RF Shielded Enclosures
Need an RF shielded enclosure?
Compliance Engineering is the only Australian manufacturer of modular RF shielded enclosures.
The RF shielding services include new installations, relocation and servicing of existing RF enclosures. We also provide a comprehensive range of RF shielded enclosure components such as RF power filters, EMC gaskets, RF waveguides, honeycomb air vents, RF absorbing materials, etc.
Compliance Engineering can provide and install EMF shielding for electrical substations, to reduce the EMF exposure levels to building occupants located nearby.
We are also agents for well-known EMC equipment manufacturers located around the world and can supply a wide range of specialist EMC test equipment.
As a leading service provider for Electromagnetic Compatibility, we’ve become the go-to for a wide range of product EMC certification and testing needs.
Compliance Engineering prides itself on delivering the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your compliance testing needs. Drawing on our years of experience, modern test facilities and knowledgeable operators ensures your products adhere to the requirements of current EMC standards.
Leading Manufacturer of Shielded Enclosures in Australia
RF Shielded Enclosures, Faraday Cages and Anechoic Chambers
Introduction
Compliance Engineering is the only privately-owned manufacturer of modular RF shielded enclosures in Australia, which are used throughout industry for many purposes including:
– Antenna characterisation
– Wireless Product Testing
– Research facilities
– RF transceiver repair and calibration
– Secure Computer accommodation
– Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
– Biomedical Laboratories
– High Voltage Test Laboratories
– Tempest security
– Broadcast facilities
– Telecommunications
– Defence Installations
– Educational facilities such as universities
Industries customers include:
– Defence
– Telstra, Vodaphone, Optus
– AFP
– CSIRO
– Universities
– R&D facilities
– Health & Medical
An RF shielded enclosure (or Faraday Cage) is basically a room lined on all internal surfaces with a metallic skin to shield against radio frequency (RF) or electromagnetic interference. We manufacture RF shielded enclosures in Australia using prefabricated panels clamped within a steel framework. RF enclosures can also be manufactured by overlaying the internal surfaces of a room with copper or aluminium foil. All power cabling entering an RF shielded enclosure must pass through filters and air flow into the enclosure is provided via honeycomb waveguide air vents.
Modular RF Shielded Enclosures:
One of the most versatile designs from any manufacturer in Australia, our modular enclosures are fully demountable and can easily be extended or relocated. The panels are constructed from particle board laminated on either side with zincalum steel sheets. These panels are clamped together in a zinc plated steel frame.
The RF door is a key component of the enclosure and utilises sliding edge (sometimes called knife edge) construction, with a double row of beryllium copper contact fingers. Specialised heavy-duty hinges with internal bearings are used for long term alignment reliability.
Compliance Engineering can provide an RF enclosure designed and manufactured in Australia in line with your requirements.
Shielding performance:
Compliance Engineering’s RF shielded enclosures provide 100dB attenuation to radiated RF (electric) fields over the frequency range 14 kHz to 1 GHz (Refer MIL-STD-285). Enclosures installed by Compliance Engineering will have an RF shielding verification test performed after assembly and prior to installation of any internal linings or RF Absorbing materials (where applicable).
The site where the enclosure is to be installed should be relatively dust free and flat with a maximum slope of 10 mm in 3 metres and a maximum unevenness of ± 5 mm. Sufficient clear space is required inside the building for placement of the enclosure materials during the construction phase.
Compliance Engineering is also A2LA accredited to perform RF Shielding Performance testing in accordance with MIL-STD-285 and IEEE 299
Foil – RF Shielded Enclosures
Compliance Engineering is also a manufacturer of copper foil enclosures that meet all the requirements for a RF non-ferrous shielding of MRI equipment installations in Australia.
Copper sheets are soldered, taped or stapled together on either new or existing substrates which also allows for easy field application to any room configuration and is acceptable for a wide array of applications.
Our MRI doors are specifically designed to meet the requirements and needs of the MRI industry. Each door is custom built and assembled consisting of the frame, door leaver, hardware and RF seal.
We offer two main types of shielded doors for the MRI Industry and both meet all current MRI system manufacturer specifications.
Compliance Engineering can provide an RF enclosure designed and manufactured in Australia in line with your requirements.
The basics
What Is an RF Shielded Enclosure?
Every electrical or electronic circuit produces electromagnetic waves, and electronic components are also susceptible to interference from them. RF shielding is the practice of enclosing equipment inside a conductive barrier to prevent this interference – isolating it from the outside environment and creating a controlled electromagnetic environment in which sensitive equipment can operate without disruption.
Without shielding, electronic and communication equipment is prone to performance issues and may suffer security breaches, loss of data and, in extreme cases, complete failure. Shielded enclosures are frequently fitted with shielded doors, windows, ventilation systems and filtering devices to keep the shield intact.
