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RF SHIELDING / FARADAY
A GUIDE TO RF SHIELDING AND EMI SHIELDING
Electromagnetic Protection
RF (RADIO FREQUENCY) SHIELDING - HOW DOES IT WORK?
RF Shielding (also known as "electromagnetic radiation" and "electromagnetic shielding") is the practice of mitigating electromagnetic threats in a specific space by blocking the field with barriers of conductive or magnetic materials.
These threats fall into two categories:
1) Radiated RFI, which is airborne and all around us
2) Conductive RFI, which transmits through AC waves
RF shielding is applied to enclosures to isolate electrical devices from undesired signals or damaging energy waves that come from outside. In the other direction, they also help to manage emanations that may interfere with other systems. When nothing is getting in and nothing is getting out, you have an RF shield in place.
Shielding reduces the coupling of radio waves, electromagnetic fields and electrostatic fields; all of which produce potential threats to electronic systems. The amount and effectiveness of the reduction depend very much on the material used, thickness of the shield material, size of the shielded volume and the frequency and strength of the electromagnetic threat.
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN RFI CAUSE?
RFI can lead to a wide range of problems with electrical devices. Problems to look out for include interference on phone lines, flicking computer monitors, problems with your wired and wireless computer network, and general issues with unreliability. The severity will determine whether the above is annoying or completely disruptive.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMI AND RFI?
RFI is technically a sub-category of EMI that only speaks to frequencies from electromagnetic radiation and conduction. EMI refers to all frequencies of electrical noise - more of a catchall term. However, despite the difference they are often used interchangeably.
WHAT IS A FARADAY CAGE?
RF interference testing is the use of RF shielding boxes or enclosures called Faraday cages, named after the inventor, Michael Faraday. These cages distribute electromagnetic radiation to the outer surface, ensuring that no charge ends up within the cage.
Much like an aeroplane struck by lightning, where the people and equipment within the plane are unaffected as the charge distributes along the outside shell of the plan.
These RF shielding devices also play important roles in data security and prevent interference to critical measurement and processing equipment.
If you're looking for RFI and EMI shielding products, you've come to the right place...
EMI/RFI SHIELDING, ALL ENVIRONMENT FARADAY CASES
If you need to protect electronics from incoming EMI/RFI or prevent the emission of electromagnetic radiation, at Underwater Kinetics (UK) we have developed our own unique Faraday cases to provide a simple solution.
Our RF shield cases are molded with a unique conductive resin formula that provides a high level of attenuation for electromagnetic radiation over a wide range of frequencies. Additionally the cases are o-ring sealed against dust and water and do not corrode.
UK FARADAY CASE FEATURES
• Carbon fibers -- with a patented vapour-deposited nickel coating embedded in a thermoplastic resin -- are injection molded into a lightweight conductive enclosure. The concept and development of this material and its use is the result of a partnership with Faraday Cases, world experts in EMP/RFI emissions control.
• Unlike traditional copper, aluminum or steel enclosures, the conductive plastic resin does not lose its shielding capability due to corrosion. The solid structure of the wall can not wear away. Copper-based conductive paint oxidizes and flakes off or gets scratched during use.
• Conductive o-ring gasket provides electrical continuity between the lid and base for electromagnetic shielding and at the same time guarantees IP67 sealing against dust and water.
• For many of the cases, instrument panel mounting rings can be solvent welded to the interior the case for custom instrumentation designs. Other custom plastic fixtures made from ABS or polycarbonate can be similarly attached.
• Pressure equalization valves are designed to be opened and closed only when it is safe. Continuous venting membranes can allow unwanted or corrosive gasses to enter during transportation.
• Meets MIL-STD-464: Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Requirements for Systems
NEED A HAND?
For more information contact us. Discussions based on secure or controlled information can be handled through Faraday Cases. You can also download the spec sheet below for more details.
BROWSE OUR FARADAY CASES
Underwater Kinetics can produce any of our UltraCases or Loadout Cases in an RF shielded material.
