Seeking Surge Protection for Switch and Motherboard

  • Thread starter Thread starter temujin
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Protection Switch
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the need for surge protection between a switch and a motherboard after experiencing a reboot during an ESD test. Participants explore various components and methods for protecting electronic systems from voltage spikes, particularly in the context of ESD immunity and EMC compliance.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes experiencing a reboot of their system during an ESD test with what they initially stated as 8000kV, seeking suggestions for surge protection components.
  • Another participant suggests using a relay, opto-coupler, or galvanic isolator, and emphasizes the need for components capable of handling high voltage without arcing.
  • A third participant corrects the voltage to 8kV, noting that it is a standard reliability test and suggests researching EMC compliance techniques for ESD immunity.
  • A participant mentions switching to a higher-rated switch due to time constraints, implying a change in approach to mitigate the issue.
  • One participant proposes a Metal Oxide Varistor as a potential solution, while another notes that it was ineffective in their case.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best approach to surge protection, with no consensus reached on a specific solution. There are differing views on the effectiveness of suggested components and methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need for components that can handle high voltage and discuss the importance of EMC compliance, indicating that the topic is complex and may require further research and consideration of specific design techniques.

temujin
Messages
46
Reaction score
1
Hi,

I have a switch connected to a motherboard.
During ESD test with 8000kV (directly on the switch) the ESD spike caused my system to reboot, and I need some kind of surge protection betwee nthe switch and motherboard.

I am not sure what I need to look for?
Can anyone suggest a component I can use? I need to put spikes to ground but I´m not sure about other specifications.


regards
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I'd probably use a relay, or opto-coupler, or galvanic isolator. Actually, if you really are using 8 MV (!) you should be using a contactor or vacuum switch, something that's meant to handle that sort of voltage without arcing (assuming you have any current behind your voltage). You're lucky your system just reboots, and that you haven't burnt anything out (yet).
 
temujin said:
Hi,

I have a switch connected to a motherboard.
During ESD test with 8000kV (directly on the switch) the ESD spike caused my system to reboot, and I need some kind of surge protection betwee nthe switch and motherboard.

I am not sure what I need to look for?
Can anyone suggest a component I can use? I need to put spikes to ground but I´m not sure about other specifications.


regards

Pretty sure that's a typo, and temunjin meant 8kV. 8kV "contact" discharge is a pretty standard reliability/immunity test, as is 15kV "air" discharge.

temunjin, there are a number of standard techniques for designing for EMC compliance, which includes ESD immunity. The subject is too big to address very well in just this thread, so here are some suggested initial sources of information that you should read. Once you've done some background reading, please feel free to post follow-up questions here.

[1] "Protection of Electronic Circuits from Overvoltages", by Standler.


[2] "ESD Immunity in System Designs, System Field Experiences and Effects of PWB Layout", by Smith and Nakauchi:

http://emcesd.com/pdf/eos00-w.pdf

.
 
Perfect timing! Thanks berkeman.
 
Thanks for the tips and links.

...and yes, I meant 8kV (not 8000kv).


The pdf you (berkman) linked was interesting, but due to tight time frames right now I have changed the switch for one with a higher rating. Hopefully it will work.

t.
 
a simple Metal Oxide Varistor, maybe?
 
Proton Soup said:
a simple Metal Oxide Varistor, maybe?

was my first thought as well, but it had no effect...

t.
 

Similar threads

CE Mark Surge Testing: Protecting Wireless Products
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High-energy LC oscillatory discharge: what kind of switch?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Bidirectional current switching with single type transistor
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
Will this circuit protect my MOSFET from ESD?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K
How can I reroute multiple signals from a 4 pin connector using a relay switch?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
7K
Seeking Advice on Proximity Magnetic Switch Use
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Motorcycle starter safety circuit
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Switching between parallel and series connections (solar)
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
Novice question about Relays, Capacitors, and Diodes
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
How to Choose TVS Diodes for ESD Protection?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K