With advancements and technology and materials used for EMI shielding, electromagnetic waves no longer present the threat they used to: they are easily controlled. This is the case for both high and low-frequency waves. Attenuating EMI and RFI is possible with the suitable shielding material and design. Even though proper shields might be designed, several factors can cause the shields to leak radiation. The leading cause is rough surfaces that prevent a continuous seal from protecting EMI. To make up for these failings, engineers use conductive foam gaskets. These gaskets are an innovative approach that offers multi-axis conductivity. Thankfully, conductive foam strengthens EMI shielding by enhancing effectiveness without sacrificing functionality.
Conductive Foam
Custom conductive foam controls electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from low cycle applications. This includes input shielding and rectangular strips. Although there are several materials for conductive foam, most are made from polyurethane foam that is plated with copper and nickel. Once combined, the materials are compressed for 75% degrees ranging between 60 and 70 Celsius. Polyurethane is commonly used because it protects the foam from environmental impacts.
There are many benefits engineers find when using conductive foam, so it is often implemented in protecting against and from EMI. Foam provides low compression sets, which means that gaskets have long-term performance ratings. Because of its many benefits, conductive foam is used in many of our everyday devices, including smartphones, cable trays, and noise filter cores.