RFI and EMI - Contacts, Fingerstock and Gaskets

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	0097095432 Laird - Performance Materials	S3,STR,BF	0
	4053PA51G02000 Laird - Performance Materials	GK NICU NRSG PU V0 DSH	0
	4299PA51H01200 Laird - Performance Materials	GK NICU PTAFG PU V0 CST	0
	4701PA51G01800 Laird - Performance Materials	GK,NICU,NRSG,PU,V0,REC	0
	4B96AB51H09600 Laird - Performance Materials	GK NICU PTAF PU V0 BELL	0
	0098097617 Laird - Performance Materials	LS,STR,SNB,USFT,CLO	0
	0C97055518 Laird - Performance Materials	TWT COIL NIE PSA	0
	0097055108 Laird - Performance Materials	TWT,STR,SNSAT,RA,PSA	0
	67BCG2504504810R00 Laird - Performance Materials	SP,CON,C,AU,TNR	0
	67BCG2504006010R00 Laird - Performance Materials	SP,CON,C,AU,TNR	0
	4522PA51H01200 Laird - Performance Materials	GK NICU PTAFG PU V0 SQ	0
	8863-0120-80 Laird - Performance Materials	OSTRSD,ECE080 2.0MM	0
	4046AB51K02441 Laird - Performance Materials	GASKET FABRIC/FOAM 3MM SQ	0
	4797PA51H01200 Laird - Performance Materials	GK NICU PTAFG PU V0 KN	0
	0097095747 Laird - Performance Materials	S3,STR,SNB	0
	0098055117 Laird - Performance Materials	TWT,STR,SNB,USF,PSA	0
	4105PA51H01200 Laird - Performance Materials	GK NICU PTAFG PU V0 DSH	0
	5191RAG1W Laird - Performance Materials	GKR,NICU,CF,V0,RL .060X4.000IN	0
	9754002120 Laird - Performance Materials	AP,STR,BF,PSA,CTL .110X.280X.188	0
	46J5N05020.NN00 Laird - Performance Materials	FAB,NICU,PTAF 50MM	0

RFI and EMI - Contacts, Fingerstock and Gaskets

1. Overview

RF/IF (Radio Frequency/Intermediate Frequency) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems require effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding to maintain signal integrity. Contacts, fingerstock, and gaskets are critical components for ensuring electrical continuity and shielding performance in electronic enclosures. These components prevent electromagnetic leakage while maintaining mechanical functionality in connectors, housings, and assemblies.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Contacts	Conductive elements for maintaining electrical connections under compression	RF connectors, PCB grounding pads
Fingerstock	Resilient metal strips with finger-like projections for continuous shielding	Server chassis, military equipment
Gaskets	Conductive elastomers or mesh materials for sealing gaps	Automotive sensors, medical devices

3. Structure and Composition

Typical structures include:

Contacts: Beryllium copper or phosphor bronze cores with conductive platings (gold, silver, nickel)
Fingerstock: Canted coil springs or stamped metal fingers with corrosion-resistant coatings
Gaskets: Silicone rubber with embedded silver-aluminum particles or wire mesh

4. Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical Range	Significance
Contact Resistance	0.1-10 m	Affects signal transmission efficiency
Shielding Effectiveness	60-120 dB (100 MHz-10 GHz)	Determines EMI/RFI attenuation
Compression Force	0.5-5 N/mm	Impacts mechanical durability
Temperature Range	-55 C to +150 C	Defines operational stability

5. Application Fields

Main industries include:

Telecommunications (5G base stations, microwave links)
Automotive (V2X communication systems, radar sensors)
Aerospace (avionics shielding compartments)
Medical (MRI shielding enclosures)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Products
Parker Chomerics	CHO-SEAL conductive gaskets
Laird Performance Materials	Form-in-Place EMI gaskets
3M	EMI Shielding Tapes 9703/9706
Samtec	RFI/EMI shielded connectors

7. Selection Recommendations

Considerations include:

Frequency range of the application (higher frequencies require tighter tolerances)
Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, chemical exposure)
Material compatibility (avoid galvanic corrosion between mating surfaces)
Cost-effectiveness (balance performance vs. budget constraints)

Case Study: In automotive radar systems, Parker Chomerics' silicone-based gaskets reduced EMI leakage by 40% compared to traditional metal fingerstock.

8. Industry Trends

Key development directions:

Miniaturization for 5G mmWave applications
Low-PIM (Passive Intermodulation) material formulations
Multi-functional integration with thermal management
RoHS-compliant plating processes (eliminating hexavalent chromium)