I have a doubt regarding to Hi-pot tests and ESD protection. When a ESDS device is tested in this kind of test, there should exist ESD control strategies/items? For example, I have an e-motor device that has 2 connectors. 1 for High voltage tests and other one for low voltage test (it’s basically a signal control connector). The device will be tested, and both connectors will be used… I think that a voltage <35 V should be maintained on the connector pins (at least in the low voltage connector), but I don’t know if I’m correct.
I’m not the most experienced in hi-pot testing an ESDS device but I will try to answer your question.
I do know that personal safety comes first and that grounding personnel while doing the hi-pot testing would not be safe so this should not be done. You should ensure personnel grounding when placing the ESDS device at the testing station as well as when it is removed keeping in mind that you will want to make sure any residual charge from the hi-pot test have subsided. If there is any concern that charge may not dissipate quickly enough from the hi-pot test, you could use ionization before handling. You would also want to make sure the person doing the hi-pot test is careful to only contact the testing points.
To come back to this old topic as I found it high interestesting.
Hi-pot testing is really difficult when you must doing ESD protection. Both are aliens or even enemies.
First step ESDS as the part of DUT has to be protected during handling.
Second it is completely discharging all testing equipment before connection/onsertion of DUT.
Then in such environment the DUT can be put into test fixture/place.
The best is to use Automated Test Equipment (without operator inside), but if it is impossible - use proper insulative gloves for operator when the test is proceed. It is the time there safety plays the rule. No ESD protection.
Usage of ionization is dangerous, due to you have to test hi-pot (I mean when high volts are connected, you expect highest as possible resistance - but ions will do parallel conductor path to your pin under test).
I am impressed what happens to your ionizer when high volts are on. Maybe only few sparks will happen and ionizer is damaged this way. So, ionizer can produce a lot of troubles and must be carefully controlled. Switched off a lot of time before to decay all ions around.
The sense of the hi-pot test is to check insulation. High voltage must be connected only between two points, for example between power wire and ground wire to find if there is no insulation damage. Never use two tests in the same time, so the signal pin has to be absolutely flied out and never be connected to something else in the time. Next after hi-pot it is to discharge all by additional discharging resistance and when all are onto ground level, you can do next steps of testing, for example signal wire/pin. It shows the time to switch on ESD protection back
I hope it can help.
