RF Shields

This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the RF Shields category on DigiKey.com

RF Shields are metal devices that are designed to block or reduce electromagnetic interference to provide protection for components. The characteristics are type, height, length, width, ventilation, and mounting type. The types are CAN, cover, frame, shield 1-piece, and shield 2-piece with the mounting types being adhesive, snap-fit, solder, solder and snap on, surface mount, and through hole.


SelectionCharacteristics

Type: The names that differentiate product types that fit under this category from each other.

Height - Overall: This is the measurement of the range spanning from the lowest edge of the part to the highest edge of the part

Length - Overall: This is the measurement of the range spanning from the rear most edge of the part to the front most edge of the part.

Width - Overall: This is the measurement of the range spanning from the left most edge of the part to the right most edge of the part.

Ventilation: Indicates whether or not a shield incorporates openings designed to allow airflow through the shielded space.

Mounting Type : How the device is attached.

Expanding on Mounting Types

Chassis Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal chassis.

Chassis Mount, 8" Wire Lead
Attaches to a metal chassis but it includes an 8" wire for connection.

Chassis, Stud Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal Chassis using an incorporated stud bolt.

Screw Mount
Attaches using screw terminals.

Stud Mount
Has a stud bolt incorporated into one side for attachment.

Flange Mount
Screws or bolts go through wings (flanges) that protrude from the product.

Connector Mount
A mount that incorporates a connector into its method of attachment into the electrical system.

Surface Mount
Have pins or pads that connect to solder pads on the PCB that are then soldered in place forming an electrical and mechanical connection. Number in front of SMD indicates how many pins/pads, for example a 6-SMD module has 6 pins/pads. May not use or even have all the pins/pads for example 24-SMD module, 14 leads: would fit in the space of a 24-SMD module but only has 14 pins/pads. Typically, they are smaller than the through-hole components.

There are three basic types of pins (leads) for surface mount devices.

Lead Types

Gull wing leads: Enable the most pins per inch when compared to J-lead types but they are more fragile. Easy to inspect for defects after soldering.
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J-Leads: Less pins per inch than gull wing leads but they are stronger and less susceptible to breakage.
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Flat Leads:
Must be protectively packaged to prevent damage to leads. Leads must be formed into a gull shape prior to use with a separate piece of equipment. Due to that they are the least popular type of lead.
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ProductExamples

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MFR PART # 2118716-2
DIGIKEY PART # A126152TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER TE Connectivity AMP Connectors
DESCRIPTION RF Shield Frame 0.650" (16.50mm) X 0.650" (16.50mm) Surface Mount
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # BMI-S-101
DIGIKEY PART # 903-1006-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER Laird Technologies EMI
DESCRIPTION RF Shield Shield, 1-Piece 0.512" (13.00mm) X 0.538" (13.66mm) Vent Holes in Pattern Surface Mount
DATASHEET Click Here

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If you have any general questions on the specifications for selecting RF Shields, please reply using the button below. If you have questions on specific RF Shields please post those questions in the Wireless and IoT category.