Electronic devices are everywhere, from heart monitors and aircraft controls to smartphones and satellites. As technology advances, these devices become more compact, powerful, and interconnected. Along with those advances comes a growing challenge: electromagnetic interference (EMI). When uncontrolled, EMI can disrupt signals, cause equipment malfunctions, and even pose a risk to lives.

Connectivity defines modern life, but it also exposes us to vulnerabilities. Every signal that keeps our devices linked to the world is a potential point of intrusion. A Faraday bag answers that vulnerability by cutting the link entirely. Through layered conductive shielding, it creates a silent zone where data can’t be read, stolen, or traced. In an era where privacy and security are under constant pressure, owning a Faraday bag isn’t about paranoia; it’s about maintaining control.

Understanding Electromagnetic Interference

EMI refers to unwanted signals or noise generated by electrical or electronic equipment. These signals can radiate through the air or travel along cables. They may originate within your device or from external sources, such as radios, power supplies, or other nearby electronics. In industries such as medical technology, aerospace, telecommunications, and automotive, the consequences of unaddressed EMI include operational disruptions, regulatory noncompliance, and safety hazards.

Modern devices are more susceptible to interference because they contain densely packed components and operate at higher frequencies. A single EMI event can corrupt data, interrupt communication, or cause a sensitive sensor to malfunction.

The Role of Shielding and Gaskets

EMI shielding uses conductive materials to reflect or absorb unwanted electromagnetic signals. Proper shielding offers two main benefits: reducing electromagnetic emissions from your device and protecting it from external interference. Achieving effective shielding requires careful material selection and enclosure design to prevent gaps or seams that can allow signals to leak.

That’s where EMI gaskets come in. Even a welldesigned metal enclosure can have small gaps around doors, seams, screw holes, or access panels. Gaskets form a conductive path that bridges these gaps, maintaining continuous electrical contact and sealing electromagnetic leaks. Without a gasket, a tiny seam becomes an antenna, radiating interference or allowing external noise to penetrate the enclosure.

Designing an Effective EMI Gasket

Not all gaskets are created equal. An effective gasket must be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your device and its corresponding environmental conditions. Key factors include:

• Compression force:The gasket must provide enough pressure to ensure contact without deforming or losing conductivity over time.
• Environmental factors:Temperature extremes, humidity, chemicals, and mechanical stress all influence gasket performance. The gasket material must withstand these conditions without degrading.
• Material compatibility:The gasket’s conductive material must match the enclosure surfaces electrically and galvanically to prevent corrosion.

Materials such as conductive elastomers, metalimpregnated composites, and conductive foams combine flexibility with electrical conductivity. Each material has different properties, making it suitable for specific frequency ranges and environments. Shielding effectiveness is measured in decibels (dB); a higher dB value means better attenuation.

Why Choose JEMIC EMI Gaskets?

For more than 30 years, JEMIC has been a leader in EMI shielding solutions. Our engineers use sciencedriven design principles to produce gaskets that meet exacting specifications. We work closely with clients in the aerospace, medical, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries to develop custom profiles and materials that address their specific challenges.

When you partner with JEMIC, you get:

• Expert consultation:We help you understand your EMI environment and choose the right gasket material and profile.
• Precision manufacturing:Our gaskets are produced to tight tolerances, ensuring consistent compression and conductivity.
• Testing and validation:We verify shielding effectiveness to meet industry standards and your unique requirements.

Protect What Connects You

EMI is not just a nuisance; it’s a serious threat to device reliability and user safety. Effective shielding and welldesigned gaskets protect your investment and your customers. Whether you’re designing a medical device that must meet regulations or a communication system that can’t afford downtime, JEMIC has the expertise and products to keep interference at bay. Contact us to discuss your application and learn how our EMI gaskets can make a difference.