Numerical modeling of ESD-simulators

ESD generators are widely used for testing the robustness of electronic equipment against human electrostatic discharge via small metal pieces (e.g. key). Presently the IEC 61000-4-2 ESD standard is hotly discussed to improve test result reproducibility. This paper numerically analyzes an ESD simulator and relates its construction parameters to discharge current and field parameters. It uses FDTD method and models the relay (contact mode discharge) as a material with time dependent conductivity. The process is broken down into a charging phase and a stabilization phase until the electrostatic conditions are reached. Then the conductivity of the relay is changed and the discharge process is simulated. A self-developed code is used to simulate the model. The simulation discharge current, measured ESD simulator's current and IEC reference discharge current are compared. Some design choices of the generator are simulated.