scott@hpsdde.sdd.hp.com (05/23/91)
Do you have any "war stories" about EMI problems caused by dissimilar metals or galvanic corrosion? I've been getting a lot of questions lately about the choosing PCB standoffs or the proper choice of plating for sheet metal parts. These questions all affect electromagnetic interference (EMI) through their contribution to the product's grounding and shielding. In my view, galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals is the most important factor, dominating any questions about the conductivity of the metals. Putting on my "EMI consultant's" hat, I try to explain this to those who ask, and refer them to a galvanic table. However, there may be exceptions to this, and I'd like to learn about any related experiences you may have had. My recom- mendations are also more convincing if I can give case histories. I'm looking for both successes and failures. First hand experiences are preferable. To limit the scope a bit, I'm particularly interested in exper- iences relating to commercial products, and especially EMI from computers and computing equipment. (There's a wealth of info on shipboard corrosion that isn't relevant to my needs.) I'm also looking for good references. Most of the books I've consulted have a very limited discussion of dissimilar metal problems, usually in some broader context. Please respond by e-mail if you can (it may be some time before I'll be checking this news group). Thanks in advance! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Scott Roleson MS-61U62 | Internet: scott%hpsdde@SDD.HP.COM EMC Engineer | UUCP: uunet!ucsd!hp-sdd!hpsdde!scott Hewlett-Packard Company | Telephone: (619) 592-4809 San Diego Technical Graphics Div | FAX: (619) 487-1236 16399 W. Bernardo Dr. | Amateur Radio: KC7CJ San Diego, CA 92127 | Any opinions are my own, not HP's. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------