Electro Static Discharge is a technical standard that provides a framework for testing the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment against electrostatic discharges (ESD).

This standard specifies the requirements for both test setups and procedures, making sure of consistent and repeatable testing to evaluate how a device responds to ESD events.

Technically, the standards cover two main types of discharge: contact discharge and air discharge. Contact discharge involves directly applying, the electrostatic charge through a conductive tip to the device under test (DUT, which provides more controlled and repeatable results. Air discharge simulates the scenario where the electrostatic energy jumps through the air to the DUT, representing real-world situations where contact can not be exactly conductive.

Figure 6-4 Example of Basic ESD Set-up of Test Bench

The standard defines several levels of test voltage, usually measured in kilovolts (kV). From low (2kV) to high (15kV or more). Key aspect of IEC 61000-4-2 includes the use of an ESD simulator (ESD gun) cable of delivering precise voltage pulses, and specifications for verification of the discharge waveform to make sure this meets strict timing and amplitude criteria. The purpose of this testing standard is to make sure that devices can withstand static discharges that can occur during handling, operation, or environmental changes without suffering malfunction or breakdown.

Figure 6-5 ESD Injection on TIDA-010261

For the ESD test, the EUT is tested with at least 20 discharges at each rating, 10 discharges each at a positive and negative polarity. Table 6-2 shows the results of the ESD tests.