“This product protects the electronics in portable devices — cell phones, PDAs, whatever — from damage from electrostatic discharge,” said Michael Markowitz, spokesman for STMicroelectronics.

I would never have guessed what the 600W high-temperature clamping diode does. I just know it’s shiny.

Electrostatic Discharge, or ESD damage is a significant danger to electronics. High voltages generated by quick static buildup and discharge can destroy semiconductors and leave your favorite gadget worthless. That’s where the 600W high-temperature clamping diode comes in. It’s a static defender, right when you need one the most.

“The product might be purchased by consumer electronics manufacturers or the contract assemblers, for inclusion on the circuit boards that they build,” said Markowitz. “In practice, any electronic circuit could use a clamping diode like this to protect it from damage.”

Unlike the devices it protects, the 600W high-temperature clamping diode only costs about a dime, and it’s a small price to pay if you ask me.

John Guilfoil is the editor-in-chief of Blast: Boston's Online Magazine. He can be reached at guilfoil.j@blastmagazine.com.