Electrostatic Discharge Immunity Testing
Electrostatic discharge is the most common immunity test applied to electronic and electrical equipment. Whether you are developing a commercial product to IEC 61000-4-2, qualifying automotive electronics to ISO 10605, or testing equipment for defence or avionics applications, your ESD simulator needs to be accurate, reliable and correctly calibrated for the standard you are working to.
Laplace supplies the EMC Partner ESDEX series, a range of modular handheld ESD generators covering industrial, automotive, defence and avionics standards from a single instrument platform. Available in 8 kV, 16 kV and 30 kV versions with exchangeable RC networks, the ESDEX is designed and manufactured by EMC Partner AG in Switzerland. We chose EMC Partner for their reliability, product availability and responsive European support, all of which matter when your testing programme depends on your equipment being ready when you need it.
Each ESDEX generator is supplied with factory calibration as standard, with accredited ISO/IEC 17025 calibration available through EMC Partner AG’s Swiss Calibration Service accreditation (SCS No. 146), recognised internationally through the ILAC framework.
Who Uses ESD Immunity Testing Equipment
Product Development Engineers
Pre-compliance ESD testing during development catches immunity problems before they become costly compliance failures at the test lab.
EMC Test Laboratories
A calibrated, modular ESD generator covering multiple standards reduces the number of instruments a lab needs to maintain while keeping tests fully traceable.
Automotive and Avionics Suppliers
ISO 10605 and RTCA DO-160 Section 25 requirements extend beyond the commercial standard. The ESDEX handles both from a single generator body with the appropriate RC network fitted.
Defence and Military Programmes
MIL-STD-461 CS118 ESD testing for military vehicle systems, communications equipment and electronics is covered within the ESDEX platform without requiring a separate instrument.
Why the ESDEX
One Platform, Multiple Standards
Exchangeable RC networks mean the ESDEX covers IEC 61000-4-2, ISO 10605, MIL-STD-461 CS118 and RTCA DO-160 Section 25 from a single generator body. Automatic network recognition means the instrument configures itself correctly when a network is fitted. You add capability as your testing requirements grow without replacing the base unit.
Designed for Extended Use
The ESDEX is built around a precisely engineered balance point and ergonomic grip, reducing fatigue during long test sessions. A 4-inch capacitive touchscreen with programmable side buttons minimises the need to interrupt testing to navigate menus. The integrated rechargeable battery delivers more than 13 hours of typical operation, with USB-C fast charging reaching 80% in 80 minutes.
Traceable Calibration
Each ESDEX is supplied with factory calibration as standard. Accredited ISO/IEC 17025 calibration is available through EMC Partner AG’s Swiss Calibration Service accreditation (SCS No. 146), recognised worldwide through ILAC. This gives you confidence that your test results are defensible and comparable across labs and audit scenarios.
Smart Operation and Reporting
Test reports can be generated directly on the instrument and exported in PDF, CSV or HTML format via USB-C or SD card. User-defined test setups, sequence testing and a step-by-step test assistant (ESDEX-TESTSUITE option) are all available through the touchscreen interface. Free firmware updates are provided for the life of the instrument.
ESDEX Models
The ESDEX series is available in three voltage variants. All three share the same ergonomic platform and touchscreen interface; the differences are in voltage range, RC network flexibility and available features.
| Feature | ESDEX 8 | ESDEX 16 | ESDEX 30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage range | 2-8 kV | 0.2-16 kV | 0.2-30 kV |
| RC networks | 150 pF / 330 Ω | Exchangeable | Exchangeable |
| Upgradeable | No | Yes, to 30 kV | No |
| Programmable side buttons | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tip LED | No | Yes | Yes |
| Standard test library | No | IEC 61000-4-2 / ISO 10605 | IEC 61000-4-2 / ISO 10605 |
| Sequence mode | No | Up to 2 steps (30 with TESTSUITE) | Up to 2 steps (30 with TESTSUITE) |
| Self-check option | No | Optional | Optional |
| Typical use | R&D and pre-compliance testing to IEC 61000-4-2 | Full compliance testing across commercial, automotive and avionics standards, with upgrade path to 30 kV | Full ISO 10605 voltage range, OEM automotive specifications above 16 kV, larger test laboratories requiring maximum flexibility |
Which Model Is Right for Your Application
If your testing covers IEC 61000-4-2 commercial and industrial compliance, RTCA DO-160 Section 25 avionics, or ISO 10605 automotive testing within the standard voltage range, the ESDEX 16 covers all of those requirements with room to expand. Its upgrade path to 30 kV means you are not locked in if your requirements change.
If you are testing automotive components to the full ISO 10605 voltage range, or working to OEM automotive specifications such as GMW 3097 or Ford AB/AC that require test voltages above 16 kV, the ESDEX 30 is the right starting point.
