6 GHz time domain measurement of fast-transient events

Very wideband (6 GHz) measurements of the discharge current produced by a commercially available electrostatic discharge (ESD) generator are presented. The results are compared to similar measurements obtained using the IEC 801-2 measurement method (1GHz bandwidth). Under contact discharge conditions, the wideband results indicate a risetime seven times faster than that reported using the IEC method and a peak current amplitude at least four times greater. EM1 generated by a contact discharge is shown to be a more severe threat to high speed telecommunications equipment than is the EM1 generated by an air discharge.