As the technology level of wireless communication devices such as 5G increases, factories and other production sites, as well as society in general, are becoming increasingly IoT-oriented. Electronic control mechanisms are becoming more diverse and complex, as exemplified by the electrification of automobiles.

As electrical and electronic devices continue to become smaller and more sophisticated, electromagnetic waves of various frequencies can interfere with them. This can cause communication problems and device malfunctions that not only prevent the devices from performing to their fullest, but also pose the risk of causing serious accidents. EMI countermeasures are essential to prevent these negative effects of the diffusion of electromagnetic wave noise.

Here, we explain the basics of EMI and the principles and types of EMI shielding, one of the most important EMI countermeasures.

What is EMI?

EMI stands for electromagnetic interference, also known as emissions. It is the radiation of unwanted electromagnetic noise into the environment by electrical devices. The electromagnetic noise generated by electronic devices and various components under operation not only causes malfunctions and communication problems in other electronic devices around them, but can also have adverse effects on human health.

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are continuously generated waves consisting of electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic waves are generated wherever electricity flows, and are composed of electric and magnetic fields that propagate at the speed of light through space while alternately oscillating.

Electromagnetic waves have various characteristics depending on their frequency, which is the number of oscillations per second.

The frequency of electromagnetic waves generated around us in our daily lives can be very different, whether it is from electrical power equipment like power lines or broadcast radio waves like TV and radio. On the other hand, even though the electronic devices are different, the frequency bands they use can be close together.

Microwave ovens (devices that use electromagnetic waves to heat and cook food) and wireless LAN use the same 2.4 GHz frequency band. If the EMI countermeasures are insufficient, electromagnetic waves leaking from a microwave oven can become noise for wireless LAN devices and cause communication problems.

Difference between EMI and EMS

EMS stands for electromagnetic susceptibility, also known as immunity.

While EMI refers to the generation of electromagnetic waves that adversely affect internal and external environments, EMS refers to the ability of electronic devices and components to withstand electromagnetic waves so that they can operate normally even when exposed to EMI.

Difference between EMI and EMC

EMC stands for electromagnetic compatibility which means that EMI effects are reduced and the device is equipped with EMS.

In other words, having EMC means that the electromagnetic waves generated by electronic devices and parts have low EMI impacts on the operation of surrounding devices. These devices have excellent EMS, which allows them to operate normally even when exposed to external or internal electromagnetic waves.

A high level of EMC assurance is required for precision electronic devices such as those used for automatic control.

Problems caused by EMI

Electrical and electronic devices always generate electromagnetic waves when electricity is used. When device control or information communication is performed at a specific frequency, the electromagnetic waves become noise and can have various effects.

1. Electrical and electronic device malfunctions

The instrumentation used in devices directly related to human life, such as automobiles, airplanes, and other forms of transportation and life-support devices, is becoming increasingly electronic and sophisticated. Electromagnetic noise emitted by smart phones, etc. can affect signal cables and communication devices, preventing electronic controls from functioning correctly. To prevent serious accidents, noise countermeasures are being thoroughly implemented alongside multiple safety measures.

In addition, when new equipment is installed in factories, electromagnetic noise may affect existing devices that have insufficient EMC, causing them to malfunction.

2. Communication failure and information leakage

When multiple devices with similar frequency bands are used, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, radio wave interference may occur, resulting in slower communication speeds or interrupted communication.

5G, introduced from 2020, is capable of high-speed, high-capacity communications. Since it uses a different frequency band from the conventional 4G and the amount of information is greater, there is a possibility of unexpected radio wave interference with other electronic devices.

In addition, various signals are intermittently emitted as electromagnetic waves from computers and other devices. Since these electromagnetic waves contain confidential information, the risk of information leakage if they are received and analyzed is not zero.

3. Health hazards to the human body

Among the electromagnetic waves that are normally generated around us, none of them cause serious damage to human health. X-rays used in hospitals and analysis devices in factories have safety measures in place. In addition, mobile devices such as smartphones are required to comply with radio wave protection guidelines.

However, there are biological effects such as heating and stimulation, and there are health risks due to excessive anxiety about electromagnetic radiation.

EMI Countermeasures

EMI countermeasures are essential in order to prevent the effects of electromagnetic noise by increasing the level of EMC. Electromagnetic waves leak from various parts of electrical and electronic devices, as shown below.

• Housing: electromagnetic waves of concern to the outside leak, depending on the material and thickness of the case
• Openings: electromagnetic waves leak from vents, access panels, etc.
• Cables: signal transmission cables, etc. become antennas and emit electromagnetic waves

The electromagnetic noise that leaks can also be categorized into the following categories depending on how it propagates.

• Conduction noise: noise that propagates through power cables, LAN cables, etc.
• Radiation noise: noise that propagates through the air

In other words, EMI countermeasures must address not only the sources and transmission paths of conduction noise, but also the spread of radiation noise.

EMI countermeasure examples

EMI countermeasures take a variety of forms, and the following are some typical examples.

