Composite EMI is lightweight alternative to metal EMI covers

Paul Boughton

TE Connectivity's new lightweight composite EMI shields (LCES) are for military, aerospace, RF, radar and satcom applications. The composite EMI shields are up to 40 per cent lighter compared to standard aluminium, help provide increased EMI suppression and are more cost-effective relative to machined or cast aluminium shields.

TE’s new EMI shields are made of carbon-reinforced composite with electroplating, which offers similar strength to standard aluminium shields but with up to 40 per cent lighter weight.

In addition, the conductive composites provide enhanced EMI absorption, whereas metal EMI shields provide no signal attenuation and often require separate EMI absorbers. The composite EMI shields are ideal for a broad range of applications where EMI shielding of PCBs is required, such as in radars, radios and avionics.

The shields were designed and have been tested to IEEE 299 standard. The conductive composites provide enhanced EMI absorption and the electroplating meets all EMI and mechanical requirements.

For more information, visit www.te.com