Hold out your hand. Wave it. You felt nothing more than the slight movement of the air, right? You may not realize it, but you very likely just waved your hand through electromagnetic and radio frequency disturbances. If you were an unprotected electronic device, you would have felt it.
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Our world is filled with invisible signals flying through the air and moving along conductive surfaces. As we create more electronic devices, we generate more of these signals. And electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) become even more common.
The problem? EMI and RFI can interfere with electronic devices, disrupting their functions or leaving them useless. Fortunately, this is a problem we can solve. The solution is EMI/RFI shielding.
Modus Advanced didn’t write the book on EMI/RFI shielding, but we did write the definitive guide. Check it out.
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Read the Complete EMI Shielding Guide
Let’s begin with a simple definition:
What is EMI/RFI shielding?
EMI/RFI shielding is the process of reducing interference from external electromagnetic signals that can disrupt the function of electronic devices. Engineers and designers create effective EMI/RFI shields by selecting materials that attenuate electromagnetic signal strength and placing them around the sensitive areas of the device. This is usually done in the form of a gasket or similar seal.
That’s the simplified answer, but there’s a lot more to know about this concept. Read on.
Over the years, the Modus team has received a lot of questions from customers about EMI/RFI shielding. These questions tend to go a lot further than the simple, “What is EMI/RFI shielding?” There’s plenty to ask, and we have plenty of answers. We’ve answered a few of the most common questions below.
You may see the terms EMI and RFI used interchangeably, but that’s not entirely accurate. Think of the difference between EMI and RFI like the difference between dogs and golden retrievers.
All golden retrievers are dogs, but not all dogs are golden retrievers. Similarly, all RFI is EMI, but not all EMI is RFI. The distinction here is about the frequency of the interfering signal. Any frequency that can cause electrical interference is EMI, but RFI refers only to signals that fall into the frequency range used for radio transmissions — usually somewhere between a few kilohertz and 30 megahertz.
Any material that attenuates a disruptive electromagnetic signal can be considered an EMI/RFI shield, but the shielding materials used in electronic devices are typically some kind of metal. In EMI/RFI shielding gaskets, the most common shielding materials are as follows:
In gaskets, these materials are usually a “filler” inside a base material, which is typically made from silicone or fluorosilicone. When electromagnetic emissions reach the gaskets that contain these filler materials, the signals are reflected or absorbed.
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By attenuating electromagnetic signals before they reach critical components of electronic devices, EMI/RFI shields can prevent everything from minor crackling in telecommunications broadcasts to deadly malfunctions in aircraft safety equipment. When left unmitigated, external electromagnetic signals can disrupt the essential functions of electronic devices.
For example, medical equipment that monitors patients may have its monitoring capabilities disrupted by an errant signal. Electromagnetic signals can also erase or damage data in all kinds of electronic equipment. Even satellites in space need to be shielded from EMI/RFI in order to function properly.
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What is EMI/RFI shielding protecting devices from, exactly? In the modern world, the answer is almost everything.
Cell phones, microwaves, cell networks, ignitions, power lines, and computer circuits are just a few examples of human-caused EMI and RFI. But then, you have to consider the natural causes of these disruptive signals, with auroras, solar flares and lightning being some of the most common examples.
Nearly any industry that uses or produces electronic devices that are susceptible to electromagnetic interference can benefit from EMI/RFI shielding. The following are some of the industries that rely on EMI/RFI shielding most heavily:
Each of the above industries has a direct interest in reducing interference from external signals, with the potential complications ranging from low-quality audio transmissions to total failure of a rail control system.
Shielding devices from EMI and RFI is only going to become more important with time. Designing effective EMI/RFI gaskets and other parts is already an enormous consideration for any device, and it’s going to stay that way.
At Modus Advanced, we’re prepared for that. Our team of manufacturing experts and engineers is dedicated to supporting you throughout the design process — from idea to ignition — to make sure your device meets every last specification, effective shielding included.
With so many people relying on the apps on their phones, glitches can feel like the end of the world.
