Electromagnetic interference signals are annoying and even troublesome for our electronic devices. To understand it in simple words, electromagnetic interference or EMI is the disturbance that hinders the operation of electronic devices. It is addressed as radio-frequency interference or RFI when dealing with radio frequency. These interferences cause disturbances that can degrade and limit the effectiveness of a circuit within the device. The EMI/RFI interference is of two types, Narrowband and Broadband. Both these interferences affect the electrical circuit, and industries must protect their equipment from these disturbances. For this reason, EMI/RFI shielding is used to limit the electromagnetic field in an area by blocking the fields with barriers.
In this process, a magnetic or conductive material is used as a barrier to cover electrical devices’ casings to limit disturbances from the outside environment. The shielding agents are normally acrylic-based sprays which are either painted or brushed-on coatings of electronic housings. These shields contain extremely pure metals such as copper, silver, and nickel to help eliminate the EMI/RFI interference.
It is becoming essential to protect our electronic devices from EMI/RFI in the present electronic age. However, it is equally important to make sure that your equipment isn’t doing interfering. It is necessary to properly manage the RFI and EMI shielding to ensure their functionality. To make sure that the shielding remains functional for a long time, here we have listed some useful tips for you.
Tips for proper EMI/RFI shielding
- One of the major concerns is eliminating the heat from components inside the EMI or RFI lids and covers. To solve the heat issue inside the shielding cans, ventilation holes along the top surfaces are useful. Moreover, high-power chips can be attached to the EMI/RFI cover before attaching the lid/cover to the circuit board to ensure proper thermal management. For best results, heat the lids to above 60 degrees Celsius before attachment.
- Shielding effectiveness depends on various factors. The purpose of shielding is to create a conductive layer surrounding the object you want to shield. People are often worried about fixing an EMI/RFI shielding leakage. To solve the issue of an EMI/RFI shielding leakage, treat it with a conductive caulk.
- There is a growing concern regarding shielding gaskets about the most cost-effective methods for covers of electrical devices. Most of the latest electronic equipment may need EMI gaskets to help avoid the radiation of frequency waves interfering with other electronic sources. In the case of RFI shielding, the problem of ineffective gaskets is often due to faulty installation. However, the RF gasket must be placed properly, and the surface of the gasket must be conductive, rigid, and recessed. In terms of material, the most cost-effective method is form-in-place gasket placing, although this is comparatively costly in manufacturing. In form-in-place EM/RFI shielding gasket, pre-form shaped-gaskets, with conductive pressure-sensitive adhesives as a high volume, can be used.
- Typically, the shielding layer will be made up of conductive sheets or layers of metal. A blackened mesh can be used for those who want to have a see-through window in their design.
With the increasing complexity of electronic devices/systems, the issue of electromagnetic interference has risen. EMI or RFI are emitted by various sources or are radiated through openings of any kind. Therefore, protecting as well as preventing electronics from causing interference has become very important. Various products like EMI shielding gaskets, conductive tapes, and more are used in various industries, such as military, aerospace, medical, fluid sealing, environmental, and microwave applications.
