High-Reliability Connector Company ITT Interconnect Solutions (Cannon, Veam, and BIW) has created a centre for excellence for military and aerospace customers at its Basingstoke facility in the United Kingdom. The company has significantly increased its engineering and sales capabilities dedicated to this important sector. With these improvements, the company is preparing to … [Read more...]
Voltage Sag Testing for Commercial and Industrial Equipment
The ultimate goal for any product manufacturer is to make its product immune to voltage sags. Andreas Eberhard, Power Standards Lab Alameda, CA Modern equipment can be sensitive to brief disturbances on the AC power mains. Unfortunately, electrical systems are subject to a wide variety of power quality problems that can result in interruption of the production process, damage … [Read more...]
New EMC Directive: 2004/1081 EC
Manufacturers should familiarize themselves with the additional requirements and the alterations found in the new EMC directive Manjula Bhati Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (West), Indian Ministry of Information Technology, Mumbai, India The current EMC directive 89/336/EEC, which was first published in 1989 and then succeeded by four amendments has been rewritten as … [Read more...]
Shielding Effectiveness of Gaskets, Composites and Shields
There is an ever-increasing demand for lighter, stronger, easy-to-manufacture and cost-effective shielding solutions. Jack Prawica and Jereme Irwin DLS Electronic Systems, Inc., Wheeling, IL, USA As we move into the 21st century, there is a demand for stronger, lighter, less expensive, and environmentally friendly, RoHS-compliant* conductive materials. Many industry insiders … [Read more...]
Filter Connectors Designed with Multilayer Varistor Arrays
Affordable transient protection is now available within electronic connectors. Chris Noade, Syfer Technology Limited, Arminghall, Norwich UK “Connectors contribute nothing to electronic equipment” is an old and contentious statement that raised a few hackles when written, but is now undisputedly outdated and wrong! A modern connector, in isolation, can fulfill the equipment … [Read more...]
2007 Update on Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI) and High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP)
Of concern are high-level electromagnetic fields that will create serious problems for electronic systems on the Earth’s surface, including critical infrastructure. Dr. William A. Radasky, Ph.D., P.E. Metatech Corporation, Goleta, CA INTRODUCTION Over the past seven years, a substantial number of articles have been written by this author and others identifying the threat … [Read more...]
Interference Suppression Using a Balanced MLCC
An innovative capacitor design can provide more RFI suppression in a substantially smaller package Steve Weir and James Muccioli X2Y Attenuators, LLC Erie, PA Instrumentation amplifiers are often employed in hostile noise environments. Sensor lead cables may pick up substantial RF radiation, particularly if they are long and/or not well shielded. When applied to the input of … [Read more...]
Cost Considerations for Selecting RF Shielding Materials
Taking these factors into account can save time and money. Gary Fenical, Laird Technologies Delaware Water Gap, PA RF shielding materials are an important consideration when designing electronic components because these materials help ensure that the electronic device will perform to its optimum functionality. Considering RF shielding materials at the beginning of the … [Read more...]
Solving Emission Problems with EMI/RFI-Suppressing Connectors
“Swap-in” connectors can be key in meeting tough emission specifications such as EN 55024 and CISPR 24 Dr. William E. Kunz Regal Electronics, Inc. Sunnyvale, California INTRODUCTION With clock frequencies of a few hundred megahertz, today’s electronic systems are using pulse edges in the sub-nanosecond range. Networking interfaces deliver data rates approaching 1000 Mbits/s … [Read more...]
Stability of Nickel-Graphite Conductive Filler in Silicone Elastomer for EMI Shielding Applications
How does aging affect the shielding effectiveness of a gasket? Brian W. Callen, Ph.D. and Claudia E. Johnston Sulzer Metco (Canada) Inc., Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada Nickel graphite conductive fillers have been replacing conventional silver-based fillers in EMI shielding gasket materials. Filled elastomer shielding gaskets include extrusions, molded shapes, die cut … [Read more...]
