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The Impact of Military EMI Filters on Military Operations

Military electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters are crucial in aerospace and military applications. These specialized electronic components ensure all equipment adheres to strict emission requirements, filtering out electrical interference or noise that could disrupt the functionality of critical electronic systems. Keep reading to learn about the impact of military EMI filters on military operations, including their applications and performance capabilities.

Military Uses for EMI Filters 

Military operations use EMI filters for several key reasons, from protecting signal integrity to shielding devices in various operating environments.

Keeping Communication Channels Open

EMI shielding helps keep communication lines open and secure in military operations. Higher frequencies are common in today’s military devices, leading to an increased opportunity for interference. EMI shielding tackles this challenge by keeping military networks isolated from other civilian and foreign military networks. Keeping the networks apart protects the integrity of the signal while eliminating unwanted recipients from the communications.

EMI filters allow military personnel to trust incoming intel, speeding up the communication process by removing jammed signals to prevent enemies from leveraging confidential information.

Maintain Proper Functioning of Complex Electronics

EMI shielding maintains functionality of military devices outside of the typical communicative uses. While large vehicles and tanks may seem indestructible, EMI can at times disrupt internal components, impeding overall functionality. Drones and other smaller devices are also susceptible to EMI interference.

In addition to interfering with the performance of military vehicles and sensitive systems, EMI has the potential to negatively impact large-scale power grids in industrial setting. It is vital to create a barrier for both the input and output power using EMI Filtering to meet the demands of military usage. This type of EMI shielding can help prevent malfunction and miscommunication, protecting soldiers and civilians alike.

Captor Corporation EMI Filters for Military Use

Captor Corporation manufactures several types of COTS MIL-STD-461 EMI filtering solutions to withstand extreme environments frequently seen in military applications. These can mitigate conducted emissions ranging between 10 KHz and 10 MHz while staying at or below the maximum capacitance for 50Hz – 400Hz input power frequencies to meet various demands.:

• Single-phase EMI filters. Our new line of COTS EMI filters is specifically engineered for use with single-phase power lines in AC and DC applications. They can alleviate conducted emissions in line with MIL-STD-461 CE102 standards, industry standards, and key electrical requirements.
• Three-phase Wye EMI filters. Our three-phase Wye EMI filters are designed to mitigate conducted emissions in accordance with MIL-STD-461 CE102 standards, making them suitable for a range of ground, air, and sea applications. These filter assemblies integrate line-to-ground feed-through capacitors, with additional shielding effectively isolating the output and input compartments.
• Three-phase Delta EMI filters. Captor Corporation offers three-phase EMI filters for use with Delta 120/208 VAC power lines, mitigating conducted emissions in alignment with MIL-STD-461 CE102 requirements. For 254/440 VAC power lines, we recommend COTS MIL-STD-461 three-phase Delta EMI filters.

Specific design configurations are available depending on the application and filter type. Our custom EMI filters can include various components like metal oxide varistors and circuit breakers, along with military connectors for input/output connections when requested.

Contact Captor Corporation for High-Quality EMI Filters for Military Operations

Since 1965, Captor Corporation has been providing customers with innovative solutions for aerospace and military applications. As a trusted manufacturer of custom EMI military filters, we offer prompt delivery of high-quality, competitively-priced components. We also manufacture standard military filters that comply with MIL-STD-461 and RTCA/DO-160 regulations. We keep production, sales, and engineering services under one roof to ensure every product we deliver meets our customers’ precise specifications.

Contact us or request a quote to learn how military EMI filters by Captor Corporation can protect sensitive equipment, enhance operational reliability, and ensure mission success in demanding environments.

Choosing the Right TEMPEST Filter for Your Needs

Data thieves can access compromised information from virtually any point along a transmission pathway. Most electronics and electrical assemblies “leak” electromagnetic interference (EMI) that contains sensitive information, not just noise. This sensitive information is often referred to as “red” data by tech professionals. Skilled electronics experts can pick up this “red” data from most telephone signals, personal computers, servers, and dozens of other transmission sources—even power lines—without sufficient shielding.

Telecommunications Electronics Material Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmissions, or TEMPEST filters, can shield these potential sources of information by blocking EMI. A TEMPEST filter safeguards sensitive data by attenuating electromagnetic emissions across a broader frequency range than standard EMI filters. This broader frequency range reduces your vulnerability to data theft.

Considerations for Choosing a TEMPEST Filter

Just like with all filters and shields, it’s important to choose the right TEMPEST filter for different applications.

When determining the right TEMPEST filter for your needs, consider the following key factors:

• Frequency Range. Different information sources will each have their own frequency range. Match each source you want to protect with an EMI TEMPEST filter that has a cutoff frequency that encompasses the entire range.
• Insertion Loss. Insertion loss refers to how well a filter can attenuate unwanted EMI signals. As a general rule, filters with higher insertion loss values offer greater attenuation of EMI signals.
• Current Requirements. Know the maximum current the device will draw so you can find a filter with an equal or higher current rating.
• Voltage Requirements. Select a filter with a voltage rating suitable for the application to handle transient voltage spikes.
• Package Size. Smaller electronics won’t have much space for additional hardware. Consider the available space and the filter’s package size, especially in compact electronic devices.
• Filter Topology. TEMPEST filters come in single-stage and multi-stage varieties. Choose one that is compatible with the device’s needs and specific application.

Applications for TEMPEST Filters

TEMPEST filters can protect information across a wide range of devices and applications. All sensitive information can present potential vulnerabilities, so manufacturers, facility managers, and individuals all benefit from electronics with high-performance TEMPEST filters across electronics and transmission pathways.

Data Security

Data security facilities need to employ multiple layers of defense. Facilities may house sensitive information, PII, or even classified information. To cover all potential sources of data leaks, these facilities should use properly rated TEMPEST EMI filters on power supply systems throughout the property, as well as communication lines. TEMPEST EMI filters minimize the risk of data leakage.

Some specialized areas of data security that benefit most from TEMPEST filters are:

• Financial Information: Protecting sensitive financial data from eavesdropping.
• Government Organizations and Information: Safeguarding classified government data.
• National Security : Ensuring the integrity of national security information.
• Intellectual Property Data: Securing proprietary intellectual property from theft.

Compliance with Standards

Information security standards set by governments and organizations often include stringent controls on electromagnetic emissions to reduce the risk of unintentional data disclosure. The use of TEMPEST EMI filters in electronic systems can reduce electromagnetic emissions and assist in meeting compliance requirements, contributing to stronger data security.

Enhanced Privacy

It’s important to protect where data is used and accessed, not just where it’s housed. TEMPEST EMI filters can also be used to enhance privacy in numerous settings, such as corporate offices, research facilities, and medical institutions. By suppressing unintended electromagnetic emissions, these filters help safeguard sensitive information such as private communications, research data, and medical records.

Secure Communication Systems

Communication systems are vulnerable to “red” data theft because they handle a lot of incoming and outgoing signals. Adding filters to these communication systems can protect private, government, and business conversations:

• Computer Networks: Securing data transmitted over networks.
• Encrypted Telephone Networks: Preventing eavesdropping on sensitive phone calls.
• Radio Networks: Ensuring the integrity of radio communications.

TEMPEST Filters From Captor Corporation

At Captor Corporation, we specialize in EMI filter solutions for more reliable connections and a deeper degree of privacy and security. Our solutions include compact filters with high isolation capabilities, as well as high-performance TEMPEST filters that meet or exceed MIL-SPEC standards and have a high insertion loss. We offer more than 20 different standard designs and products, and our engineering team can create custom TEMPEST filters for specialty applications.

Fortify Your Data Security with Captor Corporation

Captor has been a trusted name in EMI filters for decades. For the past 70 years, we have developed into an engineering leader that creates high-quality custom EMI filters for fast security and performance improvements. Our capabilities include complete design and assembly, and all of our products are made in the United States. Contact us today to tell us more about what EMI TEMPEST filters you need, or request a quote to start your order.

