ESD SP5.6 Human Metal Model (HMM) Component Level

This standard practice1 defines methods for generating and applying stress pulses as part of the evaluation of electrical component sensitivity to electrostatic discharge. The name Human Metal Model (HMM) is derived from the anticipated ESD stress that could be generated from a person holding a metal tool. The current pulse delivered to the component in this test is intentionally the same pulse as defined in the IEC 61000-4-2 testing method. Customers of IC manufacturers have begun requesting that ICs be evaluated for their ability to withstand the IEC 61000-4-2 stress pulses. However, because this IEC specification only describes testing a complete system, that specification cannot be directly applied to devices such as ICs and discrete components. This document provides IC manufacturers and IC customers with testing methods applicable to devices that utilize the current waveform of IEC 61000-4-2.

The technique described in this document is termed “Human Metal Model” testing to differentiate it from the system level IEC 61000-4-2 and from Human Body Model testing of integrated circuits, ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001. Many companies have developed their own testing techniques using IEC 61000-4-2 pulses from handheld gun generators for device and circuit design evaluation. This technique or practice is being utilized on products in packaged configurations. Development of the HMM Standard Practice is in response to the need of the industry for consistent testing methods.