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Types, Importance, and Applications of RFI Shielding

Many electronic components today encounter Radio frequency interference (RFI) as a

problem on a regular basis. Due to radio frequency interference, there is a great need
to shield electronic components from any form of external interference. Furthermore,
there are a wide range of RFI sensitive products and RFI manufacturers in the average
household in today’s world.

Also, as new electric components are being introduced, there is an increase in the
amount of electronic interference that goes around in the radio and electromagnetic
frequency environment. One can say the exact definition of RFI is simply the amount
of electronic noise or radio frequency radiation an electronic component or electronic
device generates.

One of the things that make RFI a problem is that the range of frequency disrupts the
capability for nearby electronic devices and equipment to function well. This is
indeed a problem that needs solution.

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What is RFI?

RFI ShielD

Radio frequency interference (RFI) is simply defined as the radiation of radio

frequency energy. This radiation makes an electrical device to generate noise that
disrupts the performance of an adjacent device. Also, RFI refers to the interference of

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the normal performance of a satellite as a result of the distortion of the radio

astronomy.

Radio frequency interference (RFI) can interfere and disrupt the normal functioning
of electronic and electrical devices, and as such it is crucial to reduce it when possible.
Also, most electrical and electronic devices generate Radio frequency interference
(RFI) is emitted. These include personal computers, medical instrumentation,
switching power relays, game consoles, industrial controls, electronic printers, laptops,
etc.

Electrical or electronic device generates RFI in two ways which are; conducted radio
frequency interference and radiated radio frequency interference. In the case of
radiated RFI, the interference emits from the device directly into the environment,
whereas in conducted RFI, the interference emits into an AC power line via a device
or component’s power cord.

RFI can occur naturally or intentionally in satellite communications. Also, various

forms of space weather, such as solar storms, can make natural radio frequency
interference to occur. However, when radio frequency interference is intentional, it is
man-made interference.

Furthermore, RFI occurs due to unwanted RF energy in the system, this could
manifests as data loss, equipment damage, and degraded performance. The RF source
and receiver experience physical separation in electronic systems that have been
affected by RF interference. However, unwanted electromagnetic signals generating
interruption impact the proper performance of the device.

Also, the electromagnetic noises will become inductively coupled between the
receiver and the source. This are popularly referred as radiated emissions.

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How to Eliminate or Reduce Radio Frequency

Interference

The occurrence of RFI in electronic circuits can be perfectly reduced or eliminated by

three basic methods.

Shielding

You can contain RF noise and prevent any RF interference by simply enclosing the
electronic system in a metal. In reality, you will have some radio noise leakage.
Shielding is a great method of reducing RFI. Also, the impact of shielding increases
when there is electrical bonding of the metal enclosure to the ground. When you wire

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through the shield, it can act as an antenna. Therefore, ensure wires don’t pass
through the shield.

Filtering

Filtering is widely considered to be the most practical method of suppressing RFI.

This method mounts filtering circuits across the terminals of electronic devices that
generate noise. Electrical components such as capacitors and choke coils provide
effective filtering.

Grounding

Grounding conducts RF noise away to the ground rather than emitting it as radiation.

Grounding, shielding, and filtering are the best methods employed to stop or prevent
RFI in electronic circuits.

What is RFI Shielding?

Radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding helps to stop or prevent radio frequency
interference. Also, it involves building an enclosure to minimize the amount of
magnetic and electric transmissions from one space to another. RFI shielding protects
electronic devices from radio frequency interruption problems that can impact their
functionality and performance.

The majority of electrical and electronic devices generate radio frequency interference
that could have an effect on other nearby devices. Also, a special surveillance device
could capture the frequencies generated from such devices, this could compromise the
privacy of the source in the long run. RFI shielding minimizes radio frequency
radiation levels that enter or leave the environment.

RFI shielding design occurs in such a way that the range of frequencies filters under
some particular conditions. Also, properly constructed and designed RF shielding can
help to achieve a high degree of effectiveness. There are several factors that determine
absorbance or prevention of radio frequency signals by the shielding. These factors
include the conductivity of the material, the type of material used, the material’s
permeability, and the material’s thickness.

