RF Performance Considerations — Every cabinet, rack or enclosure has unique mechanical and RF containment requirements that need to be considered jointly to develop a solution to meet MIL-STD-461. Specifically, designs must consider the following:

• Frequency Range of RF Attenuation. Typical solutions cover 10 kHz-18 GHz.

• Degree of RF Attenuation. Typical need is for >40 dB; occasionally must have >60 dB for select frequencies.

• Outer Panels, I/O Panels, Skins. RF Frequency & attenuation dB used to determine EMI/RFI gasket solution and mounting hole spacing/hardware selection.

• Inlet/Exhaust Air Filters. RF Frequency & attenuation dB used to determine honeycomb aperture size and down-slope angle. Cooling airflow need determines overall filter size. Drip proof requirement determines need for down-slope honeycomb or external louvers.

• Doors. In addition to RF Frequency & attenuation dB , high traffic open/close requires EMI/RFI gasket to be extremely durable. Door latch selection is critical to contain RF energy.

RF Containment:  Electromet Advantage — Electromet makes managing RF containment for cabinets, racks and enclosures easy!

• Decades of experience seamlessly integrating mechanical & RF containment solutions. We manage it all in-house: design, manufacturing and testing.

• Optimized RF containment performance without over-engineering the solution. EMI/RFI gaskets & filters are some of the most expensive components in a shielded cabinet, rack or enclosure. We optimize performance while minimizing cost.

• Mature relationships with suppliers of EMI/RFI gaskets and honeycomb air filters provides competitive pricing and accurate lead-times and ensures optimal selection of suitable, cost-effective components.

• Close partnerships with independent RF testing laboratories (such as Washington Laboratories in Frederick, MD) ensures independent performance validation, reliable test procedures and feedback and design collaboration for unique RF requirements.

• Electromet cabinet designs include numerous mechanical features which enhance RF containment beyond EMI/RFI gaskets or honeycomb filters (extrusion design and assembly geometry, door latch selection, assembly hardware spacing).