EMC SHIELDING IS THE MECHANICALFIX FOR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM

EMC is the acronym for electromagnetic compatibility whichmeans the ability of equipment to function satisfactorily in its
electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable
electromagnetic disturbances to other equipment in thatenvironment.
Electronics engineers are very familiar with this and will consider
in their design good board layout, filtering, grounding, signal
integrity etc. to try resolving electromagnetic interference (EMI)at its source. However, shielding of the enclosure is just as
important and solves the problem of radiated emissions andsusceptibility. Shielding is a mechanical fix for an electricalproblem and the enclosure design engineer should be aware of
the types of gaskets available and their different attributes andensure there is enough land area on the enclosure seams, doors
etc. to fit the gasket.
There are 4 main gasket types available:• Knitted wire mesh
• Electrically conductive elastomers• Conductive fabric over foam
• Metal: Beryllium copper/stainless steel
Knitted wire mesh can be fitted in grooves or surface mounted
when bonded to a carrier. There are four wire options available
to address shielding and corrosion issues. When bonded to acarrier it offers good dust and moisture seal, often preferred forrugged military applications as it provides good electromagnetic
pulse (EMP) protection as the gasket can carry high currents.
Conductive elastomers are conductive particles loaded into
silicone or fluorosilicone. Many different particles are available
from carbon up to pure silver, the most popular are nickel
coated graphite and silver-plated aluminum. All, apart fromcarbon, offer good all-round shielding and high performance atall frequencies. Nickel coated graphite is very cost effective

being a factor of 3-5 times less expensive than silver plated
aluminum and yet still offers shielding effectiveness similar tothat of silver-based products. The conductive elastomer
compound can be extruded in continuous lengths in manydifferent profiles and can be molded as sheet and die cut or
molded as a component. Conductive elastomer “O” rings makefor a very cost-effective EMI seal and are popular in defense andaerospace applications due to their small profile size, low weightand high performance.
Form in place is a conductive elastomer, being conductive
silicone in liquid form for depositing direct to enclosure
hardware. Particularly suited for use on small enclosures dueto the narrow land widths, different fillers are available similar
to that of conductive elastomers. This type of gasket offers adust & moisture seal. It is not suitable for opening and closingof the enclosure.
Oriented wire in silicone are Monel or aluminum wires verticallyoriented in solid or sponge silicone. Available as flat sheet
material for surface mounting, the gasket can be die cut toshape or fabricated from strips to make a picture frame gasket
and provides a good EMI and environmental seal. This typeof gasket is very popular in defense applications as it offers
very low contact resistance as the wires penetrate themating surface.
Conductive fabric over foam gaskets are good for commercial
applications, most are stick on surface mount and are soft andcompliant making good cabinet door seals. Very popular inlaptop computers, gaming machines etc. for grounding.
Beryllium copper fingers are good in shear/wiping applications
and will be seen on doors for shielded rooms, they offer good
all-round high performance and are available in many plated
finishes to enhance shielding and address galvanic concerns.

PERFORMANCE MATERIALS / EMC SHIELDING IS THE MECHANICAL FIX FOR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM

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Form in place is a conductive elastomer, being conductive silicone in liquid form fordepositing direct to enclosure hardware.

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PERFORMANCE MATERIALS / EMC SHIELDING IS THE MECHANICAL FIX FOR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM