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Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) have become problems for all types of electronic applications in ever increasing proportions. Contact, fingerstock, and gasket materials are commonly used solutions to help protect electronic equipment from the effects of RFI and EMI. While they have different specifics, most of them can be grouped into four material categories: conductors, non-conductors, dielectrics, and ferrites.

Conductors

Conductors are materials that conduct electrical current. Examples of conductors include silver, copper, and brass. Contacts, fingerstocks, and gaskets can be made from these metals in order to radiate any EMI and RFI away from sensitive receivers that might be present. Conductors are most effective used in conjunction with other materials, such as dielectrics or non-conductors.

Non-Conductors

Non-conductors are materials that do not conduct electrical current, such as glass, ceramic, and plastic. They are used to isolate electrical components from each other. Non-conductors are essential in helping prevent EMI and RFI from entering equipment by breaking the electric current and not allowing it to bridge the gap between the equipment and its environment. Non-conductors are usually used in combination with conductors in order to create a better barrier against the effects of EMI and RFI.

Dielectrics

Dielectrics are materials that offer a high degree of insulation from both RFI and EMI. Typical dielectrics include fiberglass, rubber, and silicone. These materials help prevent electric current from bridging between equipment and its environment. Dielectrics are commonly used in combination with other materials such as conductors and non-conductors in order to create a better barrier against RFI and EMI.

Ferrites

Ferrites are materials that can absorb EMI and RFI. Common ferrites include ceramic and nickel-coated ferrites. They can be used in conjunction with other materials to create a faraday cage, which is an effective means of shielding against EMI and RFI. Contacts, fingerstock, and gaskets are commonly made from ferrites in order to protect electronic equipment from the effects of EMI and RFI.

RFI and EMI can be a serious problem for electronic applications, but contact, fingerstock, and gasket materials can help protect the equipment from their effects. These materials come in four main categories: conductors, non-conductors, dielectrics, and ferrites. Each type of material has its own properties and should be used with other suitable materials in order to create a complete shielding solution against RFI and EMI.