June 2011

Doc ID 018527 Rev 1

1/9

AN3353

Application note

IEC 61000-4-2 standard testing

Introduction

This Application note is addressed to technical engineers and designers to explain how

STMicroelectronics protection devices are tested according to IEC 61000-4-2 standard.

This standard, describing testing and measurements techniques for electrostatic discharge

immunity, is dedicated to electrical and electronic equipment, and the way to apply it to

standalone electronics components may not be obvious.

Market environment

The IEC 61000-4-2 standard is commonly used to certify equipment such as mobile phones,

computers and any sensitive electronic equipment. Each of these devices has to be

protected against electrostatic discharges using components able to clamp and resist the

high voltages generated and defined by each standard level. The robustness of these

devices has to be checked and guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

This document provides responses to the following:

1.

Contact discharge or air discharge method?

2.

What about the IEC 61000-4-2 test bench?

3.

How do we test ESD in air discharge?

4.

How do we test ESD in contact discharge?

5.

How do we measure the clamping voltage?

www.st.com