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Most resistor styles are very rugged in construction and do not require
any special processing or handling during the manufacturing operation beyond
normal handling precautions. The only exception to this rule is the metal film
styles that are ESD sensitive. These are of particular concern because ESD does
not always cause a catastrophic failure. Instead, it may cause a slight change
in resistance value that may initially go unnoticed. However, after further
degradation and in combination with tolerance buildup of other circuit elements,
failure eventually occurs. Process controls for a metal film resistor should
therefore be the same as for an ESD sensitive semiconductor or
microcircuit.
Normal handling precautions include protection
against harmful contaminates that could affect the normal operation of the part
or degrade solderability of component leads. The most common source of
contamination is from cleaners and soldering fluxes used during the
manufacturing operation, and humidity during storage conditions. Detailed
handling precautions and recommendations for each resistor style are discussed
under the application considerations of each resistor style.