Posted by vanguard on | Comments Off on The Advantages of Electromagnetic Shielding, Including Silicone EMI Shielding Gaskets, in Electric Vehicles
By: Merima Trako, Program Manager, Shielding And Thermal Composites, Vanguard Products Corporation
Electric vehicles (EVs) are shaping transportation’s future. One crucial aspect that deserves attention is electromagnetic shielding of the electrical systems within EVs. This may mean including silicone EMI shielding gaskets in the critical design areas. This sophisticated shielding technique, specifically with high-temperature and reliable silicone gaskets, plays a vital role in ensuring electric vehicles’ seamless operation while providing numerous benefits.
Application Challenges:
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) refers to the disturbance caused by electromagnetic radiation from various sources. Electric vehicles generate EMI from power electronics, control systems, electric motors, and charging systems. Silicone EMI shielding gaskets act as a barrier to both the environment and extraneous signals, effectively containing and reducing EMI levels, preventing potential interference with sensitive electronic components. The incorporation of silicone EMI shielding gaskets ensures optimal performance of electric vehicles without compromising their intricate systems.
Efficiency is a fundamental characteristic of electric vehicles. Unshielded electromagnetic fields can induce eddy currents, leading to energy losses and reduced efficiency. Silicone EMI shielding gaskets, when applied strategically, can effectively mitigate these unwanted currents, resulting in improved energy efficiency. By reducing energy losses, users can achieve extended driving range, reduced power consumption, and enhanced overall vehicle performance.
Safety is paramount in electric vehicle design and operation. There is a great deal of controversy on the effect of high frequency radiation on the human body. Regardless of the validity of the concerns, EMI shielding safeguards passengers from any potential harm to the human body due to electromagnetic radiation from the vehicle. Silicone gaskets function as a protective barrier, containing and redirecting electromagnetic radiation away from the passenger compartment. This shielding mechanism significantly reduces electromagnetic exposure, ensuring a safe and secure environment for vehicle occupants.
Another safety issue that EMI shielding gaskets address relates to signal integrity. Electric vehicles rely on various communication systems, including wireless connectivity, GPS, and sensor networks, for seamless operation. Unshielded electromagnetic radiation can interfere with these signals, leading to degraded performance and compromised data accuracy. Electromagnetic shielding, with silicone gaskets ensures reliable communication channels within critical systems. Silicone EMI gaskets effectively block and redirect electromagnetic interference, enabling uninterrupted signal transmission thus facilitating vehicle systems smooth and error free functioning.
As the electric vehicle industry evolves, regulatory standards have been put in place to ensure safety and reliability. Electromagnetic shielding, with the use of silicone gaskets, is a crucial aspect of meeting these compliance requirements. Electric vehicle manufacturers can incorporate effective shielding measures, including silicone gaskets, to adhere to international electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. By doing so, they guarantee that their products conform to established regulations and ensure vehicle electromagnetic integrity.
Solutions:
EMI shielding systems that incorporate the use of shielding gaskets are going to be an indispensable feature in the design and development of EVs. With its ability to minimize electromagnetic interference, enhance vehicle efficiency, ensure passenger safety, prevent signal interference, and achieve regulatory compliance, silicone gaskets may play a vital role in EV performance and reliability. As technology continues to advance, the continued integration and improvement of electromagnetic shielding techniques, including the use of silicone gaskets, may contribute to the sustainable growth and widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Vanguard Products Corporation, with its innovative Ultra-Vanshield conductive product line, is ready to partner with EV transportation companies in helping them achieve their signal security and energy efficiency goals. Our proprietary method of layering conductive material with a non-conductive silicone matrix is the future of EMI shielding, ensuring reliability and sustainability of EVs’ performance.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt many types of electronic devices and equipment we use to communicate. For this reason, it’s important to limit EMI as much as possible and to contain it by using EMI shielding products. EMI can come from cordless phones, fluorescent lights, television sets, electric tools, computers, cell phones, and more. Digital devices such as power circuits, especially those that convert DC current into AC current, can also emit EMI.
