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TPD6F002: Testing the integrity of installed ESD protection devices.

Part Number: TPD6F002

What is the correct way to test an ESD protection device, in circuit, to insure that it has been installed correctly and has not been damaged by an ESD event?  Is it as simple as using the diode function of a DMM or is there a more sophisticated test setup that will correctly verify the device is installed and in good shape?  Thank you.

  • Hello Brent,

    A DMM will be useful only to verify a unidirectional protection device is connected properly.

    However, the proper way to go about this, is to curve trace the device (sweep voltage and measure current) to insure it is connected and not damaged.  You should see the protection device breakdown at its Vbr voltage. If it is unidirectional then it will only do this on 1 side of the diode, and bidirectional both sides will have this breakdown curve. 

    The breakdown curve should look like the one below (for bidirectional).

    Hope this helps,

    Please let me know if you have additional questions.
    Thank you,

    Erika