Recent Product ESD and Immunity Developments

The proliferation of a wide range of RF disturbances caused by high-powered broadcast transmitters, nearby micro-processor-controlled information technology equipment, and recently mobile cellular radio communications have been placing pressure on manufacturers to increase the immunity of their products. Of special concern is the increasing vulnerability of products to the adverse impact of electrostatic discharge. Various mains lines and signal lines have many different transient disturbances which also create product performance degradation. Even the US military are reviewing their susceptibility perspectives for strategic and tactical systems. We view all of the above disturbances as part of a system of immunity concerns which need to be addressed. It is especially important to discuss product immunity since the EC EMC Directive will require a minimum level of immunity to RF disturbances before products can be marketed in the EC. This session will look at various aspects of product immunity including, under the topic of electrostatic discharge, the: 1. Measurement of the human body charge developed when walking 2. Nature and recent survey of discharges from office furniture, and 3. Improvements in general ESD testing techniques.