Comparing Cable Discharge Events to IEC 61000-4-2 or ISO 10605 Discharges

Cable Model (CM) discharge events can cause serious ESD damages. Especially during the automotive production process, when numerous cables are connected to electronic devices. Here exists a potential risk for electronic devices. Typical cable discharges occurring in the automotive production environment are investigated and characterized. Possible charging effects of the wiring harness were identified. Discharge shapes depending on automotive wiring harness configurations were classified. Modelling of the cable parameters was done and cable discharge events were simulated. The simulation results were verified with measurements. Possible impacts on affected electronic control units were identified and a comparison between ISO/IEC electrostatic discharges and cable discharges was drawn.