Choosing the Right TEMPEST Filter for Your Needs

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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.