What Is EMI?
Electromagnetic interference (EMI), sometimes referred to as radio frequency interference (RFI), can be defined as a phenomenon where one electromagnetic field interferes with another, resulting in the distortion of one or both fields. Essentially, this means that EMI occurs when electromagnetic energy affects the functioning of an electronic device.
While EMI sources can be natural, most often the EMI source is man-made. Natural sources of EMI can be things such as solar flares or lightening. Man-made sources of EMI can be any electronic device or electrical system, but are more commonly cell phones, electric motors, wireless/RF energy, and radios, among others. While man-made EMI most often comes from another device, sometimes the EMI can be inherent, meaning that the electromagnetic emissions from a device disrupt its own functioning.
There are two general types of EMI: narrowband and broadband. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission, a narrowband electromagnetic disturbance has a bandwidth less than or equal to that of a particular measuring apparatus, receiver or susceptible device. Accordingly, a broadband disturbance is an electromagnetic disturbance which has a bandwidth greater than that of a particular measuring apparatus, receiver or susceptible device. Narrowband disturbances are typically caused by devices such as radios, TV stations, and mobile phones, while broadband disturbance are often caused by things such as electrical power lines.
Regardless of the type of EMI or its source, with the number of electronic and electrical devices in the world today, the potential for EMI is everywhere; if these radio waves or signals were tangible, it would be impossible to move from one end of your home to another without tripping. While many cases of EMI result in annoyance, like the static you hear between radio stations or your WIFI signal getting lost, there can also be dire consequences, such as life support systems losing power or airplanes crashing due to electrical catastrophe.
So, with the substantial number of potential EMI sources growing every day, it is important to take the right measures in making sure any device can function without disrupting or being disrupted by other devices in its given area. One of those measures is EMI shielding.
EMI Shielding Explained
EMI shielding essentially exists to protect the electronics of a device or system. In short, EMI shielding is a barrier that protects from electromagnetic interference, typically consisting of a metallic screen that absorbs interference transmitted through the air. The EMI shielding either surrounds the sensitive electronic components of a device in order to protect it from other devices, or it surrounds the transmitting electronics in a device in order to prevent emissions.
As a signal reaches your device, or is emitted from it, the EMI shield absorbs the signal, causing a current within its body, and a ground connection or a virtual ground plane absorbs this current. As an example, smartphones today are built of many intricate electronics that must work all at once in order for the phone to function, and EMI shielding prevents these intricate parts from reacting to random signals and waves that could have an adverse effect on the device.
There are many types of EMI shielding materials, with new materials getting introduced constantly. An experienced company, such as Com-Power, can help decide on the most effective shielding material to use for your product. Effective EMI shielding material typically consists of some type of metal, but can be found in various forms. Copper, steel, nickel, and aluminum are all common metals found in EMI shielding and it is common for engineers to use a combination of materials in order to build the best EMI shield for your specific product.
While it all contains metal in some variety, EMI shielding is pretty much everywhere today, and can be found in many forms. Window films are used in commercial buildings. Conductive rubbers are used to create EMI shielding gaskets to be used as a protective seal between two surfaces. EMI shielding foil is used to wrap around wires. Shielding tape is used to protect devices such as keyboards and electro-medical devices. EMI coatings are applied like paint to provide a space effective, lightweight EMI shield. No matter your EMI shielding needs, rest assured that there is an option that will work with your design.
As an expert in EMC, Com-Power has the experience to help your product succeed, and offers a three-year warranty on all test equipment.
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