Almost everyone uses modern electronics without even realizing that they are using a number of very advanced underlying technologies like radio technologies and other waves on the electromagnetic spectrum. However, by its very nature, the electromagnetic spectrum is very complicated to manage.

As technologies advance and become more and more sophisticated, electronics also become more sensitive to the EM spectrum and thus preventive measures need to be taken so that they do not malfunction because of RF noise and other disturbances. The best way to do this is to do EMI shielding in the devices. Different materials can be used to create a robust device which is not impacted by the EMI interference. 

What is Electromagnetic Interference Shielding?

There are a number of external sources of electromagnetic interference which can cause temporary or permanent damage to sensitive electronic equipment. The damage can be anywhere from the device’s temporary inability to function properly to complete equipment failure.  Common types of electromagnetic interference are either radiofrequency signals or electromagnetic radiation, or Electromagnetic Interference shielding is a method to protect electronic devices and systems from such unwanted electromagnetic interference.

EMI shielding aims to contain or redirect electromagnetic fields, preventing them from interfering with nearby electronic components. It is one of the many methods that you need to take to manage the overall impact of errant EM radiation on the devices and is supposed to work in conjunction with various other methods. 

Common Methods of EMI Shielding

The first and most common method to prevent EMI interference is to place sensitive devices in metal enclosures or Faraday cages. These enclosures are made of conductive devices, generally metals of different kinds. A Faraday cage will ensure that any EM fields out of the cage do not enter the cage and those inside the cage do not exit it. The metal frame can also be coated in different materials which are conductive in nature. The coating can either be done by physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition. A thin film is created on the substrate as the deposition process which is very uniform and does provide a good level of EMI shielding. 

In many cases, ventilation is needed for the item which is being placed in the shielding enclosure. You can install wire mesh or screens made of conductive materials, such as copper or aluminum, to cover openings in enclosures. These screens allow ventilation while providing EMI shielding, especially as most of the powerful advanced electronics equipment generate a lot of heat and thus need cooling. On the other hand, if you are looking to shield portable devices, or when the shielding needs to be very flexible, you can consider using fabrics woven with conductive materials, such as metal fibers or threads. These are very light and thus can also be used inside portable where you need to keep things as light as possible. 

Connectors also need to be EM shielded because otherwise they will create holes from which EM can either reach in or escape out of. Shielded connectors are available in the market which eliminate the need to cut and bind wires. Similarly, the joints of the chassis in which the shielded equipment is placed also need to be sealed off from inside. Applying conductive tapes or foils to seams, joints, or other potential entry points of EMI enhances the overall shielding integrity. These tapes or foils are often made of conductive materials like copper or aluminum to prevent EMI interference.

Modern electronics devices have become very sophisticated, and regardless of whether you are dealing with a portable electronic device or a huge rack server that will be placed in a big data center proper EMI shielding is an absolute must if you want the device to function properly.