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ESD Pulse Generator
Posted by Jon on 11/22/2005, 2:03 pm Anyway, this setup generates a spark of about 1/3 of an inch to ground return. OK, not bad but I need a lot more energy. So, I figure I need a capacitive discharge to dump a lot of coulombs quickly. However, ideally I'd also like to be able to maintain the arc as long as I want. Can you give me some safe and reliable circuit ideas? What I built is not giving me enough "juice" to re-create the problem. Thanks. Jon
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Re: ESD Pulse Generator
Posted by Bert Hickman on 11/24/2005, 9:25 pm, in reply to "ESD Pulse Generator" Hello Jon, You may be looking for somewhat conflicting objectives if you want to create a fast transient (a pulse generator) but also want to form and maintain an arc (perhaps a HV AC or DC source). Perhaps you could describe the failure mode you're trying to recreate - is it a problem of improper equipment operation due to noise pickup or actual damage to the equipment? Following are some ignition coil drivers that may work for your application. The more powerful versions use a relatively high voltage source (100-400 volts) to charge a small energy storage capacitor. The capacitor is then discharged through the LV side of a HV transformer (such as an ignition coil) through an SCR, TRIAC, or power transistor, generating a high voltage pulse. A simple driver can even be made using a 400-600 volt 1-3 uF oil foil-film capacitor (such as a "snubber cap" or "motor run" capacitor) in series with an inexpensive incandescent TRIAC or SCR lamp dimmer and an ignition coil. Be careful - many of the above approaches can generate relatively powerful high voltage pulses. Good luck and best regards, Bert
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