Circuit & System Protection


Shielded filter windows

8 February 2012 Circuit & System Protection

Optolite shielded filter windows have been designed for electronic displays, combining a high level of electromagnetic shielding with excellent contrast enhancement. They are used to minimise radio frequency emissions generated by enclosed electronic equipment and to protect electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference arising from external sources.

The windows feature up to 70 dB attenuation and are available in clear HSR (high scratch resistance) material or selected coloured bandpass filters to suit most displays. They come either flat or curved and offer impact abrasion, heat and chemical resistance. An optional blackened wire mesh is available to reduce mesh reflections. The mesh can be incorporated at any desired angle and edge termination services are available. The windows can be fabricated to customer requirements.

Typical applications include aerospace and defence, radio and telecommunications, industrial manufacturing equipment, medical and scientific apparatus, information technology equipment, and flat panel displays in electronic equipment.

Absorption of electromagnetic energy is mainly dependent on the mesh conductivity, wire diameter, weave density, electrical contact between intersecting wires, mesh material and edge terminations. The shield effectiveness, measured by using the ‘hole-in-the-wall’ technique, is typically between 60 dB and 70 dB from 100 kHz to 1 GHz and 35 dB up to 10 GHz for blackened stainless steel meshes.

As for optical characteristics, it is important to colour match bandpass filters to the particular display characteristics. Optolite transmission, absorption and reflectance are dependent on the filter bandpass colour, mesh density and non-glare finish. Also, by casting the material as a one-piece filter, the transmission is improved by reducing the number of internal reflecting surfaces from four to two, compared to laminated windows.

Overall standard thicknesses are 2,5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm. Other, non-standard thicknesses, from 1 mm upwards, are also available to order together with an optional non-glare finish.

In one-piece filters, the conductive mesh is exposed along the edge of the Optolite filter after it is cut to size. A silver conductive busbar is added to the edge and then extended, if required, to the front or rear surface. The conductive circuit from the mesh is then completed either through the busbar or via a conductive elastomer gasket attached to the busbar. Other edge termination methods are also available.

The conductive gasket consists typically of aluminum or monel wires, which are crimped for maximum pressure. The wires are oriented perpendicular to the mating surfaces and integrally bonded into a silicone elastomer. The elastomer acts either as an environmental seal or as a pressure seal. Again, other types of gaskets are also available.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Clearing the Static: Key principles of ESD control in electronics manufacturing
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Effectively managing electrostatic discharge is essential in electronics manufacturing to ensure not only product reliability, but also worker safety.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Three steps for a dry ESD packaging system
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
For optimal storage, it’s essential to complete the dry-packaging system by adding Desiccant Packs and Humidity Indicator Cards.

Read more...
Ensuring safety with earth leakage protection
NewElec Pretoria Circuit & System Protection
Earth leakage protection helps mitigate the risks of electric shocks, fires, and equipment damage by swiftly identifying faults and disconnecting the power supply, thus safeguarding both human lives and machinery.

Read more...
Suppressing EMI with filters
Vepac Electronics Circuit & System Protection
EMI/RFI filters play an important role in reducing the high-frequency noise that is generated by various electrical and electronic devices.

Read more...
Patch attenuates like a shielding cabinet
Würth Elektronik eiSos Circuit & System Protection
Würth Elektronik has launched its hybrid WE-EMIP EMI absorber sheet, a convenient solution for reducing electromagnetic interference by up to 40 dB.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Ionisation equipment
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) ionisation equipment is designed to neutralise static charges that accumulate on surfaces in environments where ESD-sensitive components or materials are handled. These ...

Read more...
Motor and feeder protection for LV and MV environments
NewElec Pretoria Circuit & System Protection
This relay from NewElec is a micro-controller-based precision instrument with ANSI protection elements, advanced control features, and switchgear controller logic integrating motor and feeder control functions.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: How to protect PCBs from electrostatic discharge and moisture
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components in most electronic devices. They are sensitive to environmental factors like electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture, which can cause significant ...

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD chairs: Essential tools in controlled protected areas
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Static poses a significant risk in various industries, particularly those involving sensitive electronic components and equipment. To mitigate these risks, electrostatic discharge (ESD) chairs play ...

Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD dissipative floor mats
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Dissipative floor mats are specialised mats designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment and components from electrostatic discharge (ESD), by quickly drawing the static electricity off workers before they touch such items.

Read more...