Other factors for the shield are mechanical strength of the shielding and the amount of
air flow to the enclosure. Copper is a very good material that offers more advantage in
radio frequency shielding. It can absorb both radio and magnetic waves. Also, radio
frequency shielding is often needed for corporate and government buildings. RFI
shielding can offer a great solution, but it can be more cost effective when integrated
with other techniques like grounding and filtering.

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Types of RFI Shielding

The RF waves have the ability to impact the performance of the individual
components coupled with the whole electrical system. There are different
classifications of RFI based on the how severe these RFI effects are.

Board shielding

You can prevent the negative effects of radio frequency interference from reaching
other circuits by encapsulating a part of an electronic equipment or a PCB inside the
RF shield.

Component shielding

The component shield is a type of RFI shielding that encases the component prone to
RFI as well as emitting RFI.

Cable shielding

The impact of RFI in cables carrying digital or analog signals increases due to a
parasitic reactance present in the high-frequency circuits. Therefore integrating RF
shields present on cables is a way of reducing the RFI inside cables.

Importance of RF Interference Shielding

The best way to protect electronics from RFI is RFI shielding. Also, RF shielding
prevents electronic or electrical devices from producing emissions. RF shielding
protects devices from getting exposed to unwanted electromagnetic waves or
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radiofrequency waves. Furthermore, RF interference shields are usually constructed

with metal that encloses the sensitive circuit inside. A good example of RFI shielding
integrated in electronic circuits is the Faraday’s. The materials for RF shield can
absorb or reflect EMI radiations. Therefore, this ensures devices get protection from
RFI.

Material properties like conductivity and permeability of the enclosure can change
based on the RFI that needs mitigation. The type of circuit also influences the
thickness and shape of the metal shield. The RF interference shield design is crucial
because of the increasing market for electronic devices. Also, the high monetary
losses resulting from RFI is also a cause for concern.

Transmissions between electrical or electronic devices result in unwelcome stress that

may negatively affect their performance and functionality. These transmissions can
jeopardize the privacy and security of the devices since their signals are open to
interruption from external sources.

As a result of this occurrence, RF shielding in design is very important. Devices have

the protective shield needed to reduce transmissions between different places. Also,
this shield can prevent radio frequency interference when there is an enclosure around
the application. Therefore, the environment of the application becomes safer and
ensures that it functions well.

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Types of Materials Used for RFI Shielding

rfi shielding materials

RFI shields don’t have the same construction. This means that shields should to be
custom constructed based on the electronic device’s design and application. There are

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many factors to consider during the design process. These factors include material
thickness, galvanic compatibility, application environment, budget, and most
especially, the material itself. The choice of the material for your devices determines
how the devices perform. Furthermore, the material type determines the cost of
shielding.

There are majorly three types of metal commonly used by electronic engineers. They
include:

Aluminum

Aluminum is a great material suitable for a wide variety of applications since the
metals feature non-ferrous properties. Also, it is widely known for its
strength-to-weight ratio and high conductivity ratings. Due to these properties, this
metal is highly recommended for RFI shielding. However, aluminum has some
fabrication challenges, like oxidization and poor solderability.

Copper

Copper is a highly conductive material usually considered the most reliable and the
best of all RFI shielding materials. This is because it attenuates magnetic and
electrical waves. Also, copper is often integrated in MRI facilities and other crucial
computer devices. This RFI shielding material is more expensive compared to the
other shielding materials.

Pre-Tin Plated Steel

Pre-tin plated steel is a low-cost solution in cases of low frequencies in the kHz range.
Also, this material provides excellent levels of corrosion protection. This helps to
prevent rusting.

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Common Causes of Interference

Interference results from unwanted radio frequency signals interrupting the use of
electronic devices like television, cordless telephone or radio. Also, interference can
prevent reception. It may result in a temporary loss of a signal, or it may impact the
quality of the image or sound produced by your equipment. Transmitter interference
and electrical equipment are the two most common causes of interference.

