New composite EMI shields deliver lightweight alternative to metal EMI covers

TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectivity, announces its new lightweight composite EMI shields (LCES) for military, aerospace, RF, radar and satcom applications. The composite EMI shields are up to 40 percent lighter compared to standard aluminum, help provide increased EMI suppression and are more cost-effective relative to machined or cast aluminum shields.

“Today's military enclosures have ever increasing SWaP demands and shape complexity,” said James O'Keeffe, Product Manager, Global Aerospace, Defense & Marine, TE Connectivity. “TE is excited to offer a better performing EMI shield that is a lightweight, cost-effective and customizable alternative to help our customers meet those demands.”

TE's new EMI shields are made of carbon-reinforced composite with electroplating, which offers similar strength to standard aluminum shields but with up to 40 percent lighter weight. In addition, the conductive composites provide enhanced EMI absorption, whereas metal EMI shields provide no signal attenuation and often require separate EMI absorbers. The composite EMI shields are ideal for a broad range of applications where EMI shielding of PCBs is required, such as in radars, radios and avionics.

The shields were designed and have been tested to IEEE 299 standard. The conductive composites provide enhanced EMI absorption and the electroplating meets all EMI and mechanical requirements.