Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be described as any type of electrical interference, signal or noise, which temporarily or permanently effects the ability of electrical or electronic equipment or systems to function correctly. This phenomenon is familiar to everyone, even if we do not have a fundamental understanding of (EMI) principles.

Most people have witnessed and experienced the effects of interference whilst watching television when someone nearby is operating an electrical device. Another well known example is the mobile phone which disturbs the electronic equipment on board of aircrafts.

This interference, which is also referred to as Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), is active throughout the environment. Its effects can vary from distorting, electrical measurements, activating equipment at random (Health & Safety Issue), creating severe disruption of testing, communications, data handling, medical and defence activities.

 

Eldon wants to offer their customers an EMC enclosure, which is designed to provide the best possible screening effectiveness, with built-in, long-term reliability and at a cost effective price.

To achieve this goal, Eldon has based its shielded enclosure program on well proven existing designs, kept any modifications to the bare minimum to keep cost under control, maintained existing integrity of the enclosure regarding (IP) rating and ensured existing accessories can still be used wherever possible.

 

EMC Attenuation Levels

Depending on your application Eldon can offer you two different protection levels of Screening Effectiveness:
- Standard EMC protection which a standard Eldon enclosure has to offer
- EMC dedicated protection for an EMI adapted Eldon enclosure.

 

EMC protection of standard Eldon enclosures

A standard enclosure offers you in many cases adequate shielding. Due to the closed structure and the labyrinth channel around the panels, the enclosure is a “Faraday cage” in itself. The enclosure is fitted as standard with zinc plated mounting plates, bottom plates and sliding profiles and will thus offer large scale potential equalisation. As a standard feature the mounting plates can be earthed directly to the enclosure frame, which will increase the “Faraday” effect.

 

EMC dedicated protection

By improving the standard enclosure further, the “Faraday” effect will increase. The enclosure body and panels are made of zinc plated steel and only the panels are painted on the outside. The standard gasket is replaced by an EMC/IP combination gasket. As a result of these improvements the Screening Effectiveness is increased up to 30 and 40 dB. The total Screening Effectiveness can in some cases be increased up to 100 dB and more.

 

The second solution is more suitable for military and hospital areas as well as for chemical and food processing industries.In order to reach a high level Screening Effectiveness Eldon uses frames that are zinc plated or produced in stainless steel which can withstand the main enemy of EMI which is corrosion.