Before you can trust the results of your test, you must first test your tester. Calibration and verification are critical steps to ensure that the ESD pulses generated by the simulator are accurate and meet the strict requirements of the standard. This process happens on two levels: a comprehensive qualification and a quick daily check.

2.1 The Major Check-Up: Equipment Qualification

This is a deep and thorough test of the simulator’s performance. It is performed during the initial setup of the machine, after any repairs are made, and at a minimum of every 12 months. This qualification process verifies that the machine’s electrical waveform is correct at all voltage levels, using both the shorting wire and the 500 ohm resistor as test loads, though the 500 ohm load test is only specified at the 400V level. The required peak current values are summarized below.

2.2 The Daily Check: Waveform Verification

This is a much quicker check performed at the beginning of each work shift or any time the test setup (like the DUT socket) is changed. Its purpose is to confirm that the ESD waveform has not drifted and still meets the required specifications before you begin testing your devices for the day. This verification is typically performed by generating both positive and negative 400-volt pulses and checking them against the standard.

Once the tester is verified to be working perfectly, you are ready to proceed with testing the actual microcircuit.