In the Netherlands, VERON (the Netherlands national Amateur Radio society) has had many problems with EMI being emitted from residential solar panels. Although there are regulations regarding solar panels in the European Union (EU), only about 33 percent of solar installations met the regulations during 2014. These emissions cause strong interference which can cover a large range of VERON’s spectrum.
There are four main ways to reduce noise from EMI: shielding, filtering, cancellation, and suppression. Filtering, cancellation, and suppression are most often addressed by dealing with EMI that is carried into the system through cables and wiring. Filtering can be used by putting capacitors across signal lines or wiring them to the ground. Cancellation is simply twisting wire pairs which in effect means the wire noises will cancel each other out. Suppression is oftentimes the most effective way of lowering EMI in cables and wiring. It works by molding ceramic into the shape or size needed which allow the EMI to be converted to heat into a core made of ferrite. Once this happens the EMI begins to dissipate.
EMI shielding can be achieved by construction of a metal Faraday cage around the electronics. In order to allow for access to the electronics within the Faraday cage, conductive gaskets are most often used at the seams and access points, and this is where Vanguard’s Ultra-Vanshield EMI gaskets can provide a unique dual function solution for both weather and EMI shielding. Their unique construction and materials perform in extreme cold and heat, and are mechanically forgiving.
At Vanguard, we manufacture shielding products which are designed to protect sensitive electronic systems. We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility and our custom fabricated line can be used for all types of telecom base stations, computers, high speed electronics, automotive control systems, avionics, solar systems, and more. We are able to customize products for our customers worldwide at a reasonable cost. Shielding products range in size from 0.010 to 3” in cross section. We also offer a wide range of finishing services.
To learn more about Vanguard and our products, we invite you to read our blog, follow us on Twitter, and connect with us on LinkedIn. To find out how we can help shield your products, we invite you to speak to a representative about your needs.
Today’s law enforcement agencies make use of a variety of high-tech equipment on a day-to-day basis. In addition to the well-known equipment officers carry, they also make use of electrical devices such as body cameras, breathalyzers, communications equipment, emergency respirators, and thermal imaging cameras, among many others.
In critical law enforcement scenarios, this electrical equipment must meet two main requirements. First, it must be rugged and safe for use in all types of weather conditions and challenging situational environments. Second, it needs to be protected from potential disturbances, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), to ensure proper functioning at all times.
Understanding EMI
The electromagnetic spectrum — the collective term for the range and scope of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation and their associated wavelengths — ranges from gamma radiation, which has the shortest photon wavelengths, to radio waves, which have the longest wavelengths, with visible and infrared light in the middle. EMI occurs when any of these waves interfere with the functioning of a piece of equipment; RFI is also classified as a type of EMI, wherein only waves within the radio wave frequencies cause the interference.
EMI can be caused by a number of sources, both natural and manmade. Natural sources include fluctuations in the earth’s natural magnetic field, lightning, and solar magnetic storms; manmade sources include interference from computer circuitry, arc welders, and certain types of electric motors. On a larger scale, transportation infrastructure — like the high-voltage contact switching and third rails required on many subways and railways — can also generate EMI.
For law enforcement workers, EMI can have serious, even life-threatening effects. For instance, it can garble radio communications, which can be disastrous if an officer is radioing for backup. EMI can also cause infrared camera malfunctioning, which can hamper tracking efforts, as well as body cam interference, which can result in fuzzy or distorted footage.
EMI Shielding Solutions From Vanguard
With over 40 years of experience designing, engineering, and manufacturing elastomeric products, Vanguard Products Corp. is proud to specialize in EMI shielding solutions, helping to ensure optimal performance of law enforcement equipment — and optimal safety for law enforcement workers.
Made of the highest-quality silicone and fluorosilicone, our EMI shielding gaskets come standard in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and can also be custom designed for special applications and requirements.
Many of our EMI shielding gaskets meet stringent MIL-DTL-83528 military specifications. Vanguard is a registered manufacturer with the United States Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance, Compliance and Registration Division, in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Part 122, so you can rest assured that all our EMI shielding gaskets will perform reliably.
