The physical arrangement of the test environment is as critical as the electrical parameters themselves. A correctly configured setup, centered around a ground reference plane, is essential to simulate real-world conditions and prevent extraneous variables from corrupting the test results.

3.1 Test Apparatus

The following equipment is required to perform the tests outlined in this protocol:

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Generator
• Equipment Under Test (EUT)
• Auxiliary Instrumentation (for monitoring and energizing the EUT)
• Ground Reference Plane (GRP)
• Insulating Support

3.2 Discharge Generator Specifications

The ESD generator must conform to the following key characteristics to ensure compliance with the standard:

• Energy storage capacitance (Cs + Cd): 150 pF ± 10%
• Discharge resistance (Rd): 330 Ω ± 10%
• Charging resistance (Rc): between 50 MΩ and 100 MΩ
• Output voltage tolerance: ±5 %
• Output voltage range (Contact): up to 8 kV (nominal)
• Output voltage range (Air): up to 15 kV (nominal)
• Polarity of the output voltage: positive and negative
• Holding time: at least 5 s
• Mode of operation: single discharge

3.3 Physical Test Arrangement

The physical test setup must be assembled according to the following step-by-step instructions:

1. Establish the Ground Reference Plane (GRP): A Ground Reference Plane (e.g., copper or aluminium of at least 0.25 mm thickness, though other metallic materials may be used) must be provided on the floor of the laboratory or on a work bench. Its minimum size shall be 1 m², and it must project beyond the EUT by at least 0.5 m on all sides. The GRP must be connected to the protective ground system.
2. Position the EUT: Place the EUT on an insulating support of at least 0.1 m thickness, which is, in turn, placed on the GRP. If the EUT’s case or chassis is designed to be earthed in its final installation, it must be connected to the GRP as specified (e.g., via a copper strap of at least 20 mm width).
3. Arrange Interconnecting Cables: All cables connecting the various parts of the equipment must be kept at a distance of at least 0.1 m from the GRP.
4. Ensure Proper Clearance: The EUT and its cabling must be kept at a distance of at least 1 m from laboratory walls and other metallic structures to prevent unintended coupling.
5. Connect the Discharge Generator: The generator’s discharge return cable must be earthed via a direct connection to the GRP. The total length of this return cable should generally be 2 m.

Once the test setup is complete and verified, the test procedure may commence.