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.