7 Benefits of EMI Shielding for Manufacturers

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a constant challenge in our technology-driven world, especially as it can have a significant impact on equipment performance and safety. As a manufacturer, it’s important to be aware of EMI and find effective ways to counter its effects. At ID Group, we specialize in EMI RFI shielding solutions for a variety of products in the telecommunications, aerospace, and medical sectors, among others. In this article, I discuss the necessity of blocking EMI and the benefits of EMI shielding for modern equipment and systems.

What is EMI?

EMI is the disruption of electronic systems caused by both intentional and unintentional electromagnetic fields. It degrades equipment performance, causes power and data malfunctions, and can result in complete equipment failure.

Sources of EMI

EMI originates from various sources that emit electromagnetic waves, disrupting the performance of electronic (and even electrical) devices. Common sources include power lines, electrical motors, and transformers, which generate EMI through their operation. Radiofrequency (RF) transmitters, such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and broadcast antennas, also contribute significantly.

Additionally, digital circuits in computers and other electronic devices can produce EMI as a direct consequence of rapid switching – and as processor speeds increase, the potential sources of switching-based noise become more significant and more deeply embedded in equipment.

Natural sources, like lightning and solar flares, also generate EMI. The interference can cause malfunctions, signal degradation, and data loss in sensitive equipment, as well as power surges and switching difficulties in higher-power applications.

Below is a representation of electromagnetic waves affecting an electrical signal.

Why is EMI Shielding Necessary?

Keeping interference out by EMI shielding (and also keeping it in!) is the key to compliance in many electronic product sectors. Metalized fabric gaskets, conductive shielding gaskets, and honeycomb vents are just a few examples of shielding methods currently used by many industries. Today, EMI shielding is necessary to minimize the impact of interference in many systems.

Impact on Digital Systems

EMI can disrupt the operation of digital systems by inducing noise in data lines and electronic circuits. The more complex and high clock-speed the product, the greater the EMI risks. This noise can cause data corruption, leading to errors in communication protocols, data processing, and storage.

For instance, high-frequency EMI from switching power supplies or nearby RF transmitters can introduce errors in microcontrollers and processors, resulting in system instability or crashes. Sensitive components like sensors and communication modules, particularly in medical devices, aerospace systems, and communication networks, are especially vulnerable. In extreme cases, EMI can lead to the complete failure of critical digital systems, compromising safety and reliability.

Impact on Power Systems

In power systems, EMI can affect both the quality and efficiency of power delivery. High levels of EMI can induce voltage spikes and surges, damaging transformers, generators, and power converters. This can lead to overheating, reduced lifespan of components, and even catastrophic failure. EMI can also interfere with the operation of protective relays and control systems, causing misoperation or false tripping, leading to power outages. Additionally, solar-flare-induced harmonics can increase energy losses and reduce the overall efficiency of power transmission and distribution in high-powered systems.

Mitigating EMI through effective and appropriate shielding, grounding, and the use of filters is essential to ensure the reliability and safety of both digital and power systems.

You can learn more about EMI Shielding in this article: What is EMI RFI Shielding and How Does it Work?

What are The Main Benefits of EMI Shielding?

As you’d expect, EMI shielding offers many advantages, including reducing unintentional emissions and susceptibility to stray interference. Let’s examine the key benefits of EMI shielding for manufacturers like you.

1. Protection of Sensitive Equipment

EMI shielding protects equipment by blocking unwanted electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable operation and data integrity. It prevents signal degradation, reduces the risk of malfunction, and extends the lifespan of sensitive electronic components. In critical systems like medical devices and aerospace electronics, EMI shielding products enhance safety by preventing interference that could lead to system failures.

The types of interference are generally classified as conducted and radiated EMI, depending on the method of insertion, but can also be divided into broadband or narrowband EMI. Shielding that is suited to the hazards equipment will meet and the susceptibilities it suffers from will enhance performance and durability, particularly in higher frequency and more delicate equipment.

2. Compliance with Regulatory Standards

Regulatory compliance in EMI ensures that electronic devices meet specific standards for electromagnetic interference, both in emissions and immunity. These regulations, established by organizations like the FCC, CISPR, and IEC, aim to prevent devices from emitting EMI that could interfere with other equipment and ensure they can operate reliably in environments with potential interference. Compliance is mandatory for market access in many regions and market sectors, and as a manufacturer, you cannot ignore this.

The benefits of regulatory compliance in market access are massive for manufacturers and constantly increasing. Poor-performing and poorly protected equipment is essentially excluded from higher-value markets, and the requirements tend to increase as equipment complexity grows.

Here are a few sectors and the EMI standards they must meet:

3. Improved Performance and Efficiency

EMI shielding improves performance by minimizing interference that can degrade signal quality and cause data errors in electronic devices. It ensures stable and reliable operation, especially in high-frequency and sensitive environments, such as telecoms and medical equipment. Shielding enhances the precision of sensors and circuitry by reducing noise, leading to better accuracy and efficiency.

Equipment that delivers better signal integrity and a better user experience simply sells better. A portable speaker that chirps when near a cell phone or clicks whenever the fridge turns on will never get the best reviews!

4. Cost Savings

EMI shielding offers significant cost savings by preventing costly equipment failures and reducing the need for repairs from interference-related damage. It helps avoid downtime and productivity losses in critical systems, such as industrial automation and medical devices.

Highly sensitive equipment tends to be of higher value, and systemic degradation due to poorly managed susceptibilities is a guaranteed way to lose market acceptance.

5. Enhanced Safety

EMI shielding provides important safety benefits by preventing electromagnetic interference from disrupting the operation of critical systems, such as medical devices, aerospace controls, and automotive electronics. This reduces the risk of potentially life-threatening malfunctions.

Equipment in life-dependent applications such as weapons systems, flight control/navigation systems, medical equipment, and automated ground transport must be fully and reliably protected from both the likely and the more improbable EMI types—systems that don’t kill their users are always appreciated.

6. Competitive Advantage

EMI shielding offers competitive advantages by enhancing product reliability, ensuring compliance with global standards, and reducing the risk of costly recalls. It boosts customer confidence in product quality, particularly in industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

It future-proofs products by ensuring they meet evolving regulatory standards and can operate reliably in increasingly complex electromagnetic environments. As technology advances and devices become more interconnected, robust EMI shielding protects against future interference challenges, extending product lifespan and relevance.

Current environments are not necessarily the only exposure scenarios equipment will face. Many high-level and high-value systems have long functional lives—for example, aircraft tend to be in service for 20+ years and will be exposed to unknown future conditions. Durability demands that an imaginative and over-cautious approach be taken to shielding to ensure long service under changing conditions.

Conclusion

In my experience, EMI shielding offers substantial benefits across all electrical and electronic product sectors by enhancing performance, safety, and reliability of systems and devices.

EMI shielding minimizes interference, ensuring stable operation and accurate data transmission while protecting sensitive components from damage. Cost savings are realized through reduced repairs, lower maintenance, and avoidance of compliance-related fines. Additionally, EMI shielding boosts safety by preventing disruptions in critical systems, thereby protecting lives and ensuring operational integrity. Competitive advantages are achieved by meeting regulatory standards and differentiating products in the market.

Overall, EMI shielding future-proofs technology, ensuring longevity and continued performance in an increasingly complex electromagnetic landscape.

As a manufacturer, it’s important to offer products your customers can rely on. You can trust The ID Group to help you find the right EMI RFI shielding solution that will ensure your products’ reliability and improve performance. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.