To learn more about EMI shielding gaskets , our material options, quality assurance processes, and custom design capabilities, contact the team today.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) are disturbances generated internally or externally that affect electrical circuits through induction. They can affect all types of electrical equipment and can come from both natural and man-made sources. The disturbance can cause equipment to malfunction or even stop working.
In everyday life, EMI isn’t a problem that requires us to be all that concerned, as a large number of consumer electronic products are well designed for minimization of the effects of EMI.
Medical devices can be a different case, however. Historically, these types of devices are difficult to shield from EMI, and the companies that are producing these products have had great difficulty satisfying both the FDA and FCC with respect to EMI issues. When medical devices are affected, it can be damaging and even life threatening. For example, a ventilator can change breathing rate causing a patient distress due to EMI. Things as simple as cell phones, solar magnetic storms, thunder storms, and even ignition systems can cause problems with EMI. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged the problem and sought to find solutions as well as informing the public about the problems associated with EMI in medical instruments.
The good news is that shielding can help protect sensitive devices from EMI. While this is a good idea for any type of electrical equipment, it is imperative for high-tech devices that are used in medical scenarios such as hospitals and laboratories. Vanguard Products Corporation manufactures EMI shielding products and general rubber products to help with EMI concerns.
Vanguard’s EMI shielding products are used to reduce EMI exposure to electronics and equipment in conjunction with proper enclosure design. Applications currently include blood analyzers, DNA analyzers, and other laboratory type of equipment.
Visit us at the 2017 MDM West/Electronics West/Pacific Design & Manufacturing Show, booth 3378 at the Anaheim Convention Center from February 7-9 to see how we can help minimize EMI shielding issues in your medical electronics. https://www.vanguardproducts.com/whats-new.html
By now, most people are aware that efforts are underway to bring humans out of low Earth orbit, past the Moon, and on to Mars. But few people are aware of the extensive research and testing that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the safety of astronauts on those future missions. In order to make the trip a reality, new technologies must be designed to cope with the harsh environment of outer space.
One of the most important components of a space mission is the spacecraft itself – and a trip to Mars requires a very special craft. As such, NASA has been working with Lockheed Martin and other vendors to develop this spacecraft, called Orion.
The Orion crew capsule resembles early crew modules from NASA’s history, taking on a conical shape. It will be mounted on a rocket called the Space Launch System (SLS), which will propel it into space.
One of the biggest hurdles of space flight is getting through Earth’s atmosphere and being exposed to high heat and radiation during the journey. For this reason, it’s critical to conduct extensive research and testing to determine the right material combinations for this type of mission.
Not only is it important for the craft itself and its occupants to be adequately protected, but the electronic systems must also be taken into consideration. It’s therefore necessary to select electromagnetic (EM) shielding to guard against disruptive electromagnetic frequencies. And, similarly, it’s important to consider the possibility of electrostatic discharge (ESD) impacting the circuitry, and to find reliable ESD protection.
As a supplier of EM and ESD shielding materials, Vanguard Products is proud to have a role in ensuring a safe mission for the Orion team. We look forward to watching the project’s progress and eventually sending humans on long-distance flights through space, knowing that we had a hand in that success.
Concerns are mounting among the general public and the scientific community about the safety of nano-materials. The overall consensus is that more research must be done to determine the safety and possible risks associated with these materials.
Though most studies have been inconclusive, the fact remains that some nanoparticles can easily pass through cellular walls and even through the blood-brain barrier. Some nanoparticles have even been shown to have an antibiotic effect. Knowing that many bacteria are helpful and necessary for our bodies to function properly, would it not be wise to keep such a potentially damaging agent from being introduced into our environment?
So why use nanoparticles in the first place? Nanoparticles are highly conductive and can replace expensive materials, such as precious metals, in a wide range of products. The very same aspects of nanoparticle technology that make it potentially harmful, such as the aforementioned ability to permeate the blood-brain barrier or to destroy specific cells, make nanoparticles a potential tool for the delivery of drugs. Nano-tech could be put to use in the future for such things as pollution monitoring, better energy storage techniques and in the reduction of otherwise harmful chemicals to name just a few of its potential applications. But again, there is the possibility of significant negative human health consequences.
