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What is EMI Protection?

If radio signals and waves were tangible and visible, then it will be impossible to
move between two ends of your apartment without tripping.

Now, what are those things that keep the signals from coming in contact or crossing?
How is it possible to pick up your phone without this signal interfering with your
laptop’s WiFi connection and cause some disruptions? This disruption is what we
refer to as electromagnetic interference.

The truth is that we hardly see them due to an efficient electromagnetic interference
protection or shielding, which is also called EMI protection. Before we go into details,
we will explain what EMI means, what EMI protection means, and the types.

Please continue reading to comprehend all you should know regarding EMI protection
as well as those materials that gives these signals a proper check.

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What Does EMI Mean?

EMI Protection

EMI, described simply, involves the transmitting of undesirable electromagnetic

radiation into an electronic or electrical device. The signals interfere with the
operation of the device, which could cause great harm. Also, EMI can come up or
originate from different sources, which could be both man-made and natural. EMI
takes place anytime one source disturbs or disrupts the signal of another source.

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Engineers also call it RFI, which means radio frequency interference. Although the
above instance explains a negative result of the EMI, this form of interference could
lead to more issues than make you mis your bars on some favorite songs.

In addition, EMI shouldn’t even emanate from a specific outside source. Also,
internal EMI, where one of the components of the device generates interference in a
different component, is known as a usual source of issues. Upstream issues having the
conditioning and quality of different power sources are also well-known common
culprits. Also, these internal EMI types working hand in hand can cause real issues for
device builders and designers.

As if the sources haven’t caused enough issues, nature itself could also generate EMI.
Some atmospheric phenomena such as solar systems and thunderstorms are all natural
emitters of an electromagnetic radiation. Also, they could have some negative effects
on the electrical devices.

What is EMI Protection?

With all the issues caused by EMI, EMI protection is very important. Our devices
require some protection and safety from picking the wrong signals up, and security for
choosing the appropriate and right signals. With EMI protection, you will be able to
increase this success.

EMI protection involves a material that stops electromagnetic interference. This is

made up of a specific metallic screen, which helps in absorbing any interference that
has been transmitted via air. In addition, EMI protection exists to help protect your
device’s electronics.

Furthermore, as these signals get to your device, this screen goes ahead to absorb
them. This causes a current in its body. This current is then absorbed by a ground
connection. This EMI shield helps in absorbing any transmitted signals even before
they get to the device’s sensitive circuits. It also helps in ensuring the cleanliness of
the protected signal.

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One important example of why the EMI shield is very necessary is your Smartphone.
You have different intricate, sensitive, electronics working at one to ensure that the
display says exactly what it is saying. With an EMI shield, it helps in preventing
random waves and signals form frying sensitive electronics. Devices like key fobs and
Wi-Fi routers require the ability of transmitting the RF signals wirelessly.

Metal enclosures, as well as other enclosures blocking EMI could also block any
transmission relied on by these devices. A wise and effective choice for all these

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applications is polycarbonate enclosures. Gaps or seams that are not well secured can
compromise the performance of the enclosure shielding.

Even the small apertures present in any enclosure can serve as antennas, which allows
the entering or leaving of EM radiation. To fight this, designers of enclosures will
specify the enclosures with continual body designs.

Types of EMI

Narrow-band EMI

This usually happens to radios, TV stations, as well as mobile phones. This is because
it happens over a specific discrete frequency. Anytime signals cross, devices
malfunction. The customer can simply tune out that disruption, which won’t bring any
damage to the equipment.

Broadband EMI

This takes place over a broader spectrum because it occupies a massive part of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Broadband EMI is a form of EMI which can cause
maximum harm to devices. Also, you notice this form of interference at its peak while
using a device featuring a specific digital data link.

Furthermore, something as easy as a motor’s worn brush can lead to EMI. Also, a
fluorescent light having defects implies EMI. This similar interference could appear
from a jet engine’s igniter. Defects present in a power line will lead to interference
too.

