CONDUCTIVE GROUNDING TABS

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.