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.

Gecko SL: Compact, High-Reliability Connectors

Product in Action: Optronic Mast System

Harwin’s Gecko-SL (G125 series) connectors are designed for applications where size, weight, and durability are critical. With a 1.25mm pitch, these high-reliability connectors offer a secure, space-saving interconnect solution for cable-to-board, cable-to-cable, and board-to-board applications. The Screw-Lok (SL) fixing system enhances robustness and stability, making Gecko-SL ideal for demanding environments.

Features

• Compact & Lightweight: Up to 45% footprint reduction and 75% weight savings over Micro-D connectors.
• High-Reliability Contacts: Patented Beryllium Copper contacts provide superior durability and conductivity.
• Screw-Lok System: Secure and easy-to-use fixing mechanism for enhanced mechanical stability.
• EMI/RFI Shielding: Optional metal backshells for superior electromagnetic protection.
• Extreme Durability: Withstands high vibration (20g), shock (100g), and temperatures from -65°C to +150°C.

Applications & Market

Gecko-SL is trusted across industries requiring rugged and lightweight connectors:

✅ Defense & Marine Systems – Proven in submarine mast technology and other mission-critical defense applications.
✅ Aerospace & UAVs – Reliable performance in extreme environments.
✅ CubeSats & Space Technology – Compact footprint for optimized PCB space.
✅ Autosport & Robotics – Vibration-resistant, ensuring stable connectivity.
✅ Oil & Gas – Harsh environment tolerance with superior electrical integrity.

Proven in the Optronic Mast System

Gecko-SL connectors play a crucial role in next-generation submarine technology, as seen in the Optronic Mast System. The system integrates a multi-spectral camera into a submarine mast, providing enhanced 4K visible and infrared imaging for all-weather, all-light conditions. The challenge was to increase the number of connections within the same confined mast space while ensuring high reliability in extreme underwater environments.

The Gecko-SL solution delivered:
🔹 Compact design, allowing for more connections without increasing space.
🔹 Superior durability, withstanding high-vibration and harsh marine conditions.
🔹 Secure locking mechanism, ensuring stable connectivity even in dynamic submarine operations.

Summary

Gecko-SL connectors are engineered for extreme environments, offering compact, high-performance, and long-term reliability in applications like submarine systems, aerospace, and defense technology. Their success in the Optronic Mast System highlights their mission-critical capabilities, making them the preferred choice for engineers and designers worldwide.

Ready to explore the Gecko-SL connectors? Click the button below to view the full product range on our website.

• Application & Market

  The Datamate series is widely used across industries where reliability and durability are critical:

  • Aerospace & Military – Suitable for avionics, UAV systems, and rugged communication equipment.
  • Robotics & Industrial Automation – Provides robust connectivity in dynamic and high-vibration environments.
  • Autosport & Motorsport Electronics – Ensures stable connections in vehicles exposed to extreme acceleration and environmental conditions.
  • Medical & Instrumentation – Supports compact designs requiring high signal integrity and secure mating.

  With the increasing use of 90-degree SMT connectors, Datamate enables streamlined PCB designs for edge-mounted connectors, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining high reliability.

  Variation

  Datamate connectors come in multiple configurations, including:

  • Vertical and Right-Angle PCB Mounting – Available for both male and female connectors.
  • SMT and Through-Hole Options – Supports a wide range of assembly methods, including 90-degree SMT connectors for compact PCB layouts.
  • Power, Signal, and Coax Variants – Options for mixed signal-power applications and high-frequency coaxial transmission.

  Summary

  The Datamate series by Harwin provides high-reliability connectivity solutions for industries requiring rugged performance and long-term durability. While throughboard solutions like PIHR offer mechanical stability, SMT connectors—particularly 90-degree variants—allow for compact and efficient PCB designs, improving automated assembly and space optimization. With multiple mounting configurations, secure mating features, and environmental resistance, Datamate remains the preferred choice for engineers designing mission-critical systems.