What is ISO 10605:2021?

ISO 10605:2021 is an international standard that specifies the test methods and procedures for evaluating the electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity of electrical and electronic equipment. It provides guidelines for creating reproducible and reliable test conditions to assess the immunity of equipment against ESD events. This article will delve into the key concepts, testing setup, and requirements stipulated by ISO 10605:2021.

The Importance of ESD Testing

Electrostatic discharge can cause catastrophic failures in electronic devices. The ever-increasing complexity and sensitivity of modern electronic equipment make them more vulnerable to ESD damage. To ensure that such devices can withstand real-world ESD events without malfunctioning or becoming permanently damaged, rigorous testing is necessary. ISO 10605:2021 plays a crucial role in establishing industry-wide testing standards, allowing manufacturers to evaluate their products' ESD immunity effectively.

Key Elements of ISO 10605:2021

ISO 10605:2021 defines various parameters and criteria for performing ESD tests, ensuring consistency across different laboratories and test facilities. The standard specifies test levels, which represent the peak voltage values and the associated energy delivered during an ESD event. These test levels range from 2 kV to 30 kV, covering a wide array of real-world ESD scenarios. Additionally, ISO 10605:2021 outlines the test setup requirements, including the usage of special discharge networks and coupling/decoupling devices.

Test Procedures and Performance Criteria

The standard outlines three basic test procedures: air discharge, contact discharge, and indirect discharge. Each procedure simulates a specific type of ESD event, such as a human body discharging into the device or a metal object making contact with it. ISO 10605:2021 also defines performance criteria, which determine whether a device passes or fails the test. These criteria evaluate parameters such as functionality, appearance, and safety of operation.