Radiofrequency (RF) Shielding is a physical or electronic protection method that shields individuals who may be exposed to radiofrequency radiation. Many solutions to RF shielding include RF Barrier, Faraday Cage, and RF Safe Room. This article will explain what Radio Frequency Shielding is and how it can help eliminate the effects of Radio Frequency Radiation.
What is RF Shielding?
RF shielding is a physical or electronic protection method that shields individuals who may be exposed to radiofrequency radiation. The term “shielding” often refers to an electrical or mechanical barrier that blocks electromagnetic radiation from entering the shielded region. The most common shielding technologies are Faraday cages, magnetic shielding devices and air conditioning systems. Motion sensors use magnetic fields to detect the motion of nearby objects. For example, radar helps drivers avoid collisions with other traffic by detecting neighboring vehicles and alerting drivers by sending out a signal of speed and direction.
In telecommunications, shielding means raising the antenna above the interference. Radio communications are used to refer to methods that reduce electromagnetic radiation exposure. Radiofrequency (RF) shielding provides a mechanism for RF radiation from entering or being absorbed by a shielded region at a particular frequency. RF shields are designed so that any RF energy cannot enter the region being shielded, thus reducing the amount of RF energy reaching the keepers of sensitive equipment.
Radiofrequency radiation travels through air and water and is commonly used for transmitting signals such as voice, data and television signals over long distances. It generates electric and magnetic fields surrounding the radio waves traveling along their transmission path.
Radio Frequency Shielding
There are two basic types of shielding: Faraday Cage and RF Safe Room. In the case of the Faraday Cage, the geometry is such that electromagnetic waves cannot penetrate inside one side, yet electromagnetic energy can still pass onto the next side. The opposite is true for an RF Safe Room. The shield does not entirely prevent signals from entering its enclosure; however, they are absorbed and then reduced to harmless levels.
Magnetic shielding includes different materials such as metal mesh suspending above towers or transformers to reduce radio frequency interference. This can be used in open air or inside a faraday cage (no metal parts).
Specially constructed enclosures of metal sheets are used for radiofrequency shielding. The shielding effectiveness of such compartments can be enhanced by making them double-walled.
Faraday cages: It is a metal enclosure that completely shields radiofrequency radiation. Assume you are in an airplane, and you can see the cell bars around the whole plane. This is a Faraday Cage, and it shields you from interference due to radio waves between cities where there is a strong airwave connection.
Air-conditioning: By using special filters such as “mesh band filters,” helps reduce harmful electromagnetic fields (EMF), which cause harm to human bodies in indoor environments.
RF Safe Rooms: It is a wholly shielded room with layers of electromagnetic material installed in the walls, floor, and ceiling. The shielding can also be done using special filters such as “mesh band filters.”
Radio Frequency Shielding Solutions
Several solutions to RF shielding include RF Barrier, Faraday Cage, and RF Safe Room. Below you will find examples of these solutions and how they reduce the harmful effects of Radio Frequency Radiation. Here are two examples:
RF Barrier: For factories where machinery may be affected by electromagnetic fields, it is possible to install an RF Barrier to shield against various types of interference, including radio frequency interference (RF).