Human body model electrostatic discharge tester using metal oxide semiconductor controlled thyristors

Abstract

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing for human body model tests is an essential part of the reliability evaluation of electronic/electrical devices and components. However, global environmental concerns have called for the need to replace the mercury-wetted relay switches, which have been used in ESD testers. Therefore, herein, we propose an ESD tester using metal oxide semiconductor-controlled thyristor (MCT) devices with a significantly higher rising rate of anode current (di/dt) characteristics. These MCTs, which have a breakdown voltage beyond 3000 V, were developed through an in-house foundry. As a replacement for the existing mercury relays, the proposed ESD tester with the developed MCT satisfies all the requirements stipulated in the JS-001 standard for conditions at or below 2000 V. Moreover, unlike traditional relays, the proposed ESD tester does not generate resonance; therefore, no additional circuitry is required for resonant removal. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed ESD tester is the first study to meet the JS-001 specification by applying a new switch instead of an existing mercury-wetted relay.

Keywords

• electrostatic discharge tester
• high rate of rising of anode current (di/dt)
• human body model
• mercury-wetted relay
• metal oxide semiconductor-controlled thyristor