Is it possible to use EMI gaskets to protect electrical equipment? With each passing year, more and more electronics are developed and let loose into the world. From personal electronics, like a phone and passenger vehicles, to life-saving medical equipment, EMI gaskets are viable solutions for common, everyday issues associated with electromagnetic interference.
EMI negatively impacts the performance and lifespan of electronic equipment. EMI gaskets, which are often referred to as RFI gaskets and shielding gaskets. EMI gaskets have two primary functions, which include:
- Reducing the overall amount of EMI escaping into/out of an equipment enclosure
- Isolating sensitive/important equipment from sources of EMI
EMI gaskets achieve the two above functions by filling gaps between joined equipment surfaces. Filling these gaps prevents EMI and RFI from existing or entering enclosures. Although gaskets are designed to protect from EMI, not all gaskets are the same. Understanding the type of gasket you need should be based on the specific application and environment the device operates in. The three most common types of EMI gaskets include:
- Wire Mesh EMI Gaskets
- Beryllium Copper EMI Gaskets
- Conductive Elastomer EMI Gaskets
Automotive control systems benefit from EMI gaskets within modern vehicles, like cars, buses, and trucks. New cars are increasingly integrating more electrical components into vehicles. Placing multiple devices within a confined space is a breeding ground for high levels of EMI. If left alone, a high amount of EMI could cause negative performance issues. An EMI gasket isolates each system to protect it from the harmful causes of EMI.