Methode launches heat shrink tubing EMC compliance kit

Citation

(2001), "Methode launches heat shrink tubing EMC compliance kit", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773dad.020

Methode launches heat shrink tubing EMC compliance kit

Methode launches heat shrink tubing EMC compliance kitKeywords: Methode Electronics, Tubing, Heatshrink

Methode Electronics Europe reports the introduction of its EMC compliance kit containing a wide selection of EMC shrinkmate heat shrink tubing (Plate 9). The kit is said to enable test connector and cable assemblies to be quickly and easily constructed with high levels of EMI/RFI and ESD shielding. Notably, EMC shrinkmate meets stringent aerospace industry specifications for outgassing.

EMC shrinkmate, rated at Mil Std R-46846, is described as heat shrinkable polyolefin tubing coated on the inside with Methode's polymer thick film silver ink to provide a complete shield around a connector and cable assembly. The resultant assembly reportedly eliminates significantly the source of EMC leakage, the EMC shrinkmate solution also claims to effectively reduce the ingress and egress of EMI and RFI, as well as penetration into the assembly by external contaminants such as dust, moisture and oil.

Plate 9 Methode launches heat shrink tubing EMC compliance kit

EMC compliant "joints" using EMC shrinkmate are said to require no soldering, thus enabling fast and easy manufacturing of co-axial cable butt joints and cable to connector housing joints. The polyolefin tubing also claims to eliminate most of the problems associated with providing an EMI/RFI/ESD shield between solderable and non-solderable surfaces such as stamped metals, plated finishes and shielding paints.

The new Methode kit comprises a selection of 6in lengths of 1/4in, 3/8in, 1/2in, 3/4in and 1in ID EMC shrinkmate tubing. As well as for testing applications, the EMC compliance kit is thought ideal in prototyping and pilot production environments, enabling production quantities to be subsequently ordered as required. EMC shrinkmate also claims major savings by eliminating soldering in connector assemblies and is ideal for subsequent over-moulding.

EMC shrinkmate is available in production quantities from 118 to 5in ID. It reportedly provides a low resistance shield of less than 1/in. Shielding effectiveness varies according to tube diameter and frequency, ranging from 40dB ~ 82dB over 30MHz ~ 1GHz. Operating temperature range is –55 ~ + 135°C.

Further details are available from Methode Electronics Europe Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1389 732 123; Fax: +44 (0) 1389 732 777; E-mail: tom.shaw@meel.com; Web site: www.methode.com