Transmitter interference

Communication systems that transfer signals that can generate interference are radio
and television stations , amateur radios, and CBs. Design flaws like frayed or

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corroded wires, inadequate shielding, and insufficient filtering, may make equipment
prone to transmitter interference.

You can determine whether a transmitter or electrical equipment is the cause of the
interference by simply unplugging one household electrical device at a time. You can
isolate the source of interference through this method. Also, if your device is
responding to nearby transmitters like a CB installation or an amateur radio, there will
only be interference when the radio operator is talking. You might not be able to hear
a clear conversation.

Electrical interference

In case of electrical interference, you may only experience frozen pictures or

intermittent audio while watching over-the-air television programs. Equipment around
you like doorbell transformers, smartphone chargers, hair dryers, washing machines,
sewing machine, computing devices, LED lights, and clothes dryers may be
responsible for this type of interference.

Power lines can also cause electrical interference. Interference as a result of the
electrical equipment of your power company is usually continuous. In this case, you
must notify your power company. There is one simple way to determine the location
of electrical interference. You can achieve this by integrating a small battery-powered
AM radio tuned to a quiet frequency.

Applications that Require RF Shielding

rfi shielding tape

There is an increasing need for custom-made RFI shielding as consumer electronics,

home appliances, and automobiles integrate built-in electronics and smart features.

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Also, the following systems integrate custom-made RF interference shields to protect

against RFI.

5G networks

5G technology is highly susceptible to RFI. This is because the majority of these

networks rely on millimeter waves. Also, the development of 5G networks has to
follow EMC regulations. Also, RFI shielding is integrated to achieve electromagnetic
protection.

Military systems

Military systems integrate mission-critical data and as such any susceptibility to RF

interference can make the data very prone to hackers. Furthermore, the RF
interference shielding can be specially designed for military communication
applications to prevent any form of data. Also, military vehicles need protection from
RFI and EMU to ensure reliable and safe operation.

Automotive industry

The use of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles resulted in the design of

several sensors and electronic components into vehicle architecture. To ensure a
vehicle’s safe operation, the response of these electronics systems is crucial. Also,
automotive networking integrates ethernet communication protocols to create data
transfers using a central computer system.

Furthermore, non-metallic body components such as bumpers or panels are prone to

any external RF noises. Some RFI shielding techniques are integrated in automobiles
to allow the smooth operation of electronic systems.

Medical equipment

Sophisticated medical devices and equipment integrate the principles of

electromagnetics. Therefore, interference could cause any glitch which could possibly
cause the loss of human life. As a result, RFI shielding is strictly integrated in medical
devices. This helps to prevent the malfunctioning of these devices due to RF noises.

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What is RF Shielding Effectiveness?

RF shielding effectiveness is the capability of the RF shield in attenuating an

electromagnetic field. Also, the RFI shielding effectiveness can be mathematically
described as a ratio between the strength of the electromagnetic field before as well as
after placing RF shields. Also, it is usually expressed in dB or decibel.

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Furthermore RF shielding effectiveness deals with the ratio between the magnitudes
of an electric field. Also, you can determine the effectiveness of RF shielding by
simply getting the ratio between the amplitudes of the magnetic field before as well as
after placing an RF shield.

Furthermore, RF shields can reduce interference and shield electronic circuits. RF

shields create enclosures that offer a shield between the susceptor and emitter of
interference. Hence, this diminishes the strength of the electromagnetic field.

What are the factors affect the effectiveness of RF shielding?

There are several factors that affect RF shielding effectiveness. Some of these factors
include:

 The incidence electromagnetic field’s frequency.