The Future of EMI Filtering Technology

Modern equipment increasingly relies on modern EMI filtering solutions. As spaces become more crowded with high-power electrical systems, high-performance noise filtering and noise blocking solutions are required that can either contain their own noise or protect it from external noise.

Captor Corporation specializes in developing cutting-edge EMI filtering solutions. Since 1965, we’ve focused on electronic filters for multiple industries, including military and aerospace communications. Read on to learn about some emerging trends in EMI filtering technology and how ongoing developments can impact different industries and applications.

Integration of Simulation and Modeling

One of the key requirements of developing EMI filters is testing. Electromagnetic compatibility testing, or EMC testing, measures the performance of devices in specific settings. The test receivers measure electromagnetic emissions and noise to see what levels of interference are present and how susceptible technology may be to that interference.

Engineers have developed various simulations and modeling tools for virtual design testing and can use these advanced EMC testing capabilities to:

• Design better EMI filters
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing EMI filter designs
• Reduce expenses during the design phases by testing EMI before producing physical prototypes
• Streamline the development process by cutting down on prototype cycles and conducting fast virtual tests
• Create hypothetical test cases to ascertain how EMI and EMI filters will act in different environments and make predictions

More efficient testing can save companies money and time, and it can lead to more advanced designs and solutions. By conducting more experiments and product testing in virtual simulations, engineers can implement increasingly small design refinements, measure results in the anticipated conditions, and create detailed records.

Higher Frequency Range

One significant trend in EMI test receivers is the expanding frequency ranges. As electronic devices operate at higher frequencies, industries need EMI test receivers that can cover a broader spectrum to accurately capture and analyze emissions. This will drive further development of existing technologies, which will likely be able to evaluate electromagnetic emissions in millimeter-waves and Terahertz frequency bands.

Engineers will also need to develop specialized EMI test receivers for 5G. This wireless technology requires more advanced shielding, as 5G operates at high frequencies that current solutions can’t fully protect against. Future shielding solutions will need to block high-frequency noise in infrastructural assemblies, industrial systems, and smaller consumer devices to prevent interference and maintain device functionality.

Advanced Analysis Tools

The foundation of better EMI shielding lies in using better analysis tools. Engineers are creating advanced EMI test receivers that don’t just pick up a broader frequency range but can also use derived test data to point toward future solutions. For example, advanced analysis tools will use AI and machine learning to analyze interference in real time. EMI shields can then have adjusted filter settings that instantaneously respond to fluctuating interference sources.

AI-powered analysis can also provide the following:

• Auto-classified signal algorithms
• Better spectrogram displays
• Faster troubleshooting
• A greater understanding of emissions characteristics
• More robust abatement plans based on more data
• Smart or automated noise reduction systems
• Time-domain analysis on a finer scale

All of these advanced AI and analytic capabilities can give researchers and product developers the insight they need to zero in on cutting-edge designs that help with higher frequencies, electrical assemblies in disruptive conditions, and electrical systems that operate across a wide network. Embedding AI into the filter assemblies themselves can also facilitate new solutions through granular filtration control.

EMI Filters From Captor Corporation

While EMI filtering technology has improved over the years, the demand continues to grow for more advanced capabilities for testing, data analysis, and handling a higher frequency range. At Captor Corporation, we’re continually developing innovative EMI filters that can handle the challenges electrical assemblies face in defense and aerospace applications. For all of our products, we use robust testing protocols and adhere to industry-specific standards.

Reach out today to learn more about our broad range of EMI filter solutions and find the right products for your project. You can also request custom solutions for specialty applications.

Captor Corporation Announces Justin Dorsten and Chico General as valuable additions to our Design/Sales Engineer Team

Tipp City, OH. October, 2024 – Captor Corporation, a leading manufacturer of EMI Filters, HEMP Filters, Tempest Filters, Cable Assemblies, Build-to-print, and Contract Manufacturing is pleased to announce that Justin Dorsten joined our team in 2023 and we recently added Chico General to strengthen our superior customer service and engineering services.

