Is the +/-15kV HBM test comparable to the IEC61000-4-2 +/-15kV Air Gap discharge test?
They’re not even close. The HBM test uses a 100pF storage capacitor, and a 1.5k ohm current limiting discharge resistor, versus the 150pF and 330 ohm components for the IEC61000 test. This means the HBM test delivers less total energy, at a peak current that is nearly 80% lower (10A vs. 45A) than the IEC test current. Additionally, the IEC61000 test reaches the peak voltage 10 times faster (less time for protection circuitry to react), and discharges the total energy in less than half the time. Devices that pass only the +/-15kV HBM test usually require additional board level protection for the end equipment to meet the IEC61000 standard for European markets.
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