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Radio frequency interference, or RFI, takes on many forms. It could be a humming microwave that causes a Wi-Fi connection to waver, or perhaps the sounds of a cell phone transmitter traveling through the airwaves of your car stereo.
In each of these cases, the conversations between the different systems are unintentional. While the devices are designed for use in a specific environment, the presence of an unexpected source can confuse the device and cause signals to become crossed. In other words, the device is listening for one signal and hearing another signal.
While some of these conversations can be attributed to having too many gadgets in a limited spectrum, it’s often a lack of proper RF shielding that’s to blame.
How RF Shielding Advances Your Design
When an electric or electronic device encounters radio frequency interference, adverse effects are bound to take shape. Beyond channel noise, the transmissions between devices create unwanted stress that can affect its performance and functionality. These transmissions can also compromise the security and privacy of the devices as their signals become vulnerable to outside sources.
That’s what makes RF shielding so important in design. With an enclosure built around the application, devices have the defensive shield they need to reduce transmissions between different spaces and successfully block radio frequency interference. This creates a safer environment for the application and ensures that it operates at its peak performance.
Designing and Manufacturing Effective RF Shielding
So how effective is RF shielding? The answer to this question relates back to the proper design and construction of the enclosure—a combination that can power a high degree of effectiveness.
Achieving this optimal design entails a variety of considerations. There’s the type of material as well its conductivity, permeability and thickness. The mechanical strength of the shield and an even air flow to the enclosure also play an important role.
At Switzer, our team is here to help you make the best decisions for your RF shielding design. We combine years of experience with the latest technologies—such as chemical etching—to successfully bring your high-precision metal parts to life.
To see how chemical etching can meet the demands of your applications, download a free copy of our ebook, 3 Ways Chemical Etching Improves Your Metal Parts.