Justin Dorsten graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Justin, since March of 2023, has excelled in his aptitude for bringing new products to realization and optimizing new approaches. He is a trusted customer ambassador and now a valuable co-trainer for Chico.

Chico graduated from Wright State University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He brings a energizing new perspective to solving many difficult problems.

These two new additions have added to our already strong engineering team of Brian Monnin, Rafik Stepanian, and Ryan Sollmann. Scott Timms, our President, started his career as a design/sales engineer and assists with his many years of experience to our well-rounded team. Captor works with all the Prime Defense Contractors offering solutions for stringent EMI compliance standards and build to print assemblies.

“Justin has exceeded our expectations, with the addition of Chico and Justin’s willingness to take on the big task of training makes us confident looking towards the future and customer reliance on Captor. Chico, in his short time with us, has provided the encouraging attention to detail for learning and retaining”, says Scott Timms, President.

What is a SCIF Room and Who Uses Them?

Restricted records, files, and computerized data are often stored in a sensitive compartmented information facility, or SCIF, meaning military, national security, government, or corporate information is secured and protected from unauthorized access. A SCIF contains sensitive compartmented information (SCI) that is classified (or highly sensitive in the case of company records) to safeguard against data breaches, espionage, or leaks.

Here, we’ll discuss what a SCIF is and how they can be used for different situations.

What Is a SCIF Room?

SCIFs are typically installed in government or military facilities, aboard ships and aircraft, in corporate buildings, or sometimes in private residences. Entire buildings can sometimes be converted to SCIFs with small non-secure areas.

A SCIF can be a permanent room in a building or structure, or a mobile unit called a container, which is similar in appearance to a shipping container. When designing and constructing a SCIF of any type, security is the top priority. Intelligence Community Directive 705 (ICD705) defines standards for SCIF rooms and containers that apply to the structure, ductwork, electronics and electrical system, fenestration (i.e. windowless design), acoustics and soundproofing, and methods of intrusion detection.

SCIFs provide dedicated space for secure storage and access that’s restricted to authorized users. They often house computers and other data center equipment for government or military intelligence, physical documentation and files, or work or meeting space for users. May also go through a process called hardening to provide heightened cybersecurity protection against data breaches or leaks, equipment malfunction, or electronic security device failures due to software or hardware issues.

The US Defense Intelligence Agency within the Department of Defense accredits SCIF rooms and containers that are used for government and military SIC. It’s also important to check SCIFs for ongoing compliance with requirements as computer equipment or software is updated, replaced, and any time the structure itself is altered for electrical or HVAC maintenance or other upgrades.

Industries and Applications for SCIF Rooms

SCIFs are found in many settings where access to sensitive information is highly restricted. Entering the SCIF typically requires an adequate security clearance; however, outside personnel may be granted permission to enter after surrendering electronic devices, are not permitted to view sensitive information, and must be accompanied by an authorized user at all times. Examples may include IT, maintenance, or repair personnel.

SCIF security is commonly used in these settings:

• Military. Classified information pertaining to military operations, intelligence, plans, meetings, and discussions are often housed in a SCIF.
• Government. SCIFs can be used to store classified government information, records, and other intelligence that is critical to national security. Depending on the specific needs and location, the facility may include work or meeting space, computers, document storage, or other compliant features.
• Commercial. SCIF rooms for commercial applications protect sensitive information regarding employees, proprietary information, intellectual property, client data, and other sensitive information. While not necessarily built or held to the same standards as a DoD-accredited SCIF, corporate versions still provide secure and restricted storage and access.

SCIF Rooms From Captor Corporation

Captor Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality EMI filter and signal protection and EMC solutions for SCIF rooms and containers. Our products include signal line filters, HEMP filters, high-current capacitors, and custom EMI filters. Design, layout, assembly, testing, and prototyping services are also available. We also work with a group of vetted suppliers to provide customers with complete SCIF solutions.

Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote to speak with a specialist about your SCIF project.

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Power Distribution Unit (PDU)

Ranging in size and complexity, power distribution units (PDUs) give data center managers more control over electrical power. Some PDUs are simply power strips, while others are complex with surge protectors. Choosing the right PDUs for your data center’s immediate power management needs and anticipated future demand can be a challenge. Facility managers must carefully consider input and output factors, how the equipment will be mounted, additional features, and the overall budget.

That’s why we put together this guide to help you choose the right power distribution units for your server racks.

1. PDU Mounting

First, focus on the structural element. Do you need the PDU to be horizontally mounted or vertically mounted? Horizontally mounted PDUs take up one to two rack spaces and can be mounted anywhere in a rack enclosure while remaining plugged into a power source via a long 10- or 15-foot cord. For even more versatility, you can horizontally mount PDUs to the underside of a counter or directly to a wall.

Vertically mounted PDUs occupy zero rack spaces because they attach to the vertical rails of the rack. Most vertically mounted PDUs offer button mounting, where users slide the PDU’s mounting buttons into the mounting holes of the rack. This installation process is significantly faster and easier than mounting with screws.

2. PDU Input Phase

Once you’ve determined whether your PDU needs to be vertical or horizontal, determine its input voltage, including its amperage and the number of phases. This information influences the PDU’s plug type. 

If you already have a powered rack, you can simply examine the receptacle where you will plug in the PDU to determine the right PDU input. 

Consider these factors to determine your needed PDU input phase:

• Building power: Ask your facility manager or an electrician whether the building’s power is single-phase or three-phase. Most offices will have either 120V or 208V single-phase power.
• Application density: For a low-density rack of 1U or 2U servers, you can use a single-phase PDU. But for larger commercial racks, you may need three-phase power capabilities. If it’s available, three-phase power is more cost-effective and efficient.

3. PDU Input and Output

Next, carefully consider connectivity—both the input plug and the output receptacle. The input should connect to a generator-supported power source or a UPS system. Usually, PDUs have a detachable power cord and are rated for international use, so the user just attaches their local plug to the input. To choose the correct output receptacle, make sure the power cords match the equipment’s voltage level. 

4. Select the Right PDU

Every data center has unique needs, so it’s crucial to set goals before the PDU selection process. For example, if you have a large data center with hundreds of server racks, your primary goals may be to save physical space and reduce costs. Large facilities need to be monitored for power consumption at multiple levels, so you may not find as much value in monitoring the PDUs. In these cases, basic or metered PDUs may be most helpful.

On the other hand, branch locations not staffed by onsite personnel benefit more from switched PDUs. Although these solutions are more expensive up front, they provide long-term cost savings because they eliminate the need to send IT staff to manually switch the power on and off.

Find the Right PDU With Captor Corporation

Whether your facility needs basic power distribution units, intelligent power distribution units for high-tech operations, or a large volume of power distribution units for multiple locations, Captor Corporation is here to help. We produce 100% made-in-the-USA versatile electronic and electrical equipment for commercial, industrial, and military applications. Our company is ITAR-registered and certified per ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D.

Contact us today for help choosing the right PDU or to learn more about our capabilities.

Applications of Standard EMI Filters From Captor Corporation

The rising prevalence of electronic devices across all industries reflects our technologically driven society as well as our increased need for electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters. Without the proper protection against EMI, critical electronic equipment can fail and result in disastrous consequences. It’s more important than ever to invest in reliable EMI filters that serve a broad range of applications.
Here we’ll discuss what EMI filters are, what causes EMI, and the common applications of this essential equipment.

What Are EMI Filters?

An EMI filter is a device typically installed around power supplies and reduces unwanted harmonic energy when the electrical current switches. The EN/CE, FCC, and other military and commercial international EMI standards regulate these filters to minimize or eliminate unintended electronic noise that could disrupt the electronic’s operation. Military applications demand filtration of conducted emissions between 10 kHz to 18 GHz, and commercial applications typically require EMI filtration between 150 kHz and 30 MHz.

