Tests with different IEC801.2 ESD simulators have different results depending on product sensitivities

Electrostatic discharge simulators, (ESD), from different manufacturers yield different results while testing products to the same standard, IEC801-2 (1991). Several different ESD simulators were used to illustrate the different results that can be obtained. All the ESD simulators complied with the IEC801-2 (1991) contact discharge pulse calibration requirements when tested with a 1 GHz oscilloscope. Two products used met the performance requirements with at least one of the simulators, but failed with others. Furthermore, variances of greater than 4:1 where experienced in the testing. The paper discusses the two following results: (A) with an Hewlett-Packard 2 GHz single-shot digitizing oscilloscope and a 1.2 GHz low pass filter the high frequency differences between the ESD simulators are shown; (B) with an HP 2 GHz digitizing oscilloscope and a Barth TEM horn antenna, it is shown that differences in the radiated field from different simulators exists. If the IEC standard specifies the events and methods of measurement more rigorously, ESD simulators from different manufacturers would perform the same. Unfortunately, the radiated fields methods of measurement and performance are completely unspecified and different