Fields on the horizontal coupling plane excited by direct ESD and discharges to the vertical coupling plane

Abstract

Field levels in indirect electrostatic discharge (ESD) test setups are hardly known yet. It has been proposed to ANSI and IEC to use a horizontal simulator position instead of a vertical position in indirect ESD testing. This paper shows the field values on the horizontal coupling plane for different excitations and grounding topologies and questions if the goal of the change – a reduction of the simulator influence – will be achieved. Also, investigations dealing with the sensitivity of digital devices to impulsive fields are presented.