Electrostatic Discharge Testing / ESD Testing

Tests for electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Electrostatic discharge testing, or ESD refers to the abrupt transfer of electricity between electrically charged objects. A dielectric failure or an electrical short may bring on this electrostatic transfer.

What dangers does ESD pose?

ESD occurs quite frequently. Electrostatic discharge can have a significant impact. Unfortunately, this holds whether there is a very low level of ESD that is undetectable by sight or sound or a very high level of ESD, as with lightning or electrical sparks. Electrostatic discharge can lead to a wide range of issues. Only a few of these include mechanical problems, bursts of fuel vapor, coal dust, and physical injury. Among other mechanical failures, ESD can cause contact spiking, junction damage, metal penetration, and gate oxide degradation.

ESD testing: What is it?

ESD testing (EMC testing) is a test for electromagnetic compatibility. ESD testing imitates various electrostatic effects that machinery may experience during operation or transportation. 

ESD can spread by contact or the air. The most common ESD test is the human body technique. A human discharge of electrical energy onto an electronic component is simulated by the test. The static in this energy has accumulated.

Standard Testing Methods for Electrostatic Discharge

Two ESD test procedures exist. The two possibilities are the air method and the contact method. A charged generator or discharge device, such as an ESD gun, is pushed toward the equipment being evaluated when using the air technique for ESD testing. Many factors may affect ESD testing. They consist of the ambient temperature, the relative humidity, and the discharge object’s approaching test instrument velocity. Low moisture and low-temperature conditions are significantly more conducive to ESD events.

The contact ESD testing method helps to lessen the impact of environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. To conduct this test, an ESD generator must be close to the test object. This contact is maintained throughout the examination. Even though this test method is frequently constant across environmental circumstances, contact ESD rarely occurs independently.

An ESD test verifies that the apparatus appropriately performs by the test specification and the manufacturer’s operating instructions. When testing for product certification compliance, ESD testing is frequently a minor component of a larger EMC test strategy.

What is immunity to ESD?

ESD immunity and protection should be considered during the product design phase. At this stage, electronics manufacturers must decide on ESD-reduction tactics. They also need to understand whether their products are sensitive to or likely to generate ESD. These safety measures may include establishing electrostatic protection zones free of static, controlling humidity, and using charge-prevention strategies including avoiding highly charged objects. Another option is to take steps to lower static, such as grounding employees or requiring antistatic gear.

Laboratory testing for electrostatic discharge

Infinita Lab is an ESD test lab that offers professional electrostatic discharge testing and has a wealth of experience and understanding. Infinita Lab provides a broad range of expertise, including environmental and package testing such as accelerated aging, temperature, and ingress protection, in addition to ESD regulatory compliance testing.

To find out how we can assist you in fulfilling your ESD testing requirements, contact us immediately. Are you prepared to begin? We are. To learn why so many businesses choose us to meet their ESD compliance testing needs, request a quotation.

Electrostatic Discharge Test Specifications:

• MIL-STD-461G
• MIL-STD-464
• CANSI C63.16
• CE Mark
• ISO 13766
• ISO/TR 10605
• RTCA/DO-160C, D, E, F G
• SAE J1113-13
• IEC 61000-4-2 – Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
• MIL-STD-331 MIL-STD-750 – Method Number 1020.2