ESD Systems - Questions And Answers

What level of ESD immunity do I need to define for our products to ensure reliable operation above those of the existing CE marking requirements presently defined as 4kv contact discharge, and 8kv air discharge and tested to IEC801-2. Our products are telecomms related such as cordless telephones, with a metal charging contact and antenna on the handset and base (to which we test contact discharge), and are in a plastic enclosure (to which we test air discharge). The products are intended for the UK market, where they will be used in a domestic environment (nice thick carpets and dry air from central heating systems!). - Mark Lawson, Hong Kong

The level of immunity should be a factor of the most sensitive device within your product. If you are talking about the production of the product, then refer to the ESD Associations standards for protection. For immunity of the finished product to EMI or ESD, then there are other standards, some referenced above that may help you. ANSI C63.16-1993 is another recommendation, found from Global Engineering located in Englewood Colorado, USA.

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