Today’s military and defense system are more technologically advanced than at any time in history. They use modern electronic devices and computing equipment that are often integrated with wireless capabilities which utilize multi-bands for high-speed communication, as well as high-speed circuits that operate at a wide range of frequencies. As hardware systems are becoming increasingly complex, resulting in products that are highly sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), also called Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) is the interference caused by one electrical or electronic device to another by the electromagnetic fields set up by its operation. The electromagnetic interference is extremely harmful to IT equipment and data center environment. For example, a handheld device could be corrupted by EMI from a military vehicle’s GPS. Missed or garbled transmissions aren’t only frustrating for the troops, it can put them in harm’s way. However, preventing EMI in plastic devices and components is possible with EMI shielding.

What is EMI Shielding?

EMI shielding is a process of using conductive or magnetic materials to surround electronics and components to reduce the electromagnetic field and, essentially, block interfering incoming or outgoing electromagnetic frequencies. Electromagnetic Interference affects critical systems of military and emergency services. Thus, it is very important to shield electronic devices from external electromagnetic signals.

Materials used for EMI Shielding

Electromagnetic frequencies can be blocked by a variety of materials that dissipate interference by either reflecting the radio waves or by absorbing them. Since EMI shielding uses magnetic materials to reduce the electromagnetic field, the magnetic materials should be made from elements which have excellent magnetic properties. One such element is high purity fine grades of iron powder, which can be used as magnetic material due to its high purity and physical properties of withstand high levels of the magnetic field without saturating.

High purity iron powders are produced in fine grades so that they exhibit outstanding magnetic behavior. These finely graded iron powder suppresses eddy currents and keeps the magnetic behavior stable in the GHz range. This leads to a strong interaction of iron powders with the magnetic field vector of electromagnetic waves which makes them an excellent absorber of electromagnetic frequencies. The iron powder is easily incorporated in plastic or elastomeric materials. Sheet metal, metal screen, metal foam, and copper are some other materials used for EMI shielding.

Applications of EMI Shielding in Defense Systems

EMI shielding has become a common addition to military vehicles & equipment like armored cars, helicopters, trucks, drones, and control panels as it allows defense personnel to protect sensitive equipment against interference. Higher the level of shielding a particular system has, the more efficiently they will perform and prevent any disruptions.

• Helicopter: EMI shielding in military flight systems helps in preventing the shutdown of engines and scrambling of digital instruments.
• Battle Tank: EMI shields present in the body of EMI tanks creates a physical barrier between the delicate internal electrical components and the static energy from outside.
• Armored Car: Electronic applications in armored cars create an electromagnetic environment around the automobile. EMI shielding helps prevent that.
• Drone: A flexible and lightweight EMI shielding can isolate wireless gadgets from emitting or receiving signals. This improves the efficiency in military drones.
• Radio Controller: Scrambled or missing transmissions can put troops in a problem. Shielding prevents EMI from disrupting communications among devices.
• Control Panel: EMI affects the reliability and performance of industrial control systems. EMI shielding prevents device misreads, equipment damage, and communication delays.

Conclusion:

Fine grade of iron powders are used as a magnetic material in EMI shielding which helps in protecting sensitive electronic devices and thus the military troops in the field.  The iron powders have significant importance in the defense industry which is provided by Industrial Metal Powders (I) Pvt Ltd, India one of the largest high purity iron powder manufacturer in the world since 1974.