For quick and reliable electrostatic discharge tests, ATEC can match you with an ESD gun rental at a wide range of affordable rates from top manufacturers like Teseq, Haefely, and EM Test.
ATEC's ESD simulators are capable of testing to many standards, including IEC 61000-4-2, ISO 10605, MIL-STD-461G CS118, RTCA/DO-160 Section 25, and more. For one that can test to all of those, the Haefely ONYX 30 is our recommended pick.
ESD is the first step of conducted immunity testing and involves simulating an electrostatic discharge from a source such as the human body or another device to ensure they will not damage the device under test (DUT). Learn more about ESD testing.
What is an ESD Simulator Gun?
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) simulator, or ESD gun, is a handheld device that tests for immunity to electrostatic discharge in devices and electronic systems. Testing with an ESD simulator is vital for device safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
The ESD gun recreates an electrostatic discharge in a non-destructive test. The pulse from an ESD gun has a high voltage and current to simulate electrostatic discharge from one of three sources: the human body, a charged device, or another machine. All three are common sources of static electricity and can damage the DUT, even posing a safety risk to the user.
The Benefits of ESD Guns
An ESD gun rental can produce a high-voltage ESD without posing any risk to the device. The test is also fairly simplistic and cost-effective, as opposed to other areas of EMC testing.
When objects with different charges come in contact with one another, they can create and store static electricity. When released, that static causes an electrostatic discharge on any nearby object with a low impedance. An integrated circuit or electrical component can be damaged by a charge of just 10 volts and an ESD can release well over 1,000 volts. Over time, multiple ESD events can severely damage or destroy those electrical devices.
Choosing the Right ESD Gun Rental
As there are different kinds of electrostatic discharges, there are various ESD guns to simulate those events. Before choosing an ESD simulator rental, consider these specifications and options:
Voltage
To meet the IEC 61000-4-2 standard, a device will need to handle ESD testing at a specific voltage. ESD simulator rentals are available up to various kilovolts to help with those test standards. Before renting, ensure the device offers the correct voltage to meet your test standard.
Contact Discharge and Air Discharge
An ESD gun can offer two testing methods: contact discharge and air discharge. The preferred method, contact discharge, requires physical contact between the simulator and DUT as the discharge occurs. Air discharge places the ESD gun near the DUT during the discharge event, although not physically touching.
To meet test standards, voltage during an air discharge will need to double the volts used in a contact discharge. The ESD simulator rental should meet the voltage needs for both tests.
Human Body Model (HBM), Charged Device Model (CDM), or Machine Model (MM)
An electrostatic discharge can come from an endless amount of sources. While it's impossible to test for every kind of discharge, modern ESD guns offer various test models to simulate the most common ESD events.
The most common ESD test is the Human Body Model (HBM). The HBM simulates the static charge created and stored by the human body. Humans build an electrostatic charge as we move, resulting in an electrostatic discharge.
The Charged Device Model (CDM) simulates discharge often caused in manufacturing. For machines that are always on, an integrated circuit will build up a static charge over time. Once the device comes in contact with a ground conductor, a rapid discharge with a very high current occurs. The CDM ESD test most resembles a common discharge in real-world events.
Similar to an HBM ESD, the Machine Model (MM) test simulates a discharge from automated and industrial manufacturing machines. MM ESD tests resemble a charge that is created and stored on metal equipment or tools. After machines are turned on, they may store a charge, then discharge on an electrical component upon contact.