ASTM F1812-15

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
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Designation: F1812 − 09 F1812 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Effectiveness of Membrane Switch ESD
ShieldingEffect of an ESD Discharge on a Membrane Switch
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or Printed Electronic Device
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1812; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method is used to determine the electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding effectiveness of a membrane switch
assembly. assembly or printed electronic device. This test method may be used to test a membrane switch or printed electronic
device to destruction, that is, to determine its maximum ESD shielding effectiveness, or it may be used to test the ability of a
membrane switch or printed electronic device to withstand a predetermined level of exposure.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 discharge pulse count—number of applied discharges.
2.1.2 discharge pulse interval—time duration between applied voltage.
2.1.3 ESD (electrostatic discharge) event—detection of applied charge at input/output (I/O) points.
2.1.4 I/O points—specified conductive area, location, or circuitry, typically all circuit paths, traces and wires.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 Nearly all electronic devices are susceptible to possible damage or degradation from ESD encountered in their operating
environments. The sensitivity of the equipment, the potential consequences of a malfunction, and the expected environmental
conditions all impact the level of ESD protection needed.
3.2 ESD shielding effectiveness test may be destructive, and units that have been tested should be considered unreliable for
future use.
4. Interferences
4.1 The following parameters may affect the results of this test:
4.1.1 Temperature may affect the tendency of an ESD event to occur,
4.1.2 Relative humidity may affect the tendency of an ESD event to occur,
4.1.3 Barometric pressure may affect the tendency of an ESD event to occur, and
4.1.4 The composition of the work bench may influence the test results.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Discharge Probe.
5.2 ESD Simulator—Commercially available device for applying required or specified voltages, monitoring for ESD event and
selecting various voltage levels, and probes for contact or air discharge.
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 on Electronics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.18 on Membrane SwitchesPrinted
Electronics.
Current edition approved June 15, 2009June 1, 2015. Published August 2009July 2015. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 20022009 as
F1812-02.-09. DOI: 10.1520/F1812-09.10.1520/F1812-15.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F1812 − 15
6. Procedure: Direct Application of Discharge
6.1 Pretest Setup:
6.1.1 Place switch on a nonconductive surface, or as specified.
6.1.2 If applicable, connect the ESD shield, ground trace, or ground plane to earth ground.
6.1.3 Connect all circuitry pin inputs or outputs to the ESD generating device’s ground.
6.1.4 Ambient laboratory conditions to be within:
6.1.4.1 Relative humidity 30 to 60 %,
6.1.4.2 Temperature 15 to 35°C, and
6.1.4.3 Atmospheric pressure 680 to 1060 mbar or otherwise specified.
6.2 In Process:
6.2.1 Accumulation of charge on the membrane switch or printed electronic device must be dissipated between successive tests.
6.2.2 Set the initial voltage level to 2Kv. Set discharge pulse interval as specified.
6.2.3 Place discharge tip perpendicular, and in contact, with switch surface at the specified point.
6.2.4 Trigger the ESD discharge and monitor.
6.2.5 Check the ESD discharge event to I/O points.
6.2.6 If no ESD event occurs, discharge accumulated voltage on surface to earth ground.
6.2.7 Reset and increase test voltage to next level in accordance
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