Study on the implementation of ESD tests according to SR EN 61000-4-2 / IEC 61000-4-2

The main difficulties encountered in the ESD testing laboratories are [1]:

Ø      the actual waveform simulation with an ESD gun;

Ø      the definition and verification of the ESD waveform;

Ø      the implementation of an ESD test configuration that can be used to compare the results obtained for various EUTs (equipment under test).

Figure 1 shows the typically test set-up for tabletop equipment according to SR EN 61000-4-2 / IEC 61000-4-2. In this case, a wooden table with a 0.8 m height shall be set on the reference ground plane. The 0.5 m x 0.5 m vertical coupling plane (VCP) and 1.6 m x 0.8 m horizontal coupling plane (HCP) are placed on the table. Between the EUT/cables and the horizontal coupling plane, an insulating support of 0.5 mm thickness shall be inserted.

Figure 1. Test set-up for tabletop equipment according to SR EN 61000-4-2 / IEC 61000-4-2

(Courtesy of NOISE LABORATORY CO. LTD)

Figure 2 shows the typically test set-up for floor-standing equipment according to SR EN 61000-4-2 / IEC 61000-4-2. Between the EUT/cables and the reference ground plane, an insulating support of 0.1 mm thickness shall be inserted. The 0.5 m x 0.5 m vertical coupling plane will be used for the indirect application of the electrostatic discharges.

Figure 2. Test set-up for floor-standing equipment according to SR EN 61000-4-2 / IEC 61000-4-2

(Courtesy of NOISE LABORATORY CO. LTD)