Taking a look at each case mentioned above, the devices you are trying to utilize can
have varying transmitted frequencies, blend them up, after which they are sent out
over a very broad spectrum.

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How is EMI Generated?

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EMI or Electromagnetic interference is a disturbance that is created through the

changes in voltages and currents that result due to three main sources.

Natural EMI

Some natural events happening in space or on earth could cause natural EMI. Humans
have no hand in the creation of EMI. This occurs as a result of weather changes like
rain, snowstorms, thunderstorms, etc. Also, some natural sources such as cosmic noise
and solar radiation also create EMI. In addition, the natural EMI has an effect on older
equipment and to a larger extent on RF communication. Notably, the modern
equipment isn’t just affected a little by the natural EMI in contrast to the human made
EMI.

Human-made EMI

All the electrical devices manufactured usually release EMI that are human-made.
This interference is usually caused whenever two signals come near or whenever
many signals meet themselves at just one frequency. All this helps in obstructing the
devices’ operation whenever they have a contact with an EMI.

Also, this EMI is majorly seen in devices such as igniters, generators, power lines,
radio transmitters, electric motors, phones, etc. Such devices and equipment are
usually known to result in dangerous EMI levels.

Internal or Inherent EMI

For inherent EMI, this electromagnetic energy that is released from a device can cause
its breakdown. That noise caused internally or inside is from the electron’s thermal
agitation which is moving through its circuit resistor.

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How to Reduce or Eliminate EMI

Shielding

This is the most preferred way for containing coupling or radiation in victim or source
devices. Usually, it is made up of encasing its circuit in a well sealed enclosure, like a
metallic box. Furthermore, shielding is important because it helps in reflecting
electromagnetic waves in the enclosure as well as absorbs waves which aren’t
reflected.

For majority of cases, a very little radiation somehow penetrates the shield, if this
shield isn’t very thick. Practically common metals will serve this shielding purpose
(e.g. aluminum, steel, and copper).

Filtering

This is a direct way of eliminating any undesirable signals, and for this case, passive
filters function effectively, and they’re useful in majority of new equipment in
minimizing EMI. Also, filtering usually begins with the AC line filter, which stops the
entering of bad signals into the powered circuits or power supply. It also stops the
addition of the internal signals to the AC line.

Furthermore, filtering is usually used with connectors and cables on the lines out of
and into a circuit, and there are special connectors which have low-pass built-in filters
where their major function is softening the digital waveforms to help in increasing the
fall and rise tomes as well as reduce the harmonic generation, with respect
to electronic design.

Grounding

This has to do with establishing of electrically conductive paths in-between an

electronic or electrical element of any system as well as a reference point, according
to the DAU. Also, it could indicate electrical connections that are created to Earth.

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Significance of EMI Protection

It is very crucial to understand the need for EMI protection for numerous reasons. As
regards the development side of the spectrum, the product of a company is only as
effective as it functions once it gets to the end user. For instance, if an electronic
device malfunctions continuously, that is a bad indication for the company.

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Developers are experiencing greater challenges as regards combating EML. This is

because faster operating electronics makes it difficult to manage interference.
However, the inability of engineers and designers to account for EMI will most likely
result in a faulty product.

Furthermore, workers who often handle large amounts of big data could find it
difficult to handle EMI as interference can disrupt the mediums through which they
gain access to such information. EMI is something that needs serious attention, both
from the workplace environment side and product development side.

EMI protection is very important irrespective of the product. In as much as

conductive silicones and gaskets are an ideal option in terms of product, another
consideration may be the right type of window film to shield office locations from
interference.

Also, EMI protection is crucial in shielding sensitive electronic designs from external
signals and as well preventing the interference of stronger signals with nearby
electronics. With a PCB design checklist, you can figure out what needs protection
and how to achieve it.

