Classification of ESD Hand/Metal Current Waves Versus Approach Speed, Voltage, Electrode Geometry and Humidity

ESD current waves for both real and simulated discharges are actually quite repeatable, at any given voltage and with specific electrode geometries. With these two variables fixed, discharge current waves are typically dis­ tributed among just two or three distinctive wave types. The controlling variable in this situation is approach speed of the charged, intruding mass with respect to the electronic victim. Waves are given as a function of all three variables. The waves are shown to be almost independent of relative humidity, for the specific test conditions of the Investi­ gation.