 The RF shielding material’s permeability, thickness, permittivity, and
conductivity.
 The distance between the shield and the emitter of RF interference.
 The electromagnetic field source type like the magnetic field, plane wave, or
electric field.
 The quality of bond between the surface of RF metal shields

How to Design Effective RF Shielding

There are two main purposes shielding serve. The first is to stop interference and
prevent eavesdropping, wiretapping, and electronic hacking. The function of the
equipment within the shield will always indicate the type of shielding needed.
Sensitive equipment needs protection from a nearby ambient interference. Also,
high-performance shielding is crucial.

However, you might just need minimal shielding to prevent eavesdropping on

classified data on a commercial computer. There are some factors that impact the
exact level of shielding required. These factors include the sensitivity of the data
being processed, the distance between equipment, and the type of equipment
involved.

EMI and RFI are two types of radio frequency interference. Any electromagnetic
radiation frequency can produce interference. Also, RFI occurs when the
electromagnetic waves are in the radio frequency part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Radio waves have frequencies that range from 3 kHZ to 300 gHZ. EMI and RFI are
terms that are frequently used interchangeably, EMI is more common. In terms of
radio frequency spectrum, RFI is considered a type of EMI.

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Difference Between EMI and RFI

EMI and RFI are two terminologies that refer to similar phenomena. However, RFI is
usually regarded as a simple subset of EMI. These two terms are usually
interchangeably used, and for good reason.

Radio frequency interference (RFI) usually refers to electromagnetic fields at radio

frequencies. With more concern on higher-end frequencies used in radio products
(100 MHz and higher). As regards this, RFI refers to radiated emissions. This is the
reason the word “radio” is in the acronym RFI. Furthermore, electromagnetic fields
generated from some source can emit noise in a victim PCB. This could measure as a
conducted current in an interconnect or a circuit.

One can say Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a general term that could mean
radiated electromagnetic fields or conducted currents from a device. As regards
frequency, the term “EMI” could also refer to noise around the frequency domain.
This includes frequencies normally related to RFI. While higher frequencies are
commonly associated with radiated EMI or RFI, a device could generate or receive
radiated or conducted EMI at any frequency.

Although RFI is usually considered a part of electrical noise generated by any EMI
source, it also refers to currents or radiation obtained from a narrowband RF source
instead from a broadband source. According to some sources, RFI ranges from several
kHz to about 30 MHz. However, in the reality, it is usually around anywhere up to
very high frequencies integrated in wireless products.

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How to Reduce RFI in Electric Structures

The RFI signals degrade the functioning of electronic circuits and equipment.
Therefore, they are undesirable. Furthermore, they can make error rates increase and
this could result in loss of data in data systems. Also, it could result in wrong
measurements of electrical signals.

Furthermore, there are some regulatory requirements that regulate the highest amount
of interference emitted by electronic equipment. But, it is equally impossible to have
equipment or device that is RFI-free. The best thing a designer can do is to regulate
and minimize the RFI, and as such preventing it from interrupting other nearby
equipment. Also, you can prevent it from interfering with equipment sharing the same
power lines.

Also, it is important that manufacturers protect their equipment from the interruption
emitted by other equipment or from those that are nearby. Furthermore, they should

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prevent the RFI or EMI emitted from their equipment, from impacting nearby device
or equipment or those that share similar power system.

One of the most effective and common methods that reduce the impacts of radiated
RFI is shielding. Power line filters can reduce conducted RFI. This reduces the
conducted noise coming out of the equipment. Also, the line filters prevents any
incoming RFI.

Using RFI filters at the input of the electronic or electrical equipment is a design
method that can help to reduce incoming interference and also preventing the
interference from returning to the electrical power systems via the power code.
Therefore, the RFI filter comprises passive components in a pass filter arrangement.
This reduces the RFI signals by trapping them and as such, preventing the signals
from entering or coming out of the equipment.

Conclusion

RF shields reduce or prevent interference and offer protection to electronic circuits.

Also, RF shields create enclosures which offer protection between the susceptor and
emitter of interference. Therefore, this reduces the strength of the electromagnetic
field. In electronics, there are various classifications for RF interference shielding.
This includes board shielding, cable shielding, and component shielding.

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