Want to know more about Physical Vapor Deposition and its uses? Or how and why Radio Frequency Interference occurs? You will find answers to these questions and more as we explore these concepts in depth. You will also learn some tips and tricks to prevent RFI or Radio Frequency Interference from affecting your devices and communication units. But first, let us explore the concept of Physical Vapor Deposition.
What is Physical Vapor Deposition?
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is defined as the process by which a metal vapor can be deposited/coated on electrically conductive materials. The coating of vapor is very thin and used on a highly adhered pure metal or alloy coating.
This type of deposition is also called PVD coatings, thin-film coatings. But despite the wafer-thin thickness of the coating, they can endure external pressure for a significantly long time. It is ideal as a coating on watches, as it the PVD coating, of high-quality can extend its life up to 10 years,
What is Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)?
RFI Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is the disruption of an electronic device due to a frequency energy input by conduction or radiation, causing it to produce characteristic noise. The noise may prevent the proper functions of surrounding or adjacent devices.
Sometimes, RFi occurs, where signals from a transmitter cause a receiver’s performance to degrade. This interference can prevent a signal from being broadcast or received, or it can manipulate or corrupt a signal that is being received. For example, RFI can affect the quality of cell phone signals.
Such a glitch is identified by technicians via many tests and the RFI measured and mapped. They can then start looking for the drive around and survey the area in question, using a direction finder or RF interference hunting device
How does Physical Vapor Deposition work?
PVD is a bottom-up synthesis technique that is used to coat materials of a Nano scale; the source is heated above its melting point to generate vapors. This is then deposited on the target surface. It is carried out in a vacuum chamber using a cathodic arc source. The advantage of this method is that it does not require the use of chemical reagents or cleaning post-treatments.
Why is Physical Vapor Deposition Used?
PVD coatings are used to improve hardness, increase wear resistance, and prevent oxidation. Many times it is used for aesthetic purposes as well. PVD is easy to use and hence it is perfect for corrosion protection in a number of industries like automotive and aerospace. Besides, it is used in the electronics to enhance the durability and lifespan of various components.
PVD coatings are usually very corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. As the PVD coatings are hard and easily resist all wear-and-tear, it is used on glass as a protective layer. Apart from glass fabrication and other fragile item production processes, It is widely used when processing doors and window hardware, lamps and similar decorative products.
How to overcome RFI or Radio Frequency Interference?
Since radio interference can originate from human-made or natural resources like lightning, magnetic storms, solar radiation, and other astronomical phenomena, care should be taken to prevent electronic devices from exposure to these elements.
Radio signal interference occurs when unwanted radio frequency signals disrupt the use of a device. This can prevent reception, cause a temporary loss of signal, or affect the quality of the sound or picture. The interference can be prevented by deploying methods like shielding, closing the electronic system in metal. Materials that blocked RF signals like copper, aluminum, and steel. For example, cables are typically shielded with a thin aluminum foil or braided copper wires.