The International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) developed a human body model (HBM) ESD event that would allow designers to design adequate protection into their electrostatic applications. The IEC defined the ESD discharge impulse with a rise time of less than 1 ns and decay time of 60 ns designated four levels of protection. IEC 61000-4-2 specifies HBMs up to 8 kV contact for ESD incursions that would be considered in portable equipment. IC protection with a Level 1 specification will become the secondary protection scheme where a primary protector is required against 8 kV impulses. It is therefore important to ensure that the IC or circuit being protected can support this peak voltage.