Countermeasures	Target noise	Countermeasure examples
Shielding	Radiation noise	Power cable shielding Conductive gasket Radio wave absorbers Expanded metal, metal mesh, etc.
Filtering	Conduction noise	Ferrite core Common mode choke coil EMI filter, etc.
Grounding	Conduction noise	Signal ground Frame ground Power ground, etc.

Power cables and communication cables not only serve as transmission paths for noise, but can also generate radiation noise. Therefore, it is essential to take measures based not only on physical protection of the wires but also on electromagnetic wave shielding measures.

Contact Taiyo Wire Cloth Co., Ltd. for consultation on EMI countermeasures

Taiyo Wire Cloth Co., Ltd. has a wealth of knowledge about EMI countermeasures for electronic device components as well as thermal management products. We handle a variety of products for EMI shielding, so if you have any questions about EMI countermeasures, please contact us.

EMI shielding as an EMI countermeasure

EMI shielding is a method used to prevent the spread of electromagnetic radiation noise. This section explains the principles, effects, and types of EMI shielding.

Principles of EMI shielding

The purpose of EMI shielding is to attenuate the energy of electromagnetic waves and reduce the amount of leakage to the outside. It attenuates electromagnetic waves through a combination of the following three types of losses.

1. Reflection loss

Reflection loss is caused by reflection from the surface of the shielding material. Reflection loss differs depending on the conductivity of the shielding material. The higher the conductivity of the material, such as metal, the greater the reflection loss.

2. Attenuation loss

Attenuation loss is caused by overcurrent when passing through a shielding material, also known as the skin effect. The thicker the shielding material and the higher its permeability and conductivity, the higher the attenuation rate.

3. Multiple reflection loss

Multiple reflection loss is caused by repeated reflection of electromagnetic waves inside the shielding material.

Calculating the effectiveness of EMI shielding

The shielding effect, which is related to the performance of EMI shielding, is calculated by Shelkunoff's formula. The sum of reflection loss, attenuation loss, and multiple reflection loss is the performance of the shielding effect, which is equivalent to the logarithmic value of the ratio of the incident electric field strength Ei to the post-attenuation electric field strength Et.

EMI shielding performance description and test method

EMI shielding performance is evaluated by the dB (decibel) value, and the performance is classified as follows.

Shielding effect [dB]	Attenuation	Shielding ratio
20	1/10	90%
40	1/100	99%
60	1/1,000	99.9%
80	1/10,000	99.99%
100	/100,000	99.999％

There are several methods for measuring the performance of EMI shielding, including the KEC, DFFC, FS (free space), Advantest, and Bekiscan methods. The appropriate method to select depends on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave you want to measure and the shape of the object.

Types of EMI shielding

In order to increase the noise attenuation effect in EMI shielding, it is ideal to surround the noise source with a material that has high conductivity and magnetic permeability without any gaps. A metal plate as a housing material can be expected to have a high EMI shielding effect. In actual device designs, EMI shielding using only a metal housing is difficult due to gaps in the enclosure (electrical discontinuity between the case and the cover), openings for ventilation, protruding cables, and other factors.

For this reason, the following materials are used for EMI shielding depending on the location of use and purpose.

Shielding materials	Outline
Conductive elastomer	Sheet or string EMI shielding gasket made of silicone with added conductive filler
Soft shield	EMI shielding gasket consisting of a conductive fabric (nickel-plated nylon material) covering a urethane sponge core
Shield fingers	Grounding/EMI shielding product group using beryllium copper alloy as a material with particularly excellent elastic performance
Shield line	EMI shielding gasket made of special metal wire cloth formed into a string shape
Cho-Form (FIP Gasket)	Conductive silicone gasket automatically mounted on a metal or plastic housing
Precision expanded metal	Precision expanded metal for EMI shielding in openings where ventilation and visibility are required
Shield honeycomb	Honeycomb-shaped EMI shielding product group used in openings that require high air permeability
Conductive tape	Metal foil (copper or aluminum) tape lined with conductive pressure sensitive adhesive
Conductive plastic	Conductive plastic that has conductive properties made by dispersing nickel-plated graphite fibers in PC-ABS
Radio wave absorbers	EMI countermeasure materials that absorb electromagnetic noise. There are two types of electromagnetic wave absorbers based on different principles: suppression and resonance.
Permalloy tape	A magnetic shield product made of magnetic material, mainly nickel alloy, in the form of a foil
Shield can	Precision sheet metal parts for EMI shielding

*Products handled by Taiyo Wire Cloth

Contact Taiyo Wire Cloth Co., Ltd. for EMI shielding

There are various types of EMI shielding, and it is essential to select the right material for the operating environment and to verify the effectiveness of EMI shielding in advance. Taiyo Wire Cloth Co., Ltd. handles a variety of EMI shielding product group such as gaskets, conductive elastomers, soft gaskets, and shield fingers.

For more information on various EMI shielding products, please visit our product pages.

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