Conductive
Grounding Tabs
Adequate
EMI protection often can be achieved by establishing low impedance
ground paths between electrically conductive elements in the chassis
and components.
Electromagnetic
interference (EMI) is frequently induced by surface currents exciting
metal components to create “phantom” fields. As a generality, all
metal elements should be bonded to a common ground. In some cases,
conductive “tabs” provide the required grounding paths at lower
costs than modifying a design or installing enclosure shielding.
For example, slot length in enclosure seams can be reduced effectively
using conductive tabs at appropriate intervals. With wavelength
the determining factor, the smaller slot size may limit leakage
sufficiently to circumvent continuous gasketing. This will provide
a cost savings. Within enclosures, grounding tabs may reduce radiated
EMI levels from a PCB ground plane saturated with signals. Board-mounted
component shields, such as metal cans, can be grounded with conductive
tabs inserted between the shield and enclosure wall.
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Data Sheet (.pdf)
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Case Study
Typical
Applications
Related Products
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SOFT-SHIELD
5000 Series Foam
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SOFT-SHIELD
4000
Series Foam
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SOFT-SHIELD
2000
Series Foam
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SPRING-LINE
Springfingers
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CHO-SEAL
& CHO-SIL
Conductive Elastomers
|
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Rectangular,
D, V, C, P and other
profiles
|
Flat/Rectangular,
die-cut shapes
|
Rectangular,
D
Profiles
|
Various
Profiles
|
Solid
and hollow O, D,
P, Rectangular Profiles
|
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Custom
Profiles
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Custom
Profiles
|
Custom
Profiles
|
Custom
Profiles
|
Custom
Profiles
|
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Nickel-plated
silver
nylon ripstop fabric
over urethane
|
Fabric-reinforced
Aluminum foil
over urethane
|
Silver-plated
yarn over thermo-
plastic EPDM foam
|
Beryllium-
Copper
|
Conductive
particle
filled silicone or
flurosilicone extrusion
|
|
Non-Conductive
PSA
Attachment
|
Conductive
PSA
Attachment
|
Non-Conductive
PSA
Attachment
|
Non-Conductive
PSA
Attachment
|
Non-Conductive
PSA
Attachment
|
|
Continuous
Lengths
Kiss-cut, Tape
Kiss-cut, Film Sheet
Cut-to-Length
|
Continuous
Lengths
Kiss-cut, Tape
Kiss-cut, Film Sheet
Cut-to-Length
|
Continuous
Lengths
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Cut-to-Length
|
Continuous
Lengths
Kiss-cut, Tape
Kiss-cut, Film Sheet
Cut-to-Length
|
Continuous
Lengths
Kiss-cut, Tape
Kiss-cut, Film Sheet
Cut-to-Length
|
|
High
Grounding
Effectiveness
|
High
Grounding
Effectiveness
|
Moderate
Grounding
Effectiveness
|
Highest
Grounding
Effectiveness
|
High
Grounding
Effectiveness
|
|
|
|
|
|
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SOFT-SHIELD®
5000 Series Conductive Fabric-Wrapped Foam
Nickel-plated
silver imparts conductivity to the self-terminating, nylon rip-stop
jacket of this highly compressible foam gasket. Closure force
of <1 lb/inch (0.175 N/mm) makes it ideal for use in laptop
computers and portable telecommunications devices. Dozens of
standard configurations include rectangular, D, C, P and V profiles.
Standard sizes start as small as a 0.060 x 0.150 inch (1.5 x
3.8 mm) solid D profile, and all offer optional pressure-sensitive
adhesive. Choose general-duty or UL 94V-0 rated versions. Pre-cut
lengths as small as 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) minimize waste. Parts
are kiss-cut on polyester film release backers.
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SOFT-SHIELD®
4000 Series Foil/Fabric Wrapped Foam
Closed cell
urethane foam is machine-wrapped in fabric-reinforced aluminum
foil, with conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side
for mounting. Low compression set, excellent conductivity and
durability make these materials cost-effective as grounding
pads. Choices include UL 94V-0 or 94HB- rated compositions and
three grades of softness. Numerous standard thicknesses range
from 0.048 to 0.279 inch (1.2 to 7.1 mm), up to 6.0 inches (152
mm) wide. For rapid peel and stick applications, kiss-cut parts
are supplied on polyester film release sheets. Custom die-cutting
is also available.
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SOFT-SHIELD®
2000 Series Conductive Yarn over Foam
This configuration
features silver-plated nylon yarn knitted over highly compressible,
thermoplastic EPDM foam and securely bonded to the core. Secondary
termination is not required, and closure force is <1 lb/inch
(0.175 N/mm). Ten standard D and rectangular profiles range
from 0.140 x 0.100 inch (3.56 x 2.54 mm) to 0.500 x 0.375 inch
(12.70 x 9.53 mm), with pressure-sensitive adhesive standard.
Pre-cut pieces can be supplied for rapid application.
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SPRING-LINE
®
"Pick and Stick" Springfingers
Highly resilient,
0.002 inch (0.051 mm) thin fingers compress under low closure
force. Their tin-plated beryllium copper construction provides
excellent conductivity and galvanic corrosion resistance. In
a typical application, springfinger tabs affixed to metal cans
soldered over board components establish contact between adjacent
PCBs, simplifying grounding to the housing. Tight compression
does not affect resilience or electrical performance. Parts
include high-tack pressure-sensitive adhesive on the mounting
surface, and are supplied in strips for snap-off application,
as individual pieces, or spaced on film reels for “pick-and-stick”
application.
Top |
CHO-SEAL®
and CHO-SIL® Conductive Elastomer "Peel and Stick"
Tabs
With many standard sizes and material choices, conductive elastomer
extrusions afford real design flexibility for grounding applications
when supplied kiss-cut on PSA mounting tape. Hollow D profiles,
available as small as 0.125 (3.18 mm) wide, are typically chosen,
but others may be used, including custom profiles. Cost and
performance options include a choice of conductive particle
fillers in silicone or fluorosilicone binders. All offer excellent
resistance to compression set over a wide temperature range.
Grounding tabs can also be produced using molding techniques
that accommodate special design features or geometries.
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