Dynamic Range, Signal Integrity, and ESD Pulses

Figure 1: Use your oscilloscope's full vertical range to
take full advantage of the ADC's resolution

Having considered the impact of sampling rate on ESD pulse measurements, let's now turn our attention to dynamic range and signal integrity. No matter what oscilloscope you use, it's important to make the most of the instrument's full vertical range to achieve maximum accuracy.

How Does Sampling Rate Affect ESD Pulse Measurements?

Figure 1: Characterization of an ESD pulse's rise time
depends largely on the oscilloscope's sampling rate

In continuing our look at ESD/EMC pulse measurements, it would be useful to consider how sampling rate figures into the equation. What sort of sampling rate makes sense to use for capturing an ESD pulse? The answer to that question depends primarily on your pulse's rise time.

Why IEEE's Pulse Definitions and ESD Pulses Don't Mix

Figure 1: The IEEE's pulse definitions, which don't fit
the bill for measuring ESD pulses

The IEEE's pulse definitions, found in the organization's Std 181-2011 that covers transitions, pulses, and related waveforms, set the bar for how pulse measurements are determined. These definitions, which are in the DNA of all oscilloscopes, are just the thing for measuring repetitive pulses such as clock signals but not so much for ESD/EMC measurement requirements. In this post, we'll discuss why that is and what you should do differently for measuring ESD pulses.