Radiofrequency (RF) shielding is a method of eliminating radio frequency interference. It entails building an enclosure to minimize the passage of magnetic and electric energy from one location to another. Radiofrequency shielding aids in preventing radio frequency interference problems that could harm the performance and operation of electrical and computer equipment.
Effective RF shielding depends on a number of variables, including:
- The electromagnetic field's frequency when it first occurs.
- RF shielding material characteristics like permeability, conductivity, and permittivity.
- The RF shielding material's thickness.
- The variety of electromagnetic field sources, including plane waves, magnetic fields, and electric fields.
- The separation between the shield and the RF interference source.
- RF shield weakening penetrations, seams, or openings.
- The ability of the
RF test enclosure shield surfaces to adhere to one another.
Benchmarking Guidelines
OEMs of WiFi, IoT, and telecom devices conduct numerous Wi-Fi benchmarking tests in accordance with relevant 802.11, FCC, and compliance standards.
Therefore, the ultimate objective in this situation is to guarantee that the end user team can do various Benchmark Testing using the shield box unit.
The IEEE and FCC Bench-marking guidelines for minimum sensitivity of wi-fi devices (in the range of -92/-93dBm) should be satisfied by the minimum shielding offered by the Shield Box OEM product. In recent years, this has become further critical down to -102 dBm.
The minimum Rx. sensitivity of the DUT /or/ UE to be evaluated should ideally control the Minimum Shielding/Attenuation requirement. In accordance with the IEEE/FCC Wi-Fi Benchmarking Guidelines, the shielding effectiveness must be greater than the minimum sensitivity requirement. The receiver sensitivity guidelines for the current situation are around -92/-93 dBm, which means that the RF Shield Box must have a minimum shielding/attenuation of at least 100~110dB.
Majority of WiFi / IOT / Telecom Device OEMs - Utilize Shield Boxes and Shield Rooms for Pre-Compliance Testing of their products to cut down on Time to Market and Third Party Lab Test Hours ( in-turn saving third party lab test charges while in development stage ) thus saving much needed human resources / company revenues.
Testing Shielded Enclosures
Such devices nevertheless need to have their enclosures periodically tested to show they provide the required level of shielding efficiency, usually once a year or twice a year depending on the End Use.
Testing an
RF shielded enclosure's effectiveness may be necessary for additional reasons. The end user team's testing could be drastically worsened by choosing a shield box with poor shielding effectiveness (attenuation), and there could be problems with outside interference that would cause the project to be delayed and have unfavorable results. Therefore, it is recommended to employ a shield box unit with higher shielding effectiveness for precise pre-compliance testing and to eliminate test setup-related problems.
Role of Shielded Enclosures
Faraday cages or other grounded metal constructions are shielded enclosures. Both of these stop RF energy from leaking into/or/out of the enclosure. MRI rooms and shielded enclosures of other types are also available. Testing enclosures, screened enclosures or cabinets for the wireless communication business, and massive shielded enclosures for the high voltage industries. The enclosures range in size from tiny boxes to enormous spaces big enough to fit an item the size of an airplane.
With the aid of an RF Shield Box, you may assess the performance of your wireless electronic item. Contact RF Electronics to order a Shield Box so you can evaluate the performance of your wireless device!
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