Spark Gaps...

Oct 11, 2005 2 Replies
L

I'm dealing with ESD for automotive applications. Some truck drivers are loving that flurry seat covers in winter that builds up tons of Kilovolts...



I'm trying to find some reliable information about spark gap design. Although is not the thing, it cost nothing to implement on a PCB.



Along with other protections, it helps to keep cost down.



And with some I/O's we cannot add high resistors values to limit current spikes...



But I'm also wandering if it's good practice in automotive environment where we often have high humidity conditions.



Any ideas or suggestions?



Thank's!



Louis.


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S

How about using a punched hole for the gap? That way you don't need to worry about tracking.

I think the main utility of a spark gap would be to keep the peak voltage low enough that it doesn't jump over or around the conventional components that you'll need to handle the ESD event.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

"it\'s the network..." "The Journey is the reward" speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
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J

The experienced automotive OEM electronics designer knows all about ESD and technical requirements.

Often companies like General Motors and Ford etc - often thow a automotive ESD specification at the designers that they must adhere to.

There are a large number of ESD parts which can be fitted at the supply , inputs and outputs to protect electronic boards.

The trick is to know which silicon technology is cheep and effective in this area.

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Google is your friend.

JG

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