Time-domain characterization of the EFT/burst and ESD measuring systems

The scope here is to describe a time-domain measurement technique capable to characterize the measuring systems used for the calibration of the electrical fast transient/burst generator and the electrostatic discharge gun. The technique is based on the use of the convolution integral between the measured step response of the measuring system and the theoretical standard impulse waveform. The distortion operated by the measurement system is directly quantified in terms of the critical parameters of the impulse waveform (rise-time, peak and width). The fundamental assumption for the validity of the proposed technique is that the waveform applied at the input of the measuring system does not differ too much from the standard theoretical waveform. In particular, the generator under calibration must comply with the relevant standards requirements. The electrical circuit of a generator providing a step of adequate amplitude and rise-time for implementing the proposed technique is described. Experimental results are also presented.