Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a critical factor in ensuring the dependable performance of PC-based systems within challenging industrial environments. At PSB GmbH, we understand that even minor electromagnetic interference can lead to significant disruptions in sensitive processes and systems. Our long-standing engineering expertise enables us to design and manufacture PCs with advanced shielding, tailored specifically to the complex needs and compliance standards of industrial applications. By combining robust hardware design with extensive filtering and protective measures, we secure both the functionality and long-term reliability of customer installations. Each solution is uniquely adapted to the operational environment, delivering consistent performance across diverse industrial and medical settings. For over three decades, we have prioritized precision and thoroughness in developing EMC-shielded systems that customers can trust.In a world where industrial applications are growing ever more demanding, EMC shielding has become indispensable to ensuring smooth and reliable IT operations. PSB GmbH’s approach is always grounded in a deep understanding of both application-specific requirements and global EMC standards. We rigorously test every system to withstand real-world electromagnetic influences and guarantee dependable performance even under extreme conditions. Our broad experience and flexibility enable us to implement shielding solutions that truly fit each customer’s challenges. Looking ahead, PSB GmbH remains committed to advancing EMC technologies and setting new benchmarks for quality, safety, and longevity in industrial PC solutions.
What Does EMV Shielding Mean for PCs and Why Is It Essential?
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMV) is a critical requirement for modern computer systems, especially when deployed in challenging industrial and medical environments. An EMV-shielded PC, sometimes referred to as an electromagnetically shielded industrial PC, is specifically designed to minimize the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and maintain reliable performance even in high-EMI zones.
EMV shielding for PCs involves implementing measures that reduce both the emission of electromagnetic energy from the PC and its susceptibility to external sources of EMI. This is particularly relevant for industries such as automotive manufacturing, energy plants, and medical technology, where sensitive electronics operate in close proximity to powerful machinery or diagnostics equipment.
- Definition: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMV) ensures that electronic systems function reliably in their electromagnetic environment without causing or suffering from EMI interference.
- Key Risks: Data loss, hardware malfunction, loss of regulatory compliance, and safety hazards.
- Target Applications: Factory automation, robotics, medical imaging, E-mobility, and more.
For those seeking further resilience against environmental stressors such as dust and liquids, consider exploring the IP67 computer system protection as a complimentary solution.
How Does EMV Shielding Work in PC Enclosures?
Modern EMV enclosure PCs rely on a combination of intelligent design, advanced materials, and precise assembly to achieve effective shielding. The core principle resembles the Faraday cage, where conductive materials form a protective barrier against external electromagnetic fields.
Key Shielding Methods and Components
- Conductive Enclosures: The housing is made of metal or features internal metallic coatings to block or refract electromagnetic waves.
- EMV Springs (Shielding Gaskets): These are used around seams, doors, and connectors to maintain consistent electrical contact and preserve enclosure integrity.
- Surface Treatments: Specialized coatings like conductive paint or zinc/galvanic plating increase enclosure conductivity and improve shield attenuation.
- Cable and Connector Shielding: Shielded cables and filtered connectors prevent EMI from entering or escaping through openings.
- Internal Grounding: Careful circuit and board design ensures effective grounding, reducing internal EMI emissions.
Shielding Materials and Effectiveness Table
| Material | Shielding Attenuation (dB) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 60-90 | Standard PC & server enclosures |
| Electrogalvanized steel | 90-110 | Heavy-duty industrial PCs |
| Copper or copper mesh | 100-130 | High-spec medical & laboratory PCs |
| Conductive plastics | 40-70 | Lightweight applications |
The right choice of shielding material and methods depends on the specific environmental risks and frequency ranges involved. To help tailor selection, reference the guide for rugged industrial tablet PCs, which discusses similar considerations in mobile computing environments.
Benefits of an EMV-Shielded PC for Your Application
Investing in an EMV-compliant computer offers significant advantages, especially in sensitive and regulated industries:
- Reliability: Minimizes risk of system downtime and data corruption due to EMI.
- Compliance: Fulfils industry and government EMV norms and certifications, crucial for medical and industrial sectors.
- Safety: Prevents erratic behavior in critical applications like automation or medical monitoring.
- Longevity: Reduces maintenance costs and extends lifecycle by protecting internal components from EMI-induced stress.
- Peace of Mind for Decision Makers: Enables quick qualification and commissioning in projects with strict EMV requirements.
For businesses designing solutions for continuous operation or harsh industrial settings, you can discover effective strategies for robust hardware for permanent industrial operation here.
Example: EMV Shielding in E-Mobility 2026
With the surge in electric vehicle production, production lines increasingly rely on EMV-shielded industrial PCs to safeguard process data and robotic control systems from high-frequency inverter noise. In one recent deployment, a factory introduced shielded enclosures and EMI-filtered cabling to reduce production stoppages caused by RF emissions, resulting in an immediate drop in downtime and higher product yields.
Similarly, numerous hospitals utilize EMV medical technology PCs to guarantee data integrity in diagnostic equipment, often placing additional emphasis on attenuating frequencies associated with wireless communication systems.
Tips for Selecting and Integrating an EMV-Shielded PC
Key Selection Criteria
| Selection Criteria | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding Effectiveness | Measured in attenuation (dB). Must be matched to threat environment. | 90 dB attenuation for heavy-industry robotics |
| Material Quality | Type and thickness of shielding materials influence overall EMC. | Galvanized steel for max durability |
| Compliance | Must meet all relevant EMV norms and certification standards. | EU EMC Directive, FCC, UL |
| Integration Options | Compatibility with mounting, cabling, and connectivity needs. | DIN-rail or VESA mounting kits |
| Testing & Validation | Availability of pre-certifications, test logs, and prototyping support. | In-house EMV pre-compliance lab |
When evaluating a PC enclosure for EMV shielding to buy, request detailed test reports, customer references, and sample installations. Early prototyping and EMV-PC testing can reveal integration challenges unique to your environment. For projects requiring long-term supply and support, reference the guide to embedded PC long-term availability.
Best Practices for Successful Integration
- Always maintain conductive continuity at panel seams, door gaskets, and fasteners.
- Use shielded cables with 360° ground termination at the entry point.
- Minimize cable length outside the enclosure to prevent antenna effects.
- Ensure PC and peripherals are connected to a central, low-impedance ground.
- Regularly inspect gaskets and contacts for wear and corrosion.
For industries needing a balance of environmental sealing and electromagnetic protection, solutions such as the IP65 industrial PC can provide robust barriers against both physical and electromagnetic hazards.
Download an interactive EMV checklist to facilitate your procurement and commissioning process, ensuring all critical parameters are addressed before purchase and integration.