The ESDEX 8 is suited to R&D and pre-compliance work where a fixed IEC 61000-4-2 network at up to 8 kV covers the requirement and simplicity of operation is the priority.
Standards Coverage
The ESDEX RC network system is designed around specific test standards. The table below shows the available networks and the standards they support.
| Network | RC Values | Max Voltage | Compatible Models | Primary Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NW-C150R330 (-B) | 150 pF / 330 Ω | 30 kV AD and CD | ESDEX 8, 16, 30 | IEC 61000-4-2, ISO 10605, MIL-STD-461 CS118 |
| NW-C200R50 (-B) | 200 pF / 50 Ω | 16 kV AD and CD | ESDEX 16, 30 | IEC 61000-4-2 (Wearables) |
| NW-C150R2000 (-B) | 150 pF / 2000 Ω | 30 kV AD and CD | ESDEX 16, 30 | ISO 10605 |
| NW-C330R2000 (-B) | 330 pF / 2000 Ω | 30 kV AD and CD | ESDEX 16, 30 | ISO 10605, GMW 3097 |
| NW-C330R330 (-B) | 330 pF / 330 Ω | 30 kV AD and CD | ESDEX 16, 30 | ISO 10605, GMW 3097 |
RC networks are available with or without bleed-off function (suffix -B). A fast rise time variant of the 150 pF / 330 Ω network is also available for the ESDEX 16 and 30.
Technical Specifications
| Output and Discharge | |
| Voltage range | 2-8 kV (ESDEX 8), 0.2-16 kV (ESDEX 16), 0.2-30 kV (ESDEX 30) |
| Voltage accuracy | +/-5% |
| Voltage steps | 1 V |
| Discharge polarity | Positive, negative or alternating |
| Discharge modes | Contact discharge (CD), air discharge (AD), fire mode |
| Repetition rate (CD) | 0.05 s to 900 s |
| Fire mode (AD) | 0.002 s to 30 s (up to 500 Hz) |
| Trigger mode | Manual or automatic |
| Discharge counter | 1 to 99,999 |
| Holding time | 5 seconds minimum |
| Voltage threshold | 10% to 90%, freely selectable |
| Automatic RC recognition | Yes |
| Physical and Power | |
| Display | 4-inch capacitive colour touchscreen |
| Power supply | 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Battery | Integrated rechargeable Li-Ion, 2900 mAh |
| Battery life (standard) | 13+ hours typical operation |
| Battery life (BATTPACK-4C) | 26 hours typical operation (optional) |
| Charging port | USB-C |
| Charging time (10% to 80%) | 80 minutes |
| Dimensions | 255 x 247 x 89.2 mm |
| Weight | ~1.38 kg |
| Operating temperature | 15-35°C |
| Humidity | 30-60% non-condensing |
| Air pressure | 86-106 kPa |
| Carrying case | 432 x 320 x 80 mm |
| Memory | Micro SD card (4 GB minimum) |
| Included as Standard |
| Rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack |
| Mains adapter and USB-C charging cable |
| Selected RC network(s) |
| 3 discharge tips (round, sharp, ellipse) |
| Ground cable 2 m |
| SD card |
| Robust carrying case |
| USB stick with user manual |
| Calibration certificate |
Accessories
A full range of accessories supports specific test setups and standards requirements. Key items include:
| Accessory | Description |
|---|---|
| ESD-TARGET | Gold-plated current target for ESD generator calibration to IEC 61000-4-2, rated to 30 kV CD |
| ESD-VERI-TARGET | Verification adapter for ESD-TARGET calibration, gold-plated, N-type male connector |
| ESD-VERI-V | DC voltage measurement adapter for ESD generator verification, 0-32 kV range |
| ESDEX-STAND | Carbon fibre tripod stand for testing and calibration to IEC 61000-4-2 and ISO 10605, adjustable 149-1390 mm |
| ESDEX-GND-SUPPORT | Return cable pullback support for waveform verification to IEC 61000-4-2 |
| ESD-VCP50 | Vertical coupling plane for indirect discharge testing to IEC 61000-4-2, 500 x 500 mm |
| ESD-HCP-AUTO | Automated horizontal coupling plane to ISO 10605 Annex F |
| ESDEX-H-FIELD | 120 mm magnetic field loop for indirect ESD application |
| ESDEX-E-FIELD | Electric field plate for static induction and weak-point analysis, rated to 30 kV |
| ESDEX-BATTPACK-4C | Extended capacity battery pack (6.9 Ah), providing up to 26 hours of typical operation |
For further technical detail on the ESDEX series, including full RC network specifications and accessory datasheets, visit the EMC Partner ESDEX product page.
Speak to Us About ESD Testing
Not sure which ESDEX model or RC network configuration you need for your application, or want to discuss your full ESD testing setup? Get in touch and we will help you work out the right solution.