ESD simulators are test instruments used to assess how electrical and electronic equipment responds to controlled electrostatic discharge events. They help manufacturers, engineers and laboratories evaluate whether a product continues operating, temporarily loses function or sustains damage during testing. Selecting the right voltage range depends on the applicable standard, discharge method, required test level and intended application.

Do You Need 16.5 kV or 30 kV ESD Simulators?

A 16.5 kV instrument may provide sufficient capacity for standard IEC 61000-4-2 testing, where Level 4 uses 15 kV for air discharge and 8 kV for contact discharge. The Australian Government’s National Measurement Institute also uses an electrical discharge simulator configured to IEC 61000-4-2 for direct and indirect testing.

A 30 kV model may be required for higher discharge voltages or engineering investigations beyond the usual IEC levels. For automotive testing, the ONYX 30 supports ISO 10605 and accepts interchangeable RC modules.

Compare the SESD 216, SESD 230, and ONYX 30

We supply three Schlöder ESD simulator options with different voltage ranges and testing capabilities. Comparing their air discharge, contact discharge, and supported standards helps prevent purchasing equipment that does not match the intended work.

• SESD 216: This model provides air discharge from ±0.2 kV to ±16.5 kV and contact discharge from ±0.2 kV to ±10 kV. It supports IEC 61000-4-2 testing and suits many routine product development, pre-compliance and quality assurance applications.
• SESD 230: The SESD 230 extends both air and contact discharge to 30 kV, starting from 0.5 kV. It is suited to IEC 61000-4-2 test programs requiring more voltage capacity, particularly where contact discharge must exceed the SESD 216 limit.
• ONYX 30: This model delivers air and contact discharge from 1 kV to 30 kV. It supports IEC 61000-4-2 and ISO 10605, with exchangeable RC modules, touchscreen operation, automated sequences and repetition rates of up to 20 Hz.

Specify the Complete ESD Test Setup with Westek Electronics

Maximum voltage is only one part of selecting a suitable instrument. A complete setup must reproduce the required discharge method and test arrangement while allowing the equipment under test to be monitored properly.

• Applicable standard: Confirm whether the project follows IEC 61000-4-2, ISO 10605 or a customer-specific requirement.
• Discharge method: Check the highest required voltage for both air and contact discharge rather than relying on one headline rating.
• RC network: Verify the required capacitance and resistance network, especially for automotive applications using ISO 10605.
• Test accessories: Allow for horizontal and vertical coupling plates, a reference ground plate, earthing equipment, probes and verification tools.
• Future scope: Consider whether upcoming automotive, laboratory or manufacturer-specific projects could require 30 kV capacity or interchangeable RC modules.

Get the Right ESD Simulator for Your Application

The right instrument should match the required standard, voltage range, discharge method and network rather than simply provide the highest possible output. Westek Electronics supplies 16.5 kV and 30 kV ESD simulators for IEC testing, with the ONYX 30 also supporting ISO 10605 automotive applications. Defining the complete test scope before ordering helps avoid unnecessary capacity or equipment that cannot perform the required procedure.

Check out our ESD simulator products and compare the available models for your testing requirements.

The post 16.5 kV vs 30 kV ESD Simulators: Match the Test Scope first appeared on Westek Electronics.