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.