Devices shielded from outside signals are less likely to experience sudden runtime problems.
When working with sensitive technology, it’s necessary to take design precautions against signal interference. In the past, Strouse has built EMI shielding components for cars, computers, and more.
Today, you’ll learn how shielding your components from signal interference reduces the number of technology malfunctions and otherwise benefits you.
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Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) are caused by signals emitted from technology or weather phenomena. These signals can disturb device systems and cause problems with their functionality.
While EMI is born from short-range, high-pitched interference emitting from the devices, RFI comes from the same spectrum but refers to longer wavelengths from external sources.
EMI and RFI can be as simple as one device preventing another electronic device from properly operating. For example, an electronic watch could inadvertently alter the volume on your TV.
In more severe cases, poorly designed consumer electronics that forgo RFI and EMI shielding can even endanger users or bystanders.
Proper EMI and RFI shielding is crucial for many applications. Today, you’ll see the benefits so you can plan and execute the perfect design.
The effects of radio frequency interference and electromagnetic interference can cause unpredictable and non-repeatable degradation of instrument performance and accuracy, and even cause complete instrument failure.
Complete instrument failure can result in reduced production efficiency, increased return dollars, plant shutdowns, and sometimes dangerous safety hazards.
Putting in the work by testing samples or taking other precautions during product development will ensure the product meets proper EMI shielding standards.
It can be challenging to alter a pre-existing design, mainly when the number of layers in a device is already limited, with tight margins. However, bolstering the shielding capabilities of a design might be critical for reducing performance issues.
Improving a device’s resistance towards EMI could eliminate signal errors and improve its functionality. It can also reduce the EMI emitted by the device, preventing issues with surrounding technology.
EMI and RFI shielding designs aren’t always lightweight, and reducing weight to keep consumer electronics devices at minimalist sizes can be a challenge for engineers.
Some solutions, like EMI enclosures, are often heavier, bulkier metal boxes unsuited for transportable devices or lightweight applications. Proper shielding techniques mean choosing the correct material, such as a thin foil instead of a solid metal cage.
In addition, an experienced converter will build your design with the application in mind and create foil tapes in custom lengths, widths, thicknesses, sizes, shapes, and formats based on your needs.
The best EMI shielding material depends on many factors, not limited to your product's base materials and function.
Common EMI shielding materials include plated steel, copper, tin, and aluminum. However, your design’s function will determine the material that works best.
For example, many EMI shielding tapes are built with high conductivity in mind and use conductive adhesive on top of plated foil backings added for electrical interference protection.
Using the wrong material runs the risk of device failure, and it could be challenging to cut and process depending on the device tolerances. Properly sourced materials and the right design and placement will shield EMI and RFI to prevent adverse effects.
Where do you start looking? Get your design evaluated for EMI shielding material recommendations.
Precisely cut EMI and RFI shielding materials can perform shielding functions within tight tolerance devices.
One fast-growing application of shielding technology is within electric vehicles. EV batteries are full of interconnected modules, and the vehicle’s other systems emit signals simultaneously.
With electric vehicle systems such as collision avoidance radars growing in popularity, no one wants to risk the chance of signal interference causing accidents.
Another advanced solution involves the many shielding precautions added to printed circuit boards. Sensitive technology requires PCBs with built-in, anti-EMI solutions. A “ground plane” protects the system by serving as a PCB EMI shield and by containing any interference from the board.
Lastly, EMI gaskets are commonly used in medical devices to avoid disturbances caused by the other pieces of technology inhabiting the same space.
Shielding your components means placing the right material in the correct position and ensuring proper coverage.
Once you enter production, your converter will send you hundreds, thousands, or even millions of parts. To avoid the possibility of faulty devices, you’ll want to test your material and design before entering into mass production.
You could even test sample parts within the device so you know you’ve successfully dealt with the interference.
Interference is a real cause for concern when designing consumer electronics.
To know more about EMI and RFI shielding solutions, check out the information above or see more applications in our Learning Center.
Originally published: May 10,
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