Virtual ESD testing of automotive electronic systems

ESD events can cause numerous destruction effects in automotive electronic circuits. A prediction of ESD stress on system level is difficult and numerous iteration loops in the development process are necessary to fulfill the demands of automotive customers. A concept for system level ESD simulation is presented to predict robustness against ESD. Independent models of the different system components were developed and implemented, in order to build up a simulation process chain focused on ESD protection demands. The simulation method was characterized and compared with real measurements.