Circuit Modeling and Simulation of the ESD Generator for Various Tested Equipment According to the IEC 61000-4-2

Abstract

The existing IEC Standard for Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) contains a general and simplified circuit for the generator that produces ESD discharges, without entering into details. The present work tries to fill this gap and proposes a circuit which will generate the ESD current in the limits that the current Standard defines. Two circuit models are examined through simulations with SPICE software, with the one to be the most suitable. This circuit model is also examined for various loads that simulate the Equipment under Test (EUT) and useful conclusions derive up to what type and size of equipment can be safely tested by ESD generators so that the test results are reliable.