RFI

Shielding RF/EMI

Shielding RF/EMI allows Electronic Teamwork!

Shielding RF/EMI allows Electronic Teamwork!  Electronic components consist of several electronic devices working together toward a common result.  All electronic devices create electromagnetic fields.  Electromagnetic fields can be the source of "noise" that can affect the function of another nearby device or devices in the component.  Noise produces a "toxic effect" on the shared electronic environment of the component, making it function below its capability.  In order for the devices to be "compatible" with each other, there must be standards...

Shielding Challenges in Electronic Vehicles!

Shielding Challenges in Electric Vehicles!  Low-frequency magnetic fields are an issue in electronic vehicles.  Low-Frequency fields are related to human health and safety.  Specifically, low-frequency magnetic field exposure of the nervous system where the frequency is below 500KHz.  Additionally, some electric control units of an electronic vehicle can be adversely affected by this phenomenon.  Obviously, anything that effects the controls of an EV can decrease the safety of the vehicle.  The low-frequency magnetic fields in an electronic vehicle are...
Autonomous/Driver-Assisted Vehicles

Autonomous/Driver-Assisted Vehicles-Testing Galore!

Autonomous/Driver-Assisted Vehicles-Testing Galore!  Many of us feel that machines can't replace people.  This is especially true of the automotive driver seat!  People do not want to put their lives in the hands of a machine.  We've all dislike back seat drivers, but the thought of no driver is even scarier!  The reality of Partially Autonomous/Driver-Assisted vehicles is here.  Many cars already have AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) systems.  My car has LKA (Lane Keeping Assist) and it's two years old!  I...
Pre-Compliance Testing Streamlines Product Launches!

EMC Pre-Compliance Testing-Home or Away?

EMC Pre-Compliance Testing-Home or Away?  EMC Testing is necessary during product development.  Pre-Compliance EMC Testing during development is more important.  Pre-Compliance EMC Testing prepares your device for Final EMC Compliance Testing!  Equipment for in house Pre-Compliance EMC testing can be purchased or rented.  Once the employees are trained in EMC testing, a "home game" is much easier all around than an "away game".  In-house testing also involves the development team, increasing their investment in product development.  Obviously, EMC Testing at...
Conductive Textiles are used Everywhere

Conductive Metalized Textiles-not just for Shielding!

Conductive Metalized Textiles-not just for Shielding!  When conductive textiles were first developed, Shielding was their use.  They were used to make sure car radios worked well.  RFI and EMI were blocked, eliminating static hissing!  They are still used to protect critical systems from RFI/EMI.  They are also currently used in many different ways. Conductive Metalized Textiles-not just for Shielding!  The medical sector uses conductive textiles as sensors.  Human vital signs are detected by sensors and sent to recording devices.  The...
RF Shielding Curtain

RF/EMI Shielded Curtains-Privacy and Separation!

RF/EMI Shielded Curtains-Privacy and Separation!  In our lives, we use curtains for privacy, separation, and protection.  RFI/EMI Shielded Curtains are used in the same way.  RF Shielded curtains are made of conductive metalized textiles.  These curtains block the passage of RF and EMI waves.  One of the major uses of these curtains is in hospital telemetry areas.  They effectively isolate the beds in a "shielded room".  This assures that the proper information is transferred...
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity-be Fair!

RF/EMI Shielded Garments-Wearable Protection!

RF/EMI Shielded Garments-Wearable Protection!  Our environment is full of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR).  Many of the sources of EMR "natural" and have always been present.  The sun, atmospheric auroras, and the earth itself have electromagnetic fields.  We are constantly exposed to these low-level electromagnetic fields.  RF/EMI is a problem in electronic devices, decreasing performance.  Electronic devices are shielded from RF/EMI using shielding materials.  The shielding materials in electronic devices are often conductive metalized textiles.   The metalized textiles block RF/EMI...
Pre-Compliance EMC Testing-many Benefits!

Electromagnetic Compatibility-when devices work smoothly Together!

Electromagnetic Compatibility-when devices work smoothly Together!  Devices are like people, they work best when they're compatible. Electronic devices work best when they don't interfere with each other.  Electronic devices can be interfered with in several ways.  They can be "distracted" by RF interference emitted by nearby devices.  This distraction is similar to a co-worker who is always talking.  The background "noise" keeps work quality below its potential best.  Devices that can be "distracted" are called "susceptible".  The answer to susceptibility...
Compatibility-Succeeding by Working together!

RF/EMI Shielding-the Key to EMC!

RF/EMI Shielding-the Key to EMC!  Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards must be met prior to marketing devices.  The device must perform well in a shared electromagnetic environment.  It must not disrupt the performance of other nearby devices.  It must not be disrupted by its environmental coworkers.  The "potential disruption" is caused by RF/EMI outside of acceptable standards.  In the US, the FCC determines these standards.  In Canada, Industry Canada determines the standards.  Europe requires the "CE" mark that represents...
The Role of Conductive Textiles in Modern PPE!

What is Conductive Mesh-how is it used?

What is Conductive Mesh-how is it used?  Conductive Mesh is a knitted metal plated fabric with pores.  The fabric is Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6 or polyester.  The pore size varies, pores can be big or small.  If they are small, the mesh can be used for filtered ventilation.  Conductive mesh vents are often used in the ventilation systems of our RF Shielded Testing Enclosures.  Conductive meshes are useful in face masks to filter the air of particulate...