Digital information has become instrumental to the modern world, evidenced by the increasingly large data centers built to hold and process it. However, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is an ever-present challenge that can result in many issues for devices, their components and the data those devices store.
The worst cases result in lost information, but even less severe instances bring problems such as corruption, performance degradation and hardware malfunctions. These realities mean relevant parties must take proactive measures. The most common one is to incorporate EMI protection. These options provide the necessary shielding to greatly reduce problems.
What Are the Main Sources of EMI?
One of the challenges of safeguarding against electromagnetic interference in a data center or other critical environment is that it comes from numerous sources. Those trying to combat it must remain aware of all three to determine the most effective ways to reduce data-related disruptions.
Firstly, EMI occurs naturally in the world, although typically not at levels dangerous enough to protect against. For example, rain and snow hold electrical static that can affect vehicles and other electronics-containing items if they contact that precipitation. Additionally, stars and planets naturally emit EMI. When larger ones – such as Jupiter – come close to Earth, they can be a problem for some devices. However, those most susceptible are typically older since designers, engineers and others integrate EMI-shielding options in newer at-risk components.
Additionally, human-caused EMI is a comparatively more prevalent problem. That is because sources spanning from personal electronics to power lines emit it. Issues occur when these signals encounter each other at the same frequency.
Finally, inherent EMI poses challenges because it originates from the devices themselves. Their internal electrical systems interfere with other nearby components, making it necessary to plan designs to accommodate various shielding options.
Developing Eco-Friendly EMI-Shielding Materials
People searching for EMI protection may prioritize eco-friendly solutions, deciding that those best fit their sustainability aims. Many items in this category feature composite materials. One research team developed an option that relies on kenaf fiber, a naturally occurring substance previously examined elsewhere as a potential polymer composite reinforcement.
Their solution combines kenaf fiber and high-density polyethylene. However, the group also needed to make their composite electrically conductive. They achieved that with carbon nanotubes. A combination of 16% kenaf fiber and 5% carbon nanotubes enabled the desired electromagnetic shielding. Getting those specifics right is central to exploring innovative options and determining the most appropriate choices. Having an open mind and being willing to try new ideas is also important.
Other sustainable efforts include options such as fabricating items made from recycled materials. Finding effective solutions that are more mindful of available resources and reuse potential will encourage data center decision-makers and other authorities to choose from a broader assortment, including those that align with environmental goals.
Besides being essential to protect the equipment used in the world’s data centers, EMI shielding is necessary for many critical manufacturing processes, including those in semiconductor fabs. The United States government recently provided $285 million in funding for these factories to use digital twins. Those tools could help all aspects of their processes, including assisting decision-makers to choose which EMI shielding materials to use.
Protecting Critical Systems and Infrastructure
Individuals reliant on the EMI protection require solutions that maintain critical systems’ optimal performance without interruptions. Some, such as those in the defense industry, understand that adversaries may specifically use electromagnetic interference to make systems lose data or otherwise become nonoperational. Any equipment or device that stores essential information should have safeguards installed to stop loss or other disruptions.
Options such as rack enclosures provide shielding surpassing 75 decibels at 40 gigahertz, allowing people to surround their vulnerable and essential equipment with doors and panels. These are ideal for specific vulnerable systems or for data center staff who want to take more proactive approaches.
Individuals interested in these solutions should begin by determining the kind of data held by at-risk equipment. Relatedly, people must verify whether that information is backed up elsewhere. From there, decision-makers should investigate the EMI protection options within their budgets or that meet other specifications, prioritizing industry-specific requirements.
They should also decide which shielding methods best fit what they need to protect. Besides the enclosure-type solutions mentioned above, people can also use filters that block high-frequency EMI while allowing low frequencies to pass through them. However, since these function selectively that way, it is important to verify that they will give sufficient protection to the system or data-containing device.
Application-related specifics are also necessary to ponder. For example, many drones have built-in EMI protection, particularly when used for commercial or defense-related use cases. Statistics show commercial drones have caused a 25% compound annual growth rate increase. That prominence emphasizes how they contribute to the industry’s overall worth.
Evaluating New Materials for EMI Shielding
Although various EMI-blocking methods exist, researchers frequently investigate additional alternatives. They understand the importance of continually innovating to meet new needs. In one example, several entities agreed to collaborate while learning more about the potential of nanocomposite materials used in EMI protection.
Details are scarce at this point, but early information indicated the involved parties would focus on several advanced materials and components, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene and nanoferrites. Additionally, participants will examine industry needs from various perspectives, such as what must occur to design and develop these new items. Additionally, those working on this project will consider the best ways to optimize the EMI-shielding items and the ideal use cases.
Working out all those specifics through collaboration is an excellent way for like-minded industry experts to rely on their collective insights and work together to overcome challenges. Working with new materials or using them in different ways is often daunting, but it becomes more accessible when people know others are working alongside them with common goals.
Other notable developments in EMI-shielding materials include particle-free conductive inks for package-level protection. Although silver-based options currently dominate the market, options have recently diversified, and that trend will likely continue.
EMI Protection Reduces Adverse Events
Those responsible for managing essential data or the devices that store it must examine ways to incorporate EMI protective measures. The examples here show how this industry is constantly evolving, keeping it relevant to modern needs.
The post Facing Frequent Data Disruptions? EMI Protection Could Be the Solution appeared first on Datafloq.
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