HVAC Waveguide

When you have a situation that requires consistent air flow in an EMI/RFI shielded environment, it’s crucial to ensure that air continues to move easily through a panel while allowing for the attenuation of electromagnetic energy. HVAC Waveguides make this possible.

majr products honeycomb waveguide panels

When Do You Need an HVAC Waveguide Panel?

Hardened enclosures, often constructed for military use (ICS 705 compliance), are designed to protect or prevent electrical interference with or interception of sensitive electronic equipment. However, these enclosures, especially if they are also used by humans,  often require the circulation of air for comfort and climate control for occupants and equipment.  This means the enclosure will need openings for conditioned air to enter and exit the space.  These openings then compromise the intended security, or EMI shielding,  of the enclosure.

What is a Honeycomb Waveguide Panel?

A shielding honeycomb waveguide panel is a product that lets air flow into and out of an EMI/RFI shielded enclosure. The entering fresh air may be either cooled, heated, or at ambient temperature depending on the shielded enclosure environment and contents. For electronic equipment, the primary reason for airflow is usually to cool electronics; if a manned military shelter the reason is to circulate fresh air and to either cool or heat the air depending on the external environment.

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How Does the HVAC Waveguide Provide EMI / RFI Shielding?

HVAC Waveguide panels are designed to protect against EMI and RFI signals, incoming and outgoing in order to protect against crosstalk and external monitoring of interception.

HVAC Waveguide panels have holes with honeycomb cell geometry. They allow for optimum “open space” surface area for airflow while maintaining the EMI/ RFI shielding requirement of the enclosure.

HVAC Waveguide Shielding Resources

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IP Ratings & Conductive Rubber

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Determine the Best Waveguide for Your HVAC Project

Considerations for your waveguide panels should include the following:

  • Required shielding levels (ex: 60 dB shielding at 10 GHz)
  • Magnetic field requirements
  • Overall and opening dimensional measurements
  • Mounting Method (ex: Mount into duct, surface mounting, Captive fasteners, etc.)
  • Airflow requirements
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MAJR-Products-Honeycomb-Waveguide-Panel-Recess-Mount

Features of MAJR Products HVAC Waveguide for EMI Shielding

Ease of Installation

HVAC Waveguide panels are supplied with an installed EMI gasket and mounting holes ready for installation.

Painted Units

Waveguides mounted outside of the cabinet can be supplied with exposed surfaces painted to meet the Military Standard color of the mounting surface.

Shielding and Airflow

Honeycomb,  with its 4:1 opening to depth ratio, provides the waveguide below cut-off effect required to attenuate EMI/RFI interference while only slightly impeding airflow.

Configurations

A broad selection provides options in meeting design objectives. Custom configurations available to meet specific shielding, airflow, and mounting requirements.

Installation of an HVAC Waveguide

IN Air Duct Installation of HVAC Waveguide

For optimal operation of the Waveguide, make sure there is tight compression and complete electrical contact between the full perimeter of the panel gasket and the air duct flanges to enable electromagnetic shielding of the ventilation opening.

To install a Waveguide panel inside an air duct:

  1. Place the Honeycomb Waveguide panel, with EMI/RFI gasket on the front and back, between the two air duct sections.
  2. Line up the Air duct flange holes on both sides of the panel  with the panel holes.
    • Flanges need to be at a sharp 90 degree angle from air duct with .5 inch width to accommodate the panel EMI/RFI gasket.
    • Panels have a .5 inch wide frame; outer perimeter is 1.0 inch larger than the air duct.
  3. Bolt at each panel mounting hole at 10-12 in/lb. Torque.

For installation of panels with any dimension greater than 36 inches or Tin or Nickel plating:

MAJR Products will fabricate two Waveguide panels for the air duct area. Weld a  “T” extrusion in the center of the air duct to enable mounting of the two panels.

MAJR Products honeycomb ventilation panel installation guide into an airduct

Surface Mount Installation of HVAC Waveguide

For optimal operation of the Waveguide, make sure there is tight compression and complete electrical contact between the full perimeter of the panel gasket and the metal wall.

To install a Waveguide panel on an air duct via the metal wall of a shielded enclosure:

  1. Thoroughly clean any surface the panel will come in contact with.
  2. Remove any non-conductive films or coating from surfaces.
  3. Place the Honeycomb Waveguide panel over the ductwork opening and bolt through the panel, metal wall and air duct flange at each mounting hole on panel using 10-12 in./lb torque.

For installation of panels with any dimension greater than 36 inches or Tin or Nickel plating:

MAJR Products will fabricate two Waveguide panels for the air duct area. Weld a  “T” extrusion in the center of the air duct to enable mounting of the two panels.

MAJR Products honeycomb ventilation panel installation guide on an airduct

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