Simulation of Conductive Fabric Shielding Effectiveness at 0.6 - 2.6 GHz via Transmission Line Analysis

Protection of devices and systems in the presence of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) could be realised with the introduction of EM shielding that limit signal wave propagation within an area of interest only. This project attempts to characterise shielding effectiveness (SE) of shielding materials at 0.6 - 2.6 GHz that are currently made available for numerous current and next-generation wireless technology applications. Future technology applications would be driven by intense device-to-device communication taking place very close to one another. Ensuring SE through signal wave absorption instead of signal reflection alone is critical to reduce possible disruption of adjacent wireless system. In order to achieve sufficient SE at investigated frequencies, EM shield need to be designed from different materials that could exhibit high electrical conductivity and high magnetic permeability. Conductive materials in fabric form have potential to achieve strong SE while allowing more freedom in the design process and easy deployment. This study would involve theoretical calculation and simulation using CST Studio Suite Student Edition of reflection and absorption losses as well as SE for materials that were selected based on ease of availability off-the-shelf in fabric-form thickness.