Protection against interference
A robust shield against external electromagnetic interference, so sensitive equipment runs reliably with reduced signal degradation and less risk of malfunction or data corruption.
Signal integrity
Isolating devices from external electromagnetic noise maintains the quality of signals – crucial for telecommunications, wireless networks and scientific research.
Containing emissions
Enclosures also contain the emissions generated by the equipment inside, protecting nearby electronics.
Confidentiality and security
In government and military environments, shielding prevents the leakage of sensitive information through electromagnetic emissions.
Where interference comes from
Sources of Radio Frequency Interference
RF interference occurs when unwanted radio waves disrupt an electrical device’s ability to function properly, causing malfunction, reduced performance or costly downtime. It can come from natural or man-made sources, and man-made sources can be unintentional or intentional.
Common sources
- Natural: dust storms, static electricity, lightning strikes, snowstorms, solar flares and cosmic noise.
- Unintentional man-made: lighting, electric motors, satellites, transmission lines, inverters, wireless routers, Bluetooth speakers, laptops, mobile phones and remote controls.
- Intentional: jamming devices, radars and radio transmitters.
Enclosure types
Types of RF Shielded Enclosure
Enclosures come in a number of designs, each with its own features and benefits.
Fully shielded
Built entirely from RF-shielding materials for the maximum level of protection – typical in military and medical applications where equipment must be completely isolated from outside RF radiation. Usually built to fit the equipment they house.
Partially (semi-) shielded
Used where equipment does not need complete isolation from external RF, such as in industrial or telecommunications settings. Typically prefabricated and easy to modify.
Modular
Multiple components that can be assembled in a variety of ways, allowing simple maintenance and repair. Our modular enclosures (above) are fully demountable and can easily be extended or relocated.
Materials
Materials Used for RF Shielded Enclosures
Shielding effectiveness depends on the properties of the material – its electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability – the geometry of the enclosure and the frequency of the electromagnetic waves.
Copper
Known for its high electrical conductivity and one of the most reliable shielding materials. It is readily available, easily formed into a variety of shapes and resists oxidation and corrosion. Alloys such as brass, bronze, beryllium copper and phosphor bronze are widely used.
Nickel silver
An alloy of copper, zinc and nickel with a magnetic permeability of 1, which makes it ideal for MRI installations. An excellent choice in corrosive environments.
Aluminium
Has 50 to 60% of the conductivity of copper, so equivalent aluminium shielding needs to be almost twice as thick. It is also prone to natural oxidation and galvanic corrosion.
Steel
A ferromagnetic material capable of shielding low-frequency (magnetic) EMI, which makes it a better choice than copper alloys and aluminium in some situations. Other materials include mu-metal, conductive elastomers and conductive fabrics.
Applications
Where RF Shielded Enclosures Are Used
Telecommunications
Testing and development of mobile phones, base stations and satellite communications – and making sure mobile signals do not interfere with base stations or other equipment.
Aerospace and defence
Testing and validating avionics, radar, electronic warfare equipment and satellite communication systems in demanding electromagnetic environments.
Medical research and healthcare
Protecting sensitive medical equipment such as MRI machines, CT scanners and pacemakers from interference that could compromise its precision.
Electronics manufacturing and testing
A controlled environment for accurate testing of computers, servers and electronic components, including EMC compliance testing.
Choosing an enclosure
Selecting and Designing an RF Shielded Enclosure
- Size and layout: the enclosure must suit the equipment it protects, with space, ventilation and cooling for it to perform effectively, access for maintenance and compatibility with external test equipment – and fit the space available.
- Shielding effectiveness: measured in decibels; the higher the rating, the more RF the enclosure blocks. Choose an enclosure that has been tested and certified – ours provide 100 dB attenuation to radiated RF (electric) fields from 14 kHz to 1 GHz (MIL-STD-285), verified after assembly.
- Grounding and sealing: proper grounding, electrical continuity throughout the structure and effective sealing prevent electromagnetic leakage.
- Materials: conductive materials such as copper or steel, with thickness and conductivity chosen for the shielding level required.
- Environment: temperature, humidity and vibration, with ventilation and cooling for a stable environment inside.
- Level of protection: fully shielded for highly sensitive equipment that needs complete isolation; semi-shielded or modular where it does not.
Choose a manufacturer that can provide technical advice, testing and certification, and customisation. Compliance Engineering is A2LA accredited to perform RF shielding performance testing to MIL-STD-285 and IEEE 299.
Where shielding technology is heading
- Advanced shielding materials – carbon nanotubes, graphene and metamaterials are being studied for improved shielding effectiveness.
- Miniaturisation and portability – smaller, portable shielded chambers for increasingly compact devices.
- Broadband shielding – blocking a wider range of frequencies as wireless technologies proliferate.
- Integrated filtering and connectivity – built-in filtering of specific interference frequencies and seamless connection to external test equipment.
Need an RF shielded enclosure?