Dell Alienware m15 R2, Service Manual

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Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an 

immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has 

received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing 

or nonfunctional memory.

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Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of 

intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM 

receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to 

the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of 

memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.

The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded") 
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:

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Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do 

not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on 

parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.

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Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.

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When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static 

packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you 

discharge static electricity from your body.

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Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.

ESD field service kit 

The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main 

components: anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.

Components of an ESD field service kit

The components of an ESD field service kit are:

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Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an 

anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal 

on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed 

directly on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.

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Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist 

and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that 

is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD 

mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use 

wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and 

tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is 

recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.

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ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit, 

it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap 

tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional office to 

find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your 

wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test 

fails.

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Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts 

that are insulators and often highly charged.

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Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For 

example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are 

typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. 

Always look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional 

space to accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can 

cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 

inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components.

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ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded 

bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the 

new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be 

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