Electromagnetic interference impacts sensitive electronics and has an impact in

different sectors, including industrial electronics, and mission-critical military
electronics. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the electronic systems get enough
protection against EMI.

Common Tools and Techniques in EMI Protection

emi emc shielding materials

EMI protection simply involves the integration of different countermeasures to shield

electronic and electrical devices from EMI. There are methods of EMI protection, this
includes:

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 The majority of electrical device designers will build an enclosure box made
from material like steel or aluminum. These metals feature natural EMI
shielding. Also, a well constructed metal enclosure can retain and redirect the
interruption instead of allowing it to get to the device inside. Silver, copper,
aluminum, and other kinds of steel are materials widely integrated due to their
natural resistance to EMI.
 Installing an electronic enclosure having an EMI-shielded gasket reduce or
prevent EMI in a device. Also, these gaskets comprise standard materials such
as neoprene. However, they comprise conductive metallic linings such as wire
mesh that transform the gasket into a conductive barrier that fights EMI.
 Another great alternative for including EMI resistance in an enclosure is the
use of conductive spray coatings. Also, these coatings feature metals such as
nickel or copper in a spray-on format. Therefore, one could apply it to
non-conductive materials and as such, offering a great way to include EMI
resistance to various types of device enclosure.
 EMI-shielded cables can combat various EMI-transferring properties features
by electrical cables. Furthermore, cables can generate and receive EMI.
Shielded cables can as well minimize vulnerability to both. Therefore, this
makes them an effective and crucial part of the solutions toolbox that helps to
enhance the EMI resistance of a device.
 The majority of device designers usually include electronic filter circuits to the
most crucial components of a device to minimize their susceptibility to EMI.
There are several filter designs available. Filters are a popular and versatile
choice for regulating EMI in different devices. This is because you can
calibrate them to accept particular frequencies and reject others.

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Guidelines for Regulating EMI

When governmental bodies realized the importance of EMI, they enforced equipment
compatibility via regulations. For example, IEC 61000-4, standardizes test methods.
The relevant sections to this discussion are IEC 61000-4-5 for high-energy transients
(SURGE), IEC 61000-4-4 for fast transients (FTB), and IEC 61000-4-2
for electrostatic discharge (ESD). These are test methods that depend on only realistic
models for electrical noise.

Before the application of protective elements, you need to consider these rules:

 Consider EMI protection while designing the circuit, not after designing the
circuit.
 Ensure you block interruptions that are near to the source, do this before
they reach the equipment; you can redirect them to ground.
 Locate all sections that can expose to EMI disturbance from sensitive circuitry.

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Since signal circuitry can’t resist kilovolt-level voltages, you need to exclude these
disturbances from the input, convert to current, and heat them. Isolation is of great
importance for the occurrence of high ground-loop currents and longer lines in
industrial systems.

Also, an ESD current pulse with 30A peak may only generate tens of millivolts of
resistive voltage drop. Skin effect is important at these high frequencies as it helps to
dramatically increase wire resistance by ensuring current flows within microns of the
conductor surface. You need a large surface area for ground connections to counteract
this effect. This helps in maintaining low resistance.

Common EMI Protection Components

Gas arrestor

A Gas arrestor is a type of dish-shaped capacitor that contains gas, most especially
neon. If there is an voltage in excess of ~100V, this will create a plasma that reduces
the voltage at low levels. Also, gas arrestors retain high-level transients. However,
they are not ideal for fast transients since the emergence of plasma is time-consuming.
They are also not ideal for mains protection. Gas arrestors are very difficult to utilize
with low-source impedances.

Varistor

Varistor is an arrestor that comprises metal oxide (mostly zinc). This component
looks like a tablet having two connectors, one on each side. It has similar
characteristics with a zener diode. Therefore, it reacts much faster than the gas
arrestor. However, it possesses high leakage currents particularly when the signal
reaches the clamping voltage.

