Gas Meter

RFI Shield Clips & Cans – A Simple & Efficient Solution for EMI/RFI Protection

Product in Action: Gas Meter

In the electronics industry, compliance with regulations for radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection is crucial. Harwin’s RFI Shield Clips & Cans offer an efficient and flexible solution to address these issues, replacing traditional methods that require manual soldering.

One real-world application of this technology is in gas meters, where RF attenuation is critical to ensure accurate and interference-free readings in in-home metering systems.

Features

Easy Installation – Shield Cans are simply pressed into SMT Clips without the need for additional soldering.
Quick Removal & Replacement – Reduces the risk of PCB damage during maintenance.
Cost-Effective – Simple five-sided design that lowers manufacturing costs.
Increased Productivity – Eliminates slow and risky hand-soldering processes.
Flexible Options – Available in 13 variations with Shield Can thicknesses ranging from 0.13mm to 1.00mm.

Application in Gas Meters

  • Application: Used in in-home gas metering systems, particularly in the Netherlands, where strict RF attenuation profiles are required.

  • Challenge: The customer needed an EMC shielding solution for a low-profile, space-constrained design.

  • Harwin’s Solution: The use of micro shield clips and low-profile cans provided an effective shielding method while maintaining a compact design, ensuring proper electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) without compromising space or performance.

Other Applications & Markets

Apart from gas meters, these shielding solutions are widely used in:
🔹 Wi-Fi Modules
🔹 Bluetooth Devices
🔹 Smartphones
🔹 Telecommunications Equipment
🔹 Smart Electronics (Smart Fridges, Smart Devices)

Product Variations

Shield Cans come in different thicknesses (0.15mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm), each with dedicated clips to ensure a secure and stable fit. All clips are supplied in Tape and Reel packaging, making them suitable for fast and automated assembly.

Summary

By using Harwin’s RFI Shield Clips & Cans, electronics manufacturers can improve assembly efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure better EMI/RFI protection. The Gas Meter case study demonstrates how these components solve real-world challenges in space-limited applications while maintaining optimal RF performance.