For both tests (and EFT), we go from the lowest and step through to the
higest level specified by the standard or our customer. I have had
equipment pass a given voltage and fail at a lower voltage level, but I
have only seen this happen with ESD (not EFT or surge).
=======================================================
"Jim Hulbert" <hulbe...@pb.com> on 08/19/99 09:07:25 AM
Please respond to "Jim Hulbert" <hulbe...@pb.com>
To: emc-p...@ieee.org
cc: (bcc: Robert E. Heller/US-Corporate/3M/US)
Subject: EN50082-1:1997 & EN55024
Immunity test standards EN50082-1:1997 and EN 55024 call out the basic
standards
EN61000-4-2 and EN61000-4-5 for ESD and Surge.
EN61000-4-2, Section 5 starts out "The preferential range of test levels
for the
ESD test is given in table 1. Testing shall also be satisfied at the lower
levels given in table 1." EN61000-4-5, Section 5 contains similar
wording.
This is how we perform our compliance tests. We start at the lowest test
voltage levels from the respective tables and step up to the test levels
called
out in EN50082-1/ EN55024 (or higher, depending on our own in-house product
spec.)
However, I have noticed that some test labs go straight to the levels
called out
in EN 50082-1/EN55024 and skip testing at the lower levels. I believe this
approach is incorrect because it does not conform to the requirements of
the
basic standard and is simply not a complete test. As explained in
EN61000-4-5,
the non-linear current-voltage characteristics of the equipment under test
should be considered and the test voltage should therefore be increased by
steps
up to the test level specified in the product standard or test plan. The
same
rationale applies to ESD testing where current-voltage characteristics are
also
non-linear.
How do others approach these tests? Are we adding unnecessary test time by
starting at lower test voltages and stepping our way up or are the test
labs
that go straight to the maximum test levels overlooking an important aspect
of
the testing?
Jim Hulbert
Senior Engineer-EMC
Pitney Bowes
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