Electromagnetic interference (EMI) are disturbances generated internally or externally that affect electrical circuits through induction. They can affect all types of electrical equipment and can come from both natural and man-made sources. The disturbance can cause equipment to malfunction or even stop working.
In everyday life, EMI isn’t a problem that requires us to be all that concerned, as a large number of consumer electronic products are well designed for minimization of the effects of EMI.
Medical devices can be a different case, however. Historically, these types of devices are difficult to shield from EMI, and the companies that are producing these products have had great difficulty satisfying both the FDA and FCC with respect to EMI issues. When medical devices are affected, it can be damaging and even life threatening. For example, a ventilator can change breathing rate causing a patient distress due to EMI. Things as simple as cell phones, solar magnetic storms, thunder storms, and even ignition systems can cause problems with EMI. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged the problem and sought to find solutions as well as informing the public about the problems associated with EMI in medical instruments.
The good news is that shielding can help protect sensitive devices from EMI. While this is a good idea for any type of electrical equipment, it is imperative for high-tech devices that are used in medical scenarios such as hospitals and laboratories. Vanguard Products Corporation manufactures EMI shielding products and general rubber products to help with EMI concerns.
Vanguard’s EMI shielding products are used to reduce EMI exposure to electronics and equipment in conjunction with proper enclosure design. Applications currently include blood analyzers, DNA analyzers, and other laboratory type of equipment.
Visit us at the 2017 MDM West/Electronics West/Pacific Design & Manufacturing Show, booth 3378 at the Anaheim Convention Center from February 7-9 to see how we can help minimize EMI shielding issues in your medical electronics. https://www.vanguardproducts.com/whats-new.html