How do you measure ESD signals?

[LauraCx]

How do you measure ESD signals?

0. Summary

This article answers some Frequently Asked Questions about how to measure an ESD signal and qualify the efficiency of the protection. 

1. How do you measure ESD signals? Do you use scopes?

We use a high bandwidth, high sample rate oscilloscope on 50Ω with 40dB external input attenuation. See STMicroelectronics AN3353 .

2. How to qualify the efficiency of an ESD protection ?

The best parameter to qualify the efficiency of an ESD protection is the clamping voltage, for example, if your 30 kV ESD diode has a poor clamping voltage it means your application will be more sensitive to transient voltages.
ESD robustness higher than 8 kV has to be taken into account only if your application requires it like in automotive standard ISO10605.