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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