Important Facts about EMI RFI Shielding

EMI RFI shielding is one of the best tools engineers have for preventing disruption and interference of electrical devices. Another indispensable tool to use is knowledge of RFI and EMI.  The more you know, the easier it is to design and use products that prevent EMI from affecting electrical functions.

Below, we want to address some of the most common questions we hear. Hopefully, this information can be used to make informed decisions about designing electrical products and circuits.

What is EMI (electrical, magnetic interference)? EMI is considered electromagnetic emission that is undesirable for electronic circuitry. EMI can degrade and disrupt the performance of electrical equipment.

What is RFI (radio frequency interference)? RFI is unwanted electrical energy that registers within the radio frequency transmission range. For instance, radiated RFI is mostly found between the range of 10GHz to 30MHz.

What are the most common sources of conducted interference? Interference stems from human and natural sources, but the biggest issues often happen around switching power supplies, microprocessors, and ac motors. Electronic devices that generate radiated and conducted interferences are the biggest causes of EMI and RFI.

Is EMI regulated? The simple answer to that question is yes. To allow for vital electronic equipment to function properly, all electronic devices need to be protected against EMI and RFI without fear of disruption or degradation. Devices also need to not leak excess EMI or RFI to the world around them. EMI RFI shielding is an essential tool.

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