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| Simulation of the behaviour of a PCB spark gap |
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| marc1996:
Hello, I'm doing an University project about PCB Spark gaps. My question is: Someone know if there is any software to simulate electrostatic discharges? thanks |
| T3sl4co1l:
There are a few SPICE models for gas discharge phenomena. It's not very useful given the complexity of plasma physics, and the extreme variation in practice (breakdown voltage depends on electrode shape, rate of voltage rise, ambient temperature and humidity, UV light or other sources of ionization, surface contamination (adsorbed substances, and dust), and past history, especially where substrate breakdown occurs (carbon tracking). In short, what would you aim to learn from a simulation, that you can't determine from a pad-and-pen approach? Tim |
| marc1996:
--- Quote from: T3sl4co1l on August 01, 2018, 11:02:00 am ---There are a few SPICE models for gas discharge phenomena. It's not very useful given the complexity of plasma physics, and the extreme variation in practice (breakdown voltage depends on electrode shape, rate of voltage rise, ambient temperature and humidity, UV light or other sources of ionization, surface contamination (adsorbed substances, and dust), and past history, especially where substrate breakdown occurs (carbon tracking). In short, what would you aim to learn from a simulation, that you can't determine from a pad-and-pen approach? Tim --- End quote --- Just wanted to test different electrode /spark gap shapes, test how they could distribute the energy that is supposed to be dissipated, how can affect in temperature issues... Also, the spark gap should be basically for the connection process and not much more. I don't need a really long life protector because the pcb won't get that much ESD's. |
| T3sl4co1l:
Oh, okay. Then you need a multiphysics E&M and plasma simulator. https://xkcd.com/1425/ relevant ;) Tim |
| marc1996:
--- Quote from: T3sl4co1l on August 02, 2018, 10:19:09 am ---Oh, okay. Then you need a multiphysics E&M and plasma simulator. https://xkcd.com/1425/ relevant ;) Tim --- End quote --- Thank you Tim, I have tried that before but, I can not simulate exactly the current waveform that I want with those softwares. Do you know if there is any multiphysics software where you can implement electronic components? Because I want to simulate the IEC-61000-4-2 test and there is an equivalent circuit that generates the same current wave. |
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