In light of these health concerns, the European Union has taken the lead in regulating the use of nanoparticles and exploring their potential detrimental effects. Many large electronics manufacturers are questioning their use of these materials internally and have set extensive internal reviews to evaluate the use of these types of products internally, with the thought that, eventually, they may need to limit their usage.
However in other parts of the world, like Asia, companies still include nanoparticles in their products, and some larger companies here in the U.S. are continuing to distribute these nanoparticle containing products. There are, however, other American companies that are working to provide competitive products that are made with completely safe materials and achieve similar or same properties as the nanoparticle containing products.
As a trusted supplier of top quality electromagnetic shielding, at this time, Vanguard Products has made the decision to manufacture shielding products without the use of these nanoparticles. There is still just too much uncertainty with respect to the safety of these products both from a manufacturing sense within our factory, and the safety to our valued customers and, for that matter, their customers. We are a full service manufacturing and engineering company, providing industry with incredibly precise elastomeric fabricated goods who is constantly evaluating new materials and processes while keeping in mind that safety truly is the most important attribute of a product. For more information about our design, development, and manufacturing services, visit us at vanguardproducts.com.
In the competitive world of EMI/RFI shielding gaskets, many companies are touting various nickel-containing gasket materials claiming that they have improved galvanic compatibility with aluminum at a lower cost. However, these material combinations including nickel and graphite alloys, and nickel and aluminum alloys suffer from poor conductive performance. And beyond that challenge, a major concern is the uncertainty surrounding the safety of heavy exposure to nickel products.
The fact sheet goes on to state that individuals who have prolonged exposure to nickel become more sensitive to it.
“A nickel sensitized individual, when re-exposed to nickel ions on the skin in sufficient amounts, may have an allergic response within a matter of hours. This is termed the elicitation phase, which often occurs at a lower concentration of nickel ions than required for inducing sensitization in the first place. The elicitation of nickel ACD usually occurs at the site of exposure but can occur in skin remote from the site of contact with nickel where previous nickel sensitization reactions have occurred.”
Because of these risks, it may be beneficial for companies to select industrial products that are nickel free to prevent unnecessary exposure and discomfort among employees. At Vanguard Products, the majority of our materials are nickel free, and our Ultra-Vanishield Dual Elastomer EMI/RFI Shielding Gaskets offer a competitive cost alternative to nickel-containing products. Our microbridge approach with silver and aluminum alloys can even surpass the galvanic performance of other products. And because our EMI shielding gaskets are made in the USA, all materials adhere to current safety and quality standards.
To learn more about EMI/RFI shielding gaskets and their many industrial applications, please feel free to visit our website. You can also browse our online catalog for additional product details and information.
Virtually all high-speed connector applications, as well as the industries which rely on them, have evolved dramatically. The technology is very advanced, and therefore, so are the challenges and requirements.
As a result of these changing needs, Ultra-Vanshield Dual Elastomer EMI/RFI Shielding Gaskets are quickly becoming the standard for high-speed electronic connectors. Their design and advantages have proven to be far superior to previous types of shielding gaskets, such as traditional stamped metal gasket products.
One of the reasons for Ultra-Vanshield gaskets’ success over other products is the inherent limitation posed by these previously used gasket designs. Oftentimes, they lack the features necessary for long-term shielding, have high compression forces, and don’t offer high performance over the expected life of the connector.
Alternatively, Ultra-Vanshield shielding gaskets are able to withstand high temperatures and promise long life spans, providing high levels of shielding at frequencies up to and greater than 40GHz—with low compression forces. For the needs of today’s high data rate connectors used in networking and communications equipment, they are the most logical, affordable, effective choice.
