior to performing the procedures in this chapter.

3.1 Handling CompactPCI Cards

Each Netra CT server in a chassis has a CompactPCI bus. All of the cards in a server--the CPU card, alarm card, and I/O cards--are CompactPCI cards.

Caution - The system is sensitive to static electricity. To prevent damage to the assembly, always connect an antistatic wrist strap between you and the system.

Caution - Do not flex the CompactPCI cards; the surface-mounted components can break if the card is bent.

To minimize the amount of card flexing, observe the following precautions:

When removing a card from an electrostatic discharge bag, keep it vertical until you lay the card on the electrostatic discharge mat.

Do not place a card on a hard surface. Use a cushioned antistatic mat. The card connectors and components have very thin pins that bend easily.

Be careful of small parts located on the component side of a card.

Do not use an oscilloscope probe on the components. The soldered pins are easily damaged or shorted by the probe point.

Transport a card in an antistatic bag.

Caution - The heat sinks on a card can be damaged by incorrect handling. Do not touch the heat sinks while installing or removing a card. Hold a card only by the edges. If a heat sink is loose or broken, obtain a replacement card.

Caution - The heat sinks on a card can be damaged by improper packaging. When storing or shipping a card, ensure that the heat sinks have sufficient protection.

Caution - The system controller card and its modules have surface-mount components that can be broken by flexing the card.

3.2 Handling Assemblies

Assemblies have their own set of handling requirements, similar to the requirements for CompactPCI cards.

Caution - The system is sensitive to static electricity. To prevent damage to the board, always connect an antistatic wrist strap between you and the system.