EMI filters can be either passive or active and usually cover a specific range of frequencies. Most EMI filters use passive components, such as inductors and capacitors, because they can filter a broader frequency range.

What Causes EMI?

EMI is caused by conducted interference or radiated interference. Physical contact between conductors creates conducted EMI, while non-physical contact, also known as induction, creates radiated EMI. Higher frequencies are associated with radiated EMI, while lower frequencies are associated with conducted EMI.

Where and How Are Standard EMI Filters Used?

Most EMI is high-frequency noise, meaning that the signal’s sine waves are close together. EMI filters contain capacitors and inductors that suppress this noise. Capacitors limit direct current (DC), which carries most of the EMI into a device, and allows alternating current (AC) to pass through. Also called shunting capacitors, capacitors in EMI filters redirect DC within a specific high-frequency range away from a component or circuit. Shunting capacitors then feed this current into the system ground.

Inductors hold magnetic energy as electric currents pass through them, reducing overall voltage. An optimal inductor eliminates the interference completely.

EMI can come from many sources, including power lines, solar flares, power cords, appliances, and more. Thus, standard EMI filters are commonly used in:

• Radio equipment
• Lab equipment
• Medical devices
• Computers
• Military equipment

How Does a Standard EMI Filter Work?

EMI in the form of radiated or conducted emissions can be minimized or eliminated by standard EMI filters. The filter’s capacitor creates a low-impedance path to redirect high-frequency signals away from the input. The noise is diverted either back to the power supply or to the ground connection.

Standard EMI Filters From Captor Corporation

EMI filters are essential in reducing electromagnetic interference in electronic devices. They block high-frequency electrical signals so that the device can function without interruption or malfunction.

At Captor Corporation, we offer a variety of custom and standard EMI filters that can help meet the needs of customers in diverse industries. Request a quote today or contact us at 937-667-8484 to learn more about our products and capabilities.

Captor Corporation Announces Release of MIL-COTS EMI Filter Line

Tipp City, OH. May 2020 – Captor Corporation is excited to announce the release of our MIL-COTS EMI Filter series. The new series is available in AC Single Phase (250VAC), Three Phase Delta (120/208VAC), Three Phase Delta (254/440VAC), Three Phase Wye (254/440VAC). The different voltage levels can be supplied for 50/60 Hz or 400 Hz applications. The filters feature low capacitance to ground to meet MIL-STD-461 Navy applications.

Captor also offers the option of modifying the filters to meet your specific mechanical and power requirements. Our experienced Engineering and Manufacturing team will design the modified COTS at no extra cost to the customer and offer competitive delivery times.

“We are extremely pleased with the initial interest from our customers concerning this product line. Not only are we selling them right out of the catalog, but we have already tailored many filters to fit the exact application,” says Scott Timms, President.

Captor Corporation Announces Rafik Stepanian as Chief Engineer

Tipp City, OH. April 2019 – Captor Corporation, a leading manufacturer of EMI Filters, HEMP Filters, Tempest Filters, Cable Assemblies and Contract Manufacturing is pleased to announce Rafik Stepanian as Chief Engineer.  Rafik supports the Tipp City manufacturing facility and will also maintain an office and lab in Philadelphia.

With over 25 years of experience in the EMC/EMI industry Rafik possesses an exceptional knowledge of filter design and EMI compliance testing.  He has worked with all the Prime Defense Contractors offering solutions for stringent EMI compliance standards. Commercial aviation, industrial and medical customers have also routinely seek out Rafik’s expertise for their challenging projects.

Rafik’s diverse experience includes client account management, project, contract and product management as well as manufacturing process optimization.  He is also available for on-site EMI consulting/training for customer engineering teams.

“Captor is excited to welcome Rafik to our team. With his vast experience and knowledge, we have expanded our ability to bring new solutions to the marketplace. This will benefit not only Captor, but all of our customers and future clients,” says Scott Timms, President.