Impact of setup and pulse generator on automotive component ESD testing results

The setup and the pulse generator for automotive component ESD testing are defined in the standard ISO 10605. Usually the DUT is placed directly on a horizontal coupling plane (HCP) or on a dissipative mat and the ESD generator is discharged via the DUT pins applying different charging voltages. The variance of test results in automotive ESD testing is high and one can not be sure if the components are save from ESD failure during lifecycle. Newer grounding concepts and the more frequent use of dielectric housings may affect the testing results further. The influence of setup is analysed in this document considering 3 different cases. ESD failure mechanisms often can be referred to cable discharges with very short rise times. To consider such threats often the transmission line pulser (TLP) is discussed as an alternative testing device. The impact of TLP testing, where cables or wires are discharged, is compared to standard ESD testing devices.