Electromagnetic shielding uses conductive materials to limit the influence of electromagnetic fields and radiation on devices. It protects against coupling effects caused by radio waves and electromagnetic radiation. Materials used include metal foam, sheet metal, and metallic ink. The shielding method for home devices often involves spraying a conductive layer of metal onto plastic cases. Everyday items, such as microwave ovens, also contain electromagnetic shielding.
Electromagnetic shielding is designed to limit the influence of electromagnetic fields and radiation on a device or object. The process uses a barrier made of conductive material containing electrical charges of positive or negative properties at the level of subatomic particles. Usually, this material is used to separate the electrical components inside the device from the outside world. Cables also use the concept of separating cables from external environments. When used to block radio frequencies, it is known as RF shielding.
The exact purpose of this shielding is to protect devices from coupling effect, the transfer of one form of energy to a device using a different form. This is commonly caused by radio waves, electrostatic fields and the entire spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The full level of protection is based on the amount of reduction of the electric and magnetic fields. This depends on the size, shape and orientation of the shield. Regardless of current standards, however, shielding cannot protect against low-frequency magnetic fields.
A variety of materials can be used as electromagnetic shielding to protect an electrical device. Examples include ionized gas in the form of a plasma, metal foam with gas-filled pores, or simply sheet metal. For holes to be present within the shield, they must be considerably smaller than any wavelength of the electromagnetic field. If the shield contains apertures greater than the wavelength, it cannot effectively prevent the device from being compromised.
Home devices often use a different shielding method due to the likelihood of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Plastic cases usually use some sort of metallic ink that is made up of copper or nickel in a small particular state. This material can be sprayed onto the case, producing a conductive layer of metal that serves as protection. The main reason this layer works is due to its proximity to the device ground.
Many everyday items contain electromagnetic shielding. One of the most common examples of this is the microwave oven found in most kitchens in the United States. With the metal housing working in unison with the screen on the window, a Faraday cage is created. While some visible light is able to pass through the window screen, waves of other frequencies cannot.
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