Checking Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) typically involves testing an electronic device's ability to withstand ESD events.
The most common way to "check" ESD in relation to an electronic device is to test its immunity or susceptibility to an ESD event. This is done using standardized methods that simulate real-world static discharges.
Common Methods for ESD Testing
Testing an Equipment Under Test (EUT)'s capability to withstand an ESD event primarily utilizes two widely recognized methods. These are the methods commonly referenced by various testing standards globally.
- Contact Discharge: This method involves bringing the ESD test gun directly into contact with the EUT before the discharge pulse is applied. It simulates a discharge occurring when a charged object or person touches the equipment. According to standards referencing these methods, contact discharge is often the preferred approach for testing susceptibility.
- Air Discharge: This method involves bringing the charged ESD test gun close to the EUT until a spark jumps across the air gap to the device. It simulates a discharge that occurs before direct contact is made, such as when a person approaches an object and a spark is seen or felt.
Both contact discharge and air discharge are the two most common methods for testing an EUT's ability to withstand an ESD event. These standardized tests help determine if a device can function correctly after being subjected to simulated static electricity strikes.
