RF shields are critical in a wide range of industries. They can help devices perform optimally and prevent interference from outside sources. However, there are multiple materials and manufacturing processes to consider when designing a shield. It is important to choose the right one to avoid costly and time-consuming errors during production.
Some of the most common RF shielding materials are flexible synthetic elastomers such as silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, EPDM, and neoprene. These are lightweight, versatile, and offer resistance to ozone, UV rays, oxidation, weathering, and other environmental factors. Conductive fabrics are another option for RF shielding. They can be woven with either fabric substrates combined with metals or just pure metals.
Electric Vehicles
EVs rely on electric motors that release RF signals to move, which can cause interference with the onboard navigation and WiFi systems. RF shields prevent those signals from escaping and block them from entering enclosures where they could cause damage or malfunction.
RF shielding is also important for the telecommunications industry, as well as medical devices such as MRI scanners. Without protection, RF signals can garble and interrupt communications, which can be dangerous for people trying to communicate over long distances or even within an enclosed space.
RF shields are usually made from metal or conductive fabric materials that absorb and reflect the incoming electromagnetic waves, preventing them from reaching sensitive circuits. The permeability and conductivity of these materials are key, and they can be customized to meet specific design requirements. In addition to the use of RF shielding materials, engineers should consider the manufacturability of the design and work with an experienced manufacturing partner to ensure that it can be produced in a timely manner.
Telecommunications
In order to relay radio signals across thousands of miles of air and even space, telecommunications devices must be well-protected against interfering man-made RFI that could garble messages or prevent devices from connecting to the network. EVs, in particular, use electric motors that release RF signals. Fortunately, these signals can be blocked using RF shielding.
These signal-blocking solutions can be made from metals like copper, aluminum or conductive polymers or a combination of materials such as conductive fabric and a metallic coating. Conductive fabrics are flexible and easy to install, while RF shields made from copper or other metals are more durable and cost-effective.
While manmade sources of RF interference are common, natural sources can also cause devices to malfunction. That’s why RF shielding is a key consideration in a wide variety of industries, from bustling cities to remote mountain peaks. When designing your next electronic device, make sure you have an experienced manufacturing partner who understands the importance of RF shielding.
Medical Devices
RF shielding is critical for medical devices because it protects them from electrical, magnetic or radio frequency interference. This helps prevent device malfunction or anomaly and thereby improves patient safety, reducing healthcare costs.
EMI shielding works by using conductive metals to create barriers that block or reflect unwanted electromagnetic signals. These shields are designed with varying thicknesses, electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability depending on their application. Copper is typically used because it has a high electrical conductivity and can effectively absorb and redirect electric signals. It also has a low reluctance path for magnetic fluxes, allowing it to repel the magnetic component of RFI.
When choosing an RF shield manufacturer, you want one with a track record of success and expertise. Look for certifications like ISO 9001 and AS9100 to demonstrate their commitment to quality. You also want a partner that offers a comprehensive suite of services from design to prototype to production. This eliminates the need to manage multiple vendors, saves time and money and minimizes miscommunications.
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