RF Shield Box: Selection Guide, Applications & Leading Manufacturers
Introduction: RF shield boxes provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection for RF testing. Key factors for its selection include attenuation level, shielding material and size.
What is RF shield box:
The box made of copper, aluminium or steel to provide shielding from radio frequency waves or EM waves is known as
RF shield box. It is used to perform compliance testing of wireless device
under rigid environmental conditions. Metal strips, metal screens and metal foams are also
used to have shielding from unwanted EM (Electromagnetic) waves during product development.
Refer RF shield basics>> and
EM radiation mitigation techniques>> as depicted in the figure
below for more information.
Selection Guide
When choosing an RF Shield Box, consider the following key parameters.
• Shielding Effectiveness : The box should provide high attenuation (about > 80 dB) to effectively block external RF interference.
• Frequency Range : Ensure it supports the required frequency spectrum
• Internal Space & Form Factor : The size should accommodate the DUT (Device Under Test) and allow for proper placement of test probes and accessories.
• Connectivity & I/O Interfaces : Look for shielded RF connectors, USB, Ethernet, power supply pass throughs, and fiber optic interfaces as needed.
Ventilation & Heat Dissipation : Essential for testing high power RF devices to prevent overheating during extended testing sessions.
• Automatic or Manual Operation: Some shield boxes offer automated control for production testing, while others are manually operated for lab use.
• Material & Build Quality : Ensure it is made of high quality RF absorbing materials such as aluminum or steel for durability and effectiveness.
Applications of RF Shield Box
Following are some of the benefits of RF Shield Box.
1. Device testing : Used for testing smartphones, IoT devices, Wi-Fi routers, and Bluetooth modules in an interference free environment.
2. Network Testing : Ensures accurate performance measurement of 5G, LTE and mmWave communication devices.
3. EMI/EMC Compliance Testing
4. Provides a controlled RF environment for measuring the performance of antennas, RF front end modules and RF transceivers.
5. Automated Production Testing
Manufacturers of RF shield box
Following table lists popular manufacturers or vendors of RF shield box.
| RF shield box Manufacturers | Description |
|---|---|
| Ramsey Electronics, Victor, NY 14564 | Enclosures with models STE2000, STE3000, STE4000 etc. Website: www.ramseytest.com |
| Concentric Technology Solutions Inc. Fort Worth, Texas 76117 | They have testing solutions for wireless industry including
RF shielding, RF shield boxes etc. Website: www.rfshieldbox.com |
| ETS LINDGREN USA, UAE, China, INDIA, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan etc. |
Website: www.ets-lindgren.com Email: janet.o'neil@ets-lindgren.com |
| Orbel Corporation, PA 18045 | The company offers board level shielding with
custom designs as well as ready designs of their own.
Website: https://www.orbel.com Email: info@orbel.com |
| MDL Technologies Limited | RF Test enclosures of various types are available Website: https://www.mdltechnologies.co.uk Email: sales@mdltechnologies.co.uk |
| Faraday Pty. ltd. | RF shield box enclosures of various types are available Website: https://www.ferret.com.au Email: Matt.nutt@primecreative.com.au |
Conclusion
A well designed RF shield box enhances EMI protection. Select from leading manufacturers for reliable performance.