Conformity Magazine - March 2008 - (Page 41)

C onsumer electronics have become increasingly complex in terms of functionality and the integration of electronics. Combining analog and digital circuitry in close proximity may result in electromagnetic interference (EMI) and subsequent degradation in performance. Spurious emissions from external sources and from the device itself may have negative impact on the device or those electronics around it. This article describes specific EMI shielding needs of consumer electronics equipment, and outlines various technologies available to effectively shield and test electronic devices. Growth of the Market In 2005, consumer and communications electronics comprised 27% of a $375 billion U.S. electronics market, with 4% projected annual growth rate over the next five years. Personal electronics applications, such as MP3 players and satellite radios, grew around 200%. Sales of flat panel TVs are expected to surpass cathode ray tube sales by 2009. [1] Gaming consoles, cameras, video equipment, laptop computers, GPS and handheld digital devices are expected to remain in high demand. Automotive electronics are expanding their traditional role inside the passenger compartment into sophisticated engine management, braking, speed control, parking and navigation systems employed throughout the vehicle. Emerging technologies in medical electronics, inventory tracking, etc., all paint a picture of continued growth in the consumer electronics industry, and therefore continuing increased demand for effective EMI shielding solutions from systems designers. Application Needs of the Electronics Designer Advances in polymer design and an understanding of how to successfully incorporate conductive particles has resulted in a much wider choice of available shielding materials. This creates a dilemma. On one hand, the choice and diversity of materials means that engineers need not make as many design compromises, and can be confident that a material exists to perform the function required. On the other hand, the same extensive choice can be perplexing to designers for whom EMI shielding design and material selection are not areas of expertise. To add further complexity, ten years ago appliances were essentially robust electrical pieces of equipment, whereas today they typically contain complex and sensitive digital and analog circuitry in a shrinking size. Couple this to a general trend of more demanding operating conditions – especially for portable appliances designed for outdoor use – and there exists a demanding set of criteria with a strong need for effective EMI shielding. An individual appliance is likely to have several areas that require some form of EMI shielding. In order to make the Custom Shields & Precision Metal Parts Shield Design Options: Board-level Removable lid Multi-cavity Complex geometry Shielding Materials: Brass Steel Aluminum Titanium Nickel Silver Fotofab works with hundreds of alloys RF Shields & More… Whether you need a multi-cavity shield or a simple five-sided box, Fotofab has a solution for you. Visit our Shielding Design Guide at www.fotofab.com/RF. Have a shield or metal part ready for quote? Submit your specifications and drawing online. Of course, you can always call one of our Technical Sales Staff at (773) 463-6211 to discuss shielding material, plating, design options and cost saving ideas. Precision Metal Parts We work with hundreds of alloys ranging from 0.0002” (0.05mm) to 0.090” (2.29mm) thick. Fotofab offers chemically etched parts, laser cutting, plating, electro polishing, tape & reel packaging and more. Fast Delivery Fotofab understands the importance of a deadline. Our standard lead-time starts at 2 weeks with multiple expedite options available. You can even go from print-to-part as fast as same day! Ask about our 24-hour expedite service! For over 40 years, Fotofab has been manufacturing quality shields and precision metal parts. Would you like a copy of our “Design Guide to Photochemical Machining”? Visit us at www.fotofab.com/RF and we will send you a FREE copy. Prototype or production, think of Fotofab for your shielding needs. 3758 Belmont Avenue phone 773-463-6211 www.fotofab.com/RF Chicago, IL 60618 USA fax 773-463-3387 sales@fotofab.com Innovative solutions - exceptional capabilities marCh 2008 Conformity 1 http://www.fotofab.com/RF http://www.fotofab.com/RF http://www.fotofab.com/RF http://www.fotofab.com/RF

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Conformity Magazine - March 2008

Conformity Magazine - March 2008 NewsBreaks Editor's Note Adelstein Renominated to the FCC Industry Canada Publishes FAQs On RF Fields FDA Gives Its Scientific Capabilities Poor Marks FDA Offers Guidance On its Product Review Process FDA Publishes Updates to List of Recognized Standards FDA Warns of Patient Risk From Electric Dental Handpieces Complying with the EMC Directive, Second Edition ESD Open Forum Emerging Issues in Standards - Korean "RoHS": Not Like RoHS at All The iNARTE Informer Challenges in Testing - Field-Induced Charged Device Model: What Really Happens Design Fundamentals - EMI Shielding Technologies for Consumer Electronics Equipment Focus On...Compliance Software Buyer's Guide Additional Standards Published for the EU's ATEX Directive Additional Standards for the EU's Medical Devices Directive Also Published China to Require Bar Codes to Enhance Product Safety CPSC Releases 2007 Self-Assessment CPSC Actions in News IEC Standards Update UL Standards Update Product Reviews Telcordia Standards Update From Our "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" Department Looking Back: Items from Past Issues of Conformity Advertisers

Conformity Magazine - March 2008

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