ESD: transient fields, arc simulation and rise time limit

ESD is simulated by the combination of arc resistance laws and a method of moment algorithm. Simulated results are backed up by quantitative near-field measurement on model structures, real equipment and IEC 1000-4-2 ESD simulators. It is shown that the arc resistance law by Rompe and Weizel and an electron avalanche model can be applied in ESD simulations. Other arc resistance laws fail. Disturbances by ESD are dominated by the arc length, not directly by voltage. Arc length is controlled by voltage, speed of approach and time lag. For approaching objects ultimately field emission initiates sparking if the breakdown has not been initiated earlier by other processes. The onset of field emission can be calculated by evaluation of the Fowler-Nordheim equation. Using the resulting minimal arc length and an arc model a lower rise time limit of approx. 20 ps can be calculated.