Atec Teseq-Schaffner-Best-Plus - Manual (Page 3)

BEST checks interference immunity by
injecting standard-calibrated burst pulses on to
power supply and data lines, and provides
functions to identify weak points.
BEST includes an ergonomically styled ÔpistolÕ
for the simulation of electrostatic discharges.
Like the other test pulses generated by BEST,
test parameters are set up and results are
automatically recorded on the bench-top unit.
BEST checks the equipment being tested with
these energy-rich pulses in a safe, controlled
procedure. Safety connectors and well-designed
interlock circuits protect the operator.
BEST needs no ancillary equipment to perform
these tests. Standard test conditions are
pre-programmed, and functional limits are
easily determined by simply entering particular
test values. For more demanding test scenarios,
an external variac can be used with BEST.
Burst
Burst, or fast transient, pulses are high frequency packets of
spikes that occur during switching operations on power lines
and which spread throughout the supply network. Modern
electronic devices running at ever faster speeds are
vulnerable, particularly if the PCB layout is poor. They tend to
react by functioning incorrectly and/or losing data.
ESD
Electrostatic discharges are familiar as, for example, a small
spark that occurs when a charged person touches a
conductive object. The effect is harmless to the human body,
but can be damaging to microprocessors and logic circuitry.
Surge
Surge pulses take the form of low frequency disturbances
which contain considerable energy. They occur in power
supply networks as a result of a lightning strike or when a
heavy load is switched off, for example. Input circuits and
power supplies for electronic instruments are particularly at
risk from being over-driven or over-loaded.
Transient
Transient power variations occur in the mains supply as,
voltage interruptions or dips, for example. In keeping with
the best engineering practice, and to conform with European
EMC regulations, items of equipment must behave
reasonably in the face of such disruptions.