Electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing is the process of testing a device’s resistance to electrostatic discharge. The purpose of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) testing is to determine the immunity or the ability of equipment to perform its intended function without permanent degradation of performance as a result of an ESD discharge. These static discharges come from human contact. Some factors that may contribute to an ESD event may be:

• low relative humidity;
• temperature, use of low conductivity (artificial fiber) carpets;
• vinyl seats and plastic structures that may exist within an aircraft.

The immunity to ESD pulses shall be determined by the ability of the equipment under test to withstand a series of ESD transients at a level of up to 15,000 volts. The discharges will be applied to areas where specific human contact will occur. ESD pulses will be applied at each location 10 times in the positive polarity and 10 times in the negative polarity. The selection of test points includes any conductive or non-conductive point on keyboards, switches, knobs, buttons, indicators, LED’s, seams, slots, grilles, connector shells, and any other operator-accessible areas. To perform ESD testing, the ESD generator shall be held perpendicular to the surface to which the pulse is being applied.

 Data Presentation: Test Log and Data Sheets are generated with a detailed description of ESD Testing and Pass/Fail test results. Data Sheets shall include the locations of the applied ESD pulses and the amplitude of the pulses. Equipment Log lists all used equipment. Current calibration information is provided. Photographs are taken of the test setup with the test sample bonded to the Ground Plane, with photos of the test in progress are assembled. All information can be provided in a Data Package or Test Report.