What is RFI/EMI Shielding and Why it is Important?
With advancements in wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, cell phone signals, and Bluetooth, airwaves are getting crowded. They cross over each other and create a lot of noise. Cable assemblies emit external signals, making them a target for attracting this noise. The resulting Phenomenon is called RFI/EMI. RFI/EMI is an acronym for Radio Frequency Interference/Electromagnetic Interference. When RFI/EMI affects cable assemblies, they experience loss of data, poor quality of the signal, or disruption of the functioning of the electronic equipment and other components that are close to it. For example, an incoming call on your mobile phone can interfere with the microphone and cause a buzzing sound. RFI/EMI interference can be destructive, but luckily, there are several ways to prevent RFI/EMI.
i) The first way is to use the minimum number of cables and wires. When electrical devices are joined via cables, they should be measured well before installing so there is no extra cable loop. If additional care is taken while measuring lines, the chances of electromagnetic interference are reduced. Otherwise, there can be a lot of interference if cables are left looping.
ii) Regarding the second way, the filter system can be installed on the electrical device. The electrical load to and from the device and the electrical source should be carefully managed. For this, circuit breakers, inductors, and capacitors should be installed to control the flow of the electricity. It, in return, protects the electronic device.
iii) Here comes the third and most important way to protect the electronic device against RFI/EMI. For this, enclosures are available that are RFI/EMI safe. These enclosures can be made of plastic, metal, or aluminum. The one made of plastic is considered the cheapest and of the best kind. Several squares for RFI/EMI shielding are available these days to reduce unwanted interferences.
RFI/EMI shielding and its importance –
It is how to guard electronic devices fitted in plastic enclosures to ensure minimum or no electromagnetic interference. Plastic frames having this shielding are sprayed with an acrylic lacquer, which is mixed with nickel or copper. It protects the electrical devices from the harm that can be caused by radiation. The shield protects the device from electrical noise and deflects electromagnetic energy. Using RFI/EMI shielding, it can be assured that there will be no frequency disturbances from other devices.
In telecommunication companies, RFI/EMI shielding is most commonly used. They need to guard their telecom devices against RFI/EMI and don’t want any other frequency to intersect with the frequency they are using. Another place that requires RFI/EMI shielding is the airport. Havoc can occur if any different radio frequency interferes with the communication between airplanes and the tower. It should not be interrupted in any case, and thus, it makes the use of RMI/EFI shielding crucial. If you are also bothered by disturbances, hire a company experienced in RFI/EMI shielding.
