Investigations into Methods to Stabilize the Spark in Air Discharge ESD

Abstract

In the interest of improving the reproducibility of air discharge during IEC 61000-4-2 ESD testing, different methods are investigated that reduce the variation of the spark current during air discharge. As the variation is caused by the interplay of the statistical time lag and the approach speed, methods are investigated that provide initial charge carriers for the avalanche initiation at the beginning of sparking. These methods include ionizers, cold plasma, humidity, exposure of the electrodes to UV light, different electrode materials, and surface shapes. Most of these methods reduce the variations of the spark currents. However, only some can be implemented during testing. The strongest effect was achieved by using cold plasma and by one surface material found in a gasket.

Meeting Name

2019 IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal and Power Integrity, EMC+SIPI 2019 (2019: Jul. 22-26, New Orleans, LA)

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Research Center/Lab(s)

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Laboratory

Comments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grants IIP-1440110

Keywords and Phrases

ESD; Measurements; Spark

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-153869199-1

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2019 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jul 2019

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