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Transmission Line Pulse (TLP) is a measurement technique used in the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) arena

to characterize performance attributes of devices under ESD stresses. TLP is able to obtain current versus

voltage (I−V) curves in which each data point is obtained with a 100 ns long pulse, with currents up to 40 A.

TLP was first used in the ESD field to study human body model (HBM) in integrated circuits, but it is an

equally valid tool in the field of system level ESD. The applicability of TLP to system level ESD is illustrated

in Figure 1, which compares an 8 kV IEC 61000−4−2 current waveform with TLP current pulses of 8 and 16 A.

The current levels and time duration for the pulses are similar and the initial rise time for the TLP pulse is

comparable to the rise time of the IEC 61000−4−2’s initial current spike. This application note will give a

basic introduction to TLP measurements and explain the datasheet parameters extracted from TLP for

SDI Technology’s protection products.

Comparison of a CurrentWaveform of IEC 61000−4−2with TLP Pulses at 8 and 16 A.

The IEC 61000−4−2 ESD waveforms is true to the Standard and is shown here as captured on an oscilloscope.

The points A, B, and C show the points on the aveforms specified in IEC 61000−4−2.

Transmission Line Pulse (TLP) Version.

Transmission Line Pulse (TLP)

Comparison

Between 8 kV IEC

61000−4−2 and 8

A and 16 A TLP

Waveforms

SDA3011CDN