## Anti-Static There is a great [video](http://www.eevblog.com/2012/02/25/eevblog-247-anti-static-bag-myth-revisted) about static disipative and static shielding bagies from EEVblog. Summary: "pink" bags and tubes just prevent static buildup (regular bubble or plastic wrap can generate hundreds or thousands of volts pretty easily just by rubbing; non-conductive foam is pretty nasty too). Silver/metalic baggies actually prevent external discharges or shocks from harming ICs inside. If you use a shielding bag, you still need to make sure all the materials inside will not build up a charge. ## Random Number Generators * [Wikipedia overview](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_random_number_generator) * [Wikipedia comparison of devices](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_hardware_random_number_generators) * [Entropy Key](http://www.entropykey.co.uk): a $50 USB key using avalanche * noise from two P-N junctions; lots of support and features. * Overview of cheap avalanche technique: * whirlygig CPLD-based source: * a bunch of resources: * more: * one open design (as a shield): * [IEEE article](http://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/hardware/behind-intels-new-randomnumber-generator/0) on Intel's hardware * basic design on [cryogenius.com](http://www.cryogenius.com/hardware/isarng/ http://www.cryogenius.com/hardware/rng/) Breakdown of the base-emitter junction of a 2N3904 happens at about 6v, accoding to: See also: - -