Product category:
Compliance Engineering
News Release from: Schaffner | Subject: NSG 438
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 21 June 2002
Upgraded ESD pistol exceeds all the
standards
The NSG 438 ESD simulation system from Schaffner generates standards-conformant discharge pulses of 200V to 30kV, in both air discharge and contact discharge operation.
The NSG 438 ESD simulation system from Schaffner generates standards-conformant discharge pulses of 200V to 30kV, in both air discharge and contact discharge operation The new instrument fulfils the requirements of all known ESD commercial, telecomms, military and automotive standards including IEC, ANSI, SAE, ISO and MIL
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 5 Dec 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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Simulation of electrostatic discharges is a crucial test requirement to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic equipment.
Legislated test standards call for elevated pulse voltages of up to 25kV.
Furthermore, individual manufacturers' test procedures pursue the severest degree of testing in order to determine and to raise the interference immunity limits of products and systems.
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The NSG 438 is a portable user-friendly system designed to satisfy all these needs and those of next-generation legislation.
A full range of parameter setting possibilities, such as polarity, pulse repetition, counter functions and breakdown detection, remains fully available up to the maximum discharge voltage setting.
The new system's ergonomic pistol shape ensures natural handling, with control elements, operating conditions and touch-panel display always in view of the operator.
The system features preloaded standard tests, user test program memory, safety interlock and emergency shut down.
IEC61000-4-2 and the automotive standard ISO10605 are preprogrammed, ensuring that the correct settings are made automatically.
The system also checks that the correct discharge network is inserted.
Other combinations of standard settings can be downloaded via the PC interface according to need.
The complete set of test conditions can be called up on the display at any time.
Test probes can be readily exchanged by a turn and various networks can be simply pushed into place.
Probes and discharge networks are coded and generate an error indication in the event of incorrect usage with a defined test.
Fulfilling the requirements of every pertinent ESD standard, the basic model is type approved and calibrated in conformity with IEC/EN61000-4-2.
Virtually any other application can be accommodated through the use of special networks.
The instruments can be delivered with individual calibration certificates from an accredited laboratory.
A number of industry specialists are working on a revision to the existing ESD standards and have sent recommendations for consideration to the ANSI and IEC.
The proposals concern both a more precise definition of the calibration methods as well as a tightening of the specifications pertaining to the pulse parameters themselves.
The NSG 438 system already meets these proposed requirements - which will require faster rise times, smoother waveforms, defined pulses at 30/60ns and increasingly elaborate pulse calibration methods.
By detecting the occurrence of a discharge, the system prevents the counter, or preselection counter, from delivering confusing information.
This is a useful advantage in long-term test runs.
The detector threshold for a valid discharge can be adjusted to suit the application.
In the case of air discharges the effective pulse voltage present at the moment of the discharge is measured and shown on the display.
Irritating errors through stray discharges are consequently avoided.
A special function for alternative interference immunity tests is provided in the form of a random generator controlled statistical pulse triggering facility which can be programmed in either pulse or time mode.
Beyond mains operation, a handy battery mode provides optimal autonomy and freedom of operation. Request a free brochure from Schaffner ...
(This was Electronicstalk's Top Story on 20 June 2002).
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