The aerospace and military markets have long understood the critical importance of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
As far back as the late 1950s, the risks of combining high-power systems with sensitive electronic equipment were well recognised.
Engineers were tasked with finding ways to prevent interference between different systems, ensuring that aircraft could fly safely and reliably without electronic glitches causing catastrophic failures.
KEC, originally Kern Electrical Components, was one of the pioneers in addressing these challenges, providing innovative solutions for connector backshells, glands, and bulkhead fittings.
Since then, the need for robust EMC practices has expanded far beyond the defence and aerospace sectors.
The increasing complexity and density of electronic systems in virtually every industry, from automotive and telecommunications to healthcare and industrial automation, has made EMC a universal concern.
Think of the modern car, packed with sensors, control units, and entertainment systems, all operating in close proximity. Or consider a hospital operating room, where the reliable functioning of life-saving equipment is paramount.
In these environments, electromagnetic interference can have serious consequences.
The evolution of EMC
The introduction of EMC legislation in 1992 was a turning point. Suddenly, companies across all sectors were compelled to consider electromagnetic compatibility.
However, this increased awareness also led to some confusion and a proliferation of "quick fixes" that often fell short of providing adequate protection.
Many companies simply looked for the cheapest way to comply, rather than truly understanding the underlying principles of EMC and investing in robust solutions.
At KEC, with our decades of experience developing EMC solutions for demanding applications, we recognised the need for a more rigorous and scientific approach.
We understood that true EMC is not about individual components or "totally protected" enclosures, it's about the overall system and the integrity of its connections.
It’s crucial to understand the degree of protection required and ensuring that every element in the system meets that standard.
Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a system's EMC performance is limited by its most vulnerable connection.
The Importance of Proper Screening
One of the common misconceptions surrounding EMC is the idea that simply earthing or terminating a cable screen is enough.
In reality, effective shielding requires a 360-degreetermination of the screen to the connector backshell or bulkhead fitting.
This ensures a continuous and uninterrupted barrier against electromagnetic interference. Think of it like a medieval castle, a single gap in the wall can be exploited by invaders.
Similarly, any break in the shielding can allow electromagnetic interference to penetrate and disrupt sensitive electronics.
Traditional methods like pigtailing or fanning out the braid can actually compromise shielding effectiveness.
They can create leakage paths or even act as unintentional antennas, causing more problems than they solve.
That's why KEC has developed innovative solutions like the IRIS spring, which compresses the cable braid to guarantee full 360-degreescreening, preserving the integrity of the cable screen and maximising shielding performance, and the interweave method of collecting individual screens, while maintaining their 360 degree integrity. The interweave method, originally patented by KEC, effectively eliminates the need for individual screen pigtailing or soldersleeving.
This technology ensures a tight, secure connection that effectively blocks electromagnetic interference.
Continual development and adaptation
Over the years, KEC has continued to refine and develop its EMC solutions, adapting proven techniques to meet the evolving demands of modern applications.
Our design philosophy is centred on respecting the efforts of cable manufacturers who carefully design their cable screens for optimum performance.
We aim to complement their work with termination methods that maintain the integrity of those screens.
We offer a range of solutions, from cost-effective braid traps for general applications to high-performance IRIS spring terminations for demanding environments. This ensures our clients have access to the right level of protection for their specific needs.
Our product range includes:
And our commitment to innovation continues with the development of new products and the ongoing refinement of existing ones, ensuring we stay at the forefront of EMC technology.
In today's interconnected world, where complex systems operate in increasingly challenging environments, connection integrity is an absolute necessity.
EMC is not just a matter of compliance, it's a critical factor in ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of your systems.
At KEC, we understand the complexities of EMC and the importance of a holistic approach.
We don't just provide components, we offer expertise, partnership, and a commitment to engineering excellence.
Schedule a complimentary system connection evaluation today. Our expert engineers will work with you to understand your specific challenges, analyse your infrastructure, and identify potential vulnerabilities. No pressure, just expert insights to help you build more robust and resilient systems.
Contact us to book your free evaluation.
