Hello JC, I started a debate on the emc-pstc about this issue about a year ago. I am not sure if there is a consensus about this issue.
Some say: you shouldn't discharge to the pins, they would normally be covered by connector hoods anyway, and if not then the user should be instructed not to touch the pins. Also, it would be technically difficult to have pins of high speed signals ESD protected. Others say: in any case where pins would be exposed, you should test for ESD. My personal view: if some connectors would be normally not covered and there is a good chance they will be touched by the operator, use the commercially available low cost plastic "dust covers" during the test and in the product. This worked OK for us. In most cases it would be very difficult if not impossible to harden high speed pins to ESD. good luck moshe valdman EZRACH COMPUTERS [email protected] 972-3-5496369 972-52-941200
