Shielding effectiveness – a special EMC measurement
Mooser tackles the topic of EMC comprehensively and consistently. On the one hand, we identify measures to reduce emissions of interference or increase immunity to external interference in electrical and electronic components and systems and, on the other hand, we evaluate protective covers that function as passive shielding elements.
We understand how to use shielding effectiveness tests to carry out an expert investigation of protective covers of this kind, which may be made from new materials or have complex shapes, in accordance with all the EMC specifications and guidelines in a frequency range from 100 kilohertz to 6 gigahertz.
Measuring range up to
Measuring methods and technical challenges Measuring processes for components of different shapes and materials
The basis for shielding effectiveness tests is the stripline, a measuring process developed in-house by Mooser, with a grid structure that generates a stable, predefined electric or magnetic field over very large areas. We also use a variety of receiving antennas to detect which parts of the electric or magnetic field passes through the covers or shielding materials we are measuring. In all of these tests, our engineers rely on the regulations of VG 95373, a group of standards that have their origins in military technology.
This task, which sounds relatively straightforward, actually involves considerable engineering expertise, because we are generally testing large battery housings with complex shapes that are intended to protect the sensitive cells and electronic systems from electromagnetic interference. However, the shielding effectiveness tests designed by Mooser can also be used for other materials, such as fleeces or plastics with metal inserts.
Broad frequency range
One challenge involved in our work is the broad frequency ranges that are used in our laboratories. Frequencies between 100 kilohertz and 200 megahertz are standard, but for some time the automotive industry has required shielding up to the gigahertz range. We anticipated the trend for higher frequencies and designed our shielding effectiveness test process for measurements up to 6 gigahertz at an early stage.
Three-dimensional results from only one test
Our antenna with a range up to 500 megahertz, which is used in many of our shielding effectiveness measurements, brings benefits for our customers. It was developed by company founder Jakob Mooser, among others, and it has been specially designed to meet the requirements of EMC tests in our laboratories. For example, the modified receiver can measure in three spatial directions and then add the results together and produce one total signal. Conventional measurement systems cover only one direction (orientation) in each test, which ultimately means that several separate tests are needed. Our system saves both time and money for our customers.
Consultancy and services for shielding effectiveness tests
Our decades of experience of shielding effectiveness tests has given us an in-depth understanding of the measurement method and the measurement process used. A three-digit number of successfully completed customer projects have enabled us to acquire extensive knowledge of shielding effectiveness, which we can use for your benefit.
Do you need reliable information about the shielding effect of a newly developed composite material? Do you want to increase the shielding effect of a complex battery housing? Or would you like to improve the EMC of your products retrospectively by adding additional shielding components? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We carry out shielding effectiveness tests to meet your requirements and discuss the results with you, providing a competent, precise and easily understandable service. Before starting the tests, we can give you useful information about the decisions you need to make to reduce the amount of testing and development work involved. We can analyse the EMC and shielding effectiveness of your project and design the ideal shielding concept for you.
Furthermore, you will have only one contact person for all these services. At Mooser, we provide you with a competent, highly qualified specialist who will manage the entire project, answer your questions and address your concerns, functioning as a very personal one-stop shop. In addition, Mooser is one of only very few engineering and testing service providers to offer automotive customers a complete portfolio of EMC measurements, including shielding effectiveness tests.
Frequently asked Questions
Shielding effectiveness tests are a useful tool throughout all the stages of the development process. For example, in its laboratories, Mooser measures the shielding effectiveness of newly developed composite materials, such as plastics with metal inserts or metallised fleeces. Using our reliable figures, you can promote your new product to customers. In the early and later stages of the development process, shielding effectiveness tests allow the shapes of existing covers, for example for batteries, to be improved. During the production phase, laboratory measurements can be used to evaluate the shielding effectiveness of improved, extended or additional covers.
The technical basis for shielding effectiveness tests is the stripline, a measuring process developed in-house by Mooser. The grid structure generates a stable, predefined electric or magnetic field over very large areas.
Another of Mooser’s unique features is the 500 megahertz antenna. It was developed by company founder Jakob Mooser, among others, and has been specially designed to meet the requirements of EMC tests. Its modified receiver can measure in three spatial directions and then add the results together and produce one total signal. Conventional measurement systems cover only one direction (orientation) in each test, which ultimately means that several separate tests are needed. Our system saves you both time and money.
The broad frequency ranges that are used in shielding effectiveness tests in our laboratories are particularly challenging. Frequencies between 100 kilohertz and 200 megahertz are normal, but our customers in the automotive industry now require shielding up to the gigahertz range. We anticipated these requirements at an early stage and designed our shielding effectiveness test process for frequencies up to 6 gigahertz.
We carry out shielding effectiveness tests to meet your requirements and discuss the results with you, providing a competent, precise and easily understandable service. In addition, before the testing process starts, we can give you useful information about the decisions you need to make to reduce the amount of test and development work. At your request, we can also analyse the EMC and shielding effectiveness of your project or component in the very early stages of development and design a customised shielding concept to meet your needs.
Our decades of experience of shielding effectiveness tests has given us an in-depth understanding of the measurement method and the measurement process used. A three-digit number of successful customer projects have enabled us to acquire extensive knowledge of shielding effectiveness.
Furthermore, you will have only one contact person for all these services. At Mooser, we provide you with a competent, highly qualified specialist who will manage the entire project, answer your questions and address your concerns.
