Electrostatic Discharge Gun: A Critical Tool for Evaluating ESD Immunity of Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Abstract
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) generated by human bodies or between objects poses significant risks to electrical and electronic equipment, potentially causing malfunctions or permanent damage. To ensure the reliability of such equipment, evaluating their ESD immunity is essential. The electrostatic discharge gun, as a core testing device, simulates real-world ESD events to assess equipment performance under specified voltage conditions. This paper focuses on the LISUN ESD61000-2 series electrostatic discharge guns, detailing their working principles, technical specifications, calibration data, and applications. It highlights how these devices adhere to international standards to ensure the comparability and reproducibility of ESD tests, providing a comprehensive reference for researchers and engineers in the field of electrical and electronic product testing.

1. Introduction
In daily operations, static electricity accumulation on human bodies or objects can lead to sudden electrostatic discharge when in contact with electrical and electronic equipment. This discharge, characterized by high voltage and short duration, may interfere with internal circuits, causing temporary failures (e.g., system crashes) or permanent damage (e.g., component burnout). According to IEC 61000-4-2, the international standard for ESD immunity testing, evaluating a device’s ability to withstand such discharges is mandatory for market access.

The electrostatic discharge gun is designed to replicate these ESD events in a controlled laboratory environment. By generating precise electrostatic voltages and discharge currents, it enables quantitative assessment of equipment immunity. Among the leading devices in this field is the LISUN ESD61000-2 series, which has been widely used for over a decade, demonstrating reliability and compliance with global standards. This paper explores the LISUN ESD61000-2 series as a representative example to illustrate the role and technical characteristics of the electrostatic discharge gun.

2. Working Principle of the Electrostatic Discharge Gun
The electrostatic discharge gun operates by storing electrical charge in a capacitor and releasing it rapidly through a resistive network to simulate ESD events. Key components include:
• A high-voltage power supply to generate specified electrostatic voltages.
• A discharge capacitor (typically 150pF or 330pF) and resistor (330Ω or 2000Ω) to shape the discharge current waveform, ensuring compliance with standards like IEC 61000-4-2.
Discharge tips for two main test modes:
Contact discharge: Directly touching the equipment surface, suitable for conductive or dissipative materials.
Air discharge: Discharging through air breakdown, used for insulating surfaces.
• The discharge process produces a current pulse with a fast rise time (0.6–1ns), mimicking real-world ESD characteristics. The gun’s ability to control voltage polarity (positive, negative, or automatic switching) and discharge frequency further enhances its versatility in simulating diverse scenarios.

ESD61000-2_Electrostatic Discharge Simulator

3. Technical Specifications of LISUN ESD61000-2 Series Electrostatic Discharge Guns
The LISUN ESD61000-2 series includes three models: ESD61000-2, ESD61000-2A, and ESD61000-2C. Table 1 summarizes their core technical parameters, highlighting their adaptability to different testing requirements.
Table 1: Technical Specifications of LISUN ESD61000-2 Series Electrostatic Discharge Guns

4. Calibration Data and Performance Validation
To ensure test accuracy, the electrostatic discharge gun must undergo rigorous calibration. Table 2 presents calibration data for the LISUN ESD61000-2 series, verifying key parameters such as peak current and rise time under different output voltages, in accordance with ISO 17025 and CNAS standards.
Table 2: Calibration Data of LISUN ESD61000-2 Series (Partial Results)

The data confirms that the discharge current waveform meets IEC 61000-4-2 requirements, ensuring consistent and reliable test results.

5. Applications and Supporting Equipment
The LISUN ESD61000-2 series electrostatic discharge gun is widely used for ESD immunity testing of electrical and electronic equipment, including consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones, laptops), industrial controls, and automotive electronics. Its maximum voltage of 30kV (ESD61000-2A/2C) covers the most stringent standard requirements (e.g., IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 air discharge at 15kV).
To enhance testing efficiency, LISUN offers complementary equipment:
• ESD-DESK: A test desk compliant with ISO 10605 and IEC 61000-4-2, including a test table, grounding plates, and coupling plates to simulate real-world environments.
• ESD-CALA: A calibration set with targets and attenuators for on-site verification of the electrostatic discharge gun’s performance.
• ESD-FCP: Field coupling plates and discharge islands for advanced testing per ISO 10605:2023, used with ESD61000-2C for complex ESD scenarios.

6. Conclusion
The electrostatic discharge gun is indispensable for evaluating the ESD immunity of electrical and electronic equipment. The LISUN ESD61000-2 series, with its precise voltage control, compliance with international standards, and versatile testing modes, provides a robust solution for reliable ESD testing. Its long-term market presence and comprehensive after-sales support (e.g., FAQs and technical updates) further solidify its position as a trusted tool in the industry.

By using such advanced electrostatic discharge guns, manufacturers can ensure their products meet global safety standards, reducing the risk of ESD-related failures and enhancing user confidence.

References
• IEC 61000-4-2: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques – Electrostatic discharge immunity test.
• ISO 10605: Road vehicles – Electrical disturbances from electrostatic discharge.
• LISUN Group. ESD61000-2 Electrostatic Discharge Simulator. https://www.lisungroup.com/products/emi-and-emc-test-system/electrostatic-discharge-simulator.html.