Other design features and benefits include:
Easy to mate and un-mate
Reduced silver content = reduced costs
Excellent conductive properties
Resistance to deformation
Optimal compression and aging properties
Environmental sealing, along with extreme environment and abrasion resistance
Regardless of the specific application, Ultra-Vanshield shielding gaskets can be customized based on specific needs. Countless customers worldwide have come to find the absolute advantages they provide, and we expect them to continue to replace older methods, leading the way in the RFI/EMI market.
As a manufacturer, there’s a lot more to being successful than simply producing quality products. Of course that’s a huge aspect of it, but it’s not everything.
In order to be truly successful and provide the most value to your customers, it’s critical to get out there, interact with your industry peers, and constantly learn about the latest technology and trends. This is how a manufacturer grows and evolves.
One of the best ways to do this is by regularly attending and taking part in industry trade shows. These trade shows allow attendees and exhibitors to showcase their products, connect with current and potential clients, attend educational seminars, and learn about the direction of their industry. They’re invaluable.
At Vanguard, we place great importance on these shows. Take, for instance, the EMC Europe 2014 conference, September 1-4 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Here, at the “leading EMC Symposium in Europe,” we worked closely with EG Electronics, our Scandinavian distributor, to exhibit our EMI shielding products to thousands of attendees, while learning much about the industry in the process.
Next, on October 29-31, we’ll be taking our EMI line to Shanghai for EMC/China 2014. At “the largest EMC/EMI/Certification/Safety exhibition China,” formally known as the China International Conference & Exhibition on Electromagnetic Compatibility, we will team up with EG Electronics-Shanghai, our Chinese distributor. Over 4,500 attendees will have the opportunity to view our EMI shielding products, and we are sure it will be a great success.
Of course much of the success of both events is due to the scope and prestige of the shows themselves. However, we’re proud to know that a great part of the success lies in the products. Our EMI Shielding Gaskets and Conductive Gaskets are counted on worldwide for their virtually limitless applications and custom configurations. Clients in electronics, avionics, telecommunications, the military, automation, computers, and more rely on the advantages of Ultra-Vanshield protection.
Their myriad advantages range from lower compression force, ease of use, and weather and environmental sealing, to better aging and overall resistance, and much more. We’re excited to introduce them to more international customers, and in general, excited to continue to reap the benefits of trade show exhibiting.
If you have ever been to a concert or sporting event in an arena or outdoor stadium, you know how important a quality sound system is. If you cannot hear the music, or the announcer, it can ruin a long planned and oftentimes expensive outing. When it comes to size, these systems are often massive in size and power: hundreds of different speakers, with miles of cables, all powered by thousands (if not tens of thousands) of watts. Additionally, modern systems include wireless microphones and monitors that rely on strong and uninterrupted signals.
This is not to mention the fact that the cellular and wireless traffic in a stadium or concert venue is so heavy that it sometimes seizes up the wireless networks in the area. It seems like everyone in the stadium has to tweet, snapchat, or otherwise update their status and share their experience with their friends during the performance or game. Further, security and service personnel use wireless systems to communicate among themselves to ensure security, and to make sure that you can get your hot dog or cold beer without delay. The prevalence of electromagnetic signals in these venues makes this a challenge that brings many of the biggest names in sound to Vanguard for help.
When it comes to maintaining the integrity of their signals, Vanguard’s line of fabricated EMI/RFI shielding products is the choice of the indoor and outdoor sound industry. Our EMI/RFI shielding products help provide superior shielding for a number of reasons, including:
Ultra-Vanshield dual elastomer gaskets
Microbridge™ technology
ISO 9001:2008 certified production
Wide variety of materials including silicone, fluorosilicone, and EPDM
Resilient inner core free of metal fillers
Very low compression force
Keep moisture outside of all electronics
On top of these benefits, Vanguard also provides in-house cutting, bonding, and O-Ring fabrication, and everything we make is proudly Made in the USA!
If you want to learn more about why the biggest names in event sound choose Vanguard’s EMI/RFI shielding products, visit our website or contact one of our experts today! Don’t delay, because if your customers can’t hear it, they won’t stick around very long!
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