- Silver vs silver-aluminum filler in EMI gaskets
Pure silver gives the lowest resistance and the most shielding headroom; silver-aluminum weighs about half as much and suits aluminum enclosures.
- Microwave absorber sheets or foam: how to choose
Space, frequency, where the energy needs to go and whether the part also has to move heat decide the type of microwave absorber.
- Conductive silicone gasket or FIP: how to choose
Flange width, part shape, production volume and filler choice decide between a cut or molded gasket and a dispensed FIP bead.
- Thermal pad, gel or grease: which to use
The size and consistency of the gap, how the part is assembled and how thin the bond line must be usually decide between a thermal pad, a thermal gel and thermal grease.
- Choosing thermal pad thickness and hardness
Start from the real gap, allow for tolerances, then pick a thermal pad soft enough to fill it without stressing the board.
Insights
Notes on thermally conductive, electrically conductive and microwave absorbing materials.