ESD Entrypoints: Coaxial Cables Vs. Shielding Apertures

We study the effect of electrostatic discharge (ESD) on coaxial cable connections between different systems. These cables may be a very efficient entrypoint for unwanted ESD signals. The effect of an electrostatic discharge on the cable shielding is compared to the effect of indirect and direct ESD on the system shielding itself. To study the effect of the various pathways of ESD we use an FDTD algorithm. The disturbance induced in the inside of the cable is evaluated by using the transfer impedance of the cable shield.