Capacitors

Capacitors are the most crucial protective component. The important properties of
capacitors include voltage capability, inductance, equivalent series resistance (ESR),
and high-current capability. Placing the capacitors in the right location in the layout
helps to reduce EMI. When capacitors are properly used, they usually create
a high-frequency ground to create a lowpass filter.

Series resistors

Series resistors are important and low cost protective components. These EMI
protection components can replace more expensive components if properly selected
based on power dissipation and resistance.

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EMI Protection Materials

There are different materials for EMI protection. These materials should feature some
particular electrical and magnetic properties. Also, they should retain or discharge the
radiation generated by communication equipment and electronic devices. Also, the
absorption shield type is more effective as it becomes safe for the environment. Most
times, non-intrusive materials are used for EMI protection.

Pre-Tin Plated Steel

This material usually less expensive than the other type of metals integrated in EMI
protection. However, it is a perfect option for lower frequencies, particularly in the
kHz range. In particular, carbon steel, offers low-frequency shielding characteristics
that other metal options don’t offer. Also, it shields the steel from any form
of corrosion.

Copper Alloy 770 / Nickel Silver

This is also commonly referred to as alloy 770. Copper alloy 770 comprises nickel,
Zinc, and copper. It is often used due to its resistance to corrosion. Furthermore,
copper alloy 770 is a perfect option for EMI shield used for mid kHz range up into
GHz. Copper alloy features a permeability of 1. This shows that it is ideal with MRI
machinery.

Copper

Copper is a totally different material. It is the most reliable metal used for EMI
protection because it reduces both electrical and magnetic waves. Also, copper is
widely available. You can find it anywhere EMI protection is necessary from hospital
equipment to basic consumer appliances.

Copper is more expensive than pre-tin plated steel or copper alloy 770. However, it
has a greater rate of conductivity. This makes it a very effective option for an EMI
shield.

Aluminum

Due to high conductivity and its strength-to-weight ratio, this material can function
well as an EMI protection material. Aluminum has almost 60% of conductivity.

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Application Areas of EMI Protection

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The increasing use and demand for electronic devices and mobile wireless
communications has made manufacturers to seek for ways to shield their products
from interruption.

Automotive

The automotive industry as a whole is experiencing a new wave of autonomous cars

and electric vehicles across the globe. Also, these vehicles come with sophisticated
features such as hands-free systems, touchscreen systems , onboard GPS navigation
systems, and Bluetooth. The electronics present in these vehicles resulted in some
challenges when combating EMI. Therefore, there is a higher demand for EMI
shielding in autonomous and electronic vehicles.

Telecommunications

The telecommunications industry is another industry experience rapid growth globally

with the rising adoption of smartphones and the introduction of new and sophisticated
technologies such as 5G. Also, the towers and components utilized require effective
protection to enable smooth transfer of data. Furthermore, there is high requirement
for EMI shielding in the telecommunication sector. This requirement will increase
even further in the future.

Defence

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The defence industry needs a high level of EMI protection in its operation. EMI
shielding is now one of the relevant technologies in the military sector. It offers
protection to trucks, drones, control panels, and helicopters. This helps to safeguard
sensitive components. Also, the quality of EMI shielding is very important in fighting
against strong disruptions.

Aerospace

It has become crucial to minimize the vulnerability of aerospace equipment to EMI.

When aerospace equipment experiences electromagnetic interference, it must not
generate radiation that impedes operations. As a result, the integration of EMI
filtering materials has rapidly increased in the aerospace industry. Also, the increasing
number of space exploration missions is a reason.

Conclusion

By now, you should understand what EMI protection is all about. We don’t live in a
perfect world. Therefore, our electronic and electrical devices can become susceptible
to negative impact by EMI. We know have a clear understanding of how EMI affects
electronic and electrical devices. Also, we now know the measures to adopt to help
prevent or reduce EMI. We have, therefore, created guidelines to help us control
acceptable limits of EMI. Furthermore, modern technology has offered various
options made from various materials to prevent unwanted interference.

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