In a message dated 4/22/2004 11:07:57 AM Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
Kevin, You actually have 2 seperate issues: 1. The verification (or calibration) of the ESD simulator which must be performed per the 61000-4-2 standard (either internally or externally). 2. The quality assurance checks per 17025 of the ESD Simulator and ESD setup. This could be the same as #1 if your organization has the internal capabilities to perform the verification. Different ESD simulators have different failure modes so you may wish to consult with the ESD Simulator manufacturer or check the User's manual to determine what is appropriate. Good Luck! Kurt Fischer From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Kevin Harris Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 8:51 AM To: EMC-PSTC ([email protected]) Subject: ESD Gun Verification between calibrations Dear Colleagues, We are in the process of moving some of the ESD testing we currently do (as pre-compliance to formal testing at an agency or test house) to formal testing under a laboratory accreditation program. In that regard, the issue of verification of the ESD gun's performance has come up between calibration cycles. Short of spending a lot of coin on a scope with a very fast one shot capture and running the formal calibration test as a method of periodic verification, does anyone have some suggestions for alternative methods that aren't so expensive but would still satisfy an accreditor as being a reasonable approach. Thanks Kind Regards, Kevin Harris Manager, Approvals Group Digital Security Controls 3301 Langstaff Road Concord, Ontario CANADA L4K 4L2 Tel: +1 905 760 3000 Ext. 2378 Fax +1 905 760 3020 Email: [email protected] Hi, Kurt indicates a big flaw in this whole thing. In the USA, Calibration = Validation They should NOT be the same. Validation should be a quick check, not a calibration. Why on earth would equipment be sent for cal in the first place, if the lab had to do it again periodically between calibrations. Dumb, but until the definition is changed, we are stuck with it. If a lab is being able to call a quick check validation by their accrediting body, this needs to be passed on to me: the one I am familiar with does not. Help me provide "objective evidence" so I can help drive consistent assessments. Cheers, Derek N. Walton Owner, L F Research EMI Design and Test Facility Poplar Grove, IL 61065
