The present invention relates to a system configured to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) from electronic systems, in particular microprocessor-based systems using heat sinks.
As microprocessors and other electronic components are driven at ever faster frequencies, electromagnetic emissions are becoming more challenging to reduce or eliminate, especially for higher-powered components. At the same time, legal regulations surrounding EMI emissions are becoming more stringent, so the greater technical challenge is compounded by a greater regulatory challenge.
In principle, it is possible to build a Faraday cage around an electronic component to prevent the radiative emissions from reaching the local environment. However, in practice, an ideal Faraday cage is not generally achieved, due to the generally rectangular shapes of electronic components, the perforation of the shielding by connections and other devices, and other practical requirements.
In addition, it has been found that electromagnetic emissions may couple the heat sink associated with a component such as a microprocessor, such that the heat sink itself acts to radiate electromagnetic energy, via the host system, to the environment.
An apparatus is therefore needed that reduces electromagnetic emissions below a desired level, similar in function to an ideal Faraday cage but accommodating the requirements of commercial electronics, in particular microprocessor-based systems.