For many anti-static equipment and products, electrostatic discharge testing, or ESD testing, is a must-have. What is ESD before we go into this discussion? Electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs when two electrically charged items come into contact with each other in a short period. An ESD Gun is most likely to appear as a consequence of this. When an ESD incident occurs while manufactured electronics, it may be severely damaging to the circuit board’s components; although the deterioration to the component is gradual, the latent damage will ultimately lead to its failure.
What Is ESD Testing?
A device’s resistance to electrostatic discharge (ESD) is evaluated via the practice of ESD testing. The abrupt release of energy causes machines and equipment to malfunction, although they are not fatal on their own.
Electromagnetic compatibility is tested using ESD testing (EMC test). Various electrostatic effects that equipment may encounter while in transit or use are simulated in ESD testing. A product’s compliance with its ESD protection area and procedures may be determined using an electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing technique.
An ESD discharge may be transmitted through direct air or direct touch. The human body approach is the most often used ESD test (HBM). Human discharge of electrical energy onto an electronic component is simulated in this test. A static accumulation of energy is what you see here.
There are two ways to do an ESD test. The air technique and the contact method are the two options. The method of transportation by air moving a charged generator or discharging item, such as an ESD cannon, towards the equipment under test is required for an ESD test. A wide range of factors may affect ESD testing. There are a few factors to consider, including humidity, the speed of the discharge item, and temperature. In situations with low temperatures and low humidity, ESD incidents are more prevalent.
Contact ESD is very uncommon in the real world, even though this test procedure is universally applicable. You may minimize environmental factors like temperature and humidity by conducting ESD testing through touch.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing ensures that the equipment is working following specifications and operating guidelines. It is common for ESD testing to be part of a broader EMC test strategy for product certification.
ESD Test Equipment
ESD guns, sometimes known as ESD simulators, are extensively used in ESD testing. Compact and hand-carryable like its ionizer counterparts, these simulators allow for usage in a variety of environments. Detection ranges from 16kV to 30kV are possible using ESD guns, which may be programmable. Based on the scenario and the testing demands, it may be adapted to a greater extent. It was designed to be versatile and agile to fulfil worldwide ESD testing requirements.
Selecting the right ESD testing equipment for your organization depends on your demands, budgetary constraints and specifications.