The limitations of traditional troubleshooting techniques

In the field of magnetic resonance, ensuring electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (Shielding Effectiveness - SE) is essential to prevent interference and ensure optimal performance. However, traditional troubleshooting techniques have significant limitations, making the process time-consuming and prone to errors.

The use of a spectrum analyzer and an RF generator is a common practice for SE troubleshooting, but it presents several challenges:

1. Dispersive visualization: a spectrum analyzer provides a complete overview of the frequency range, but not all displayed signals are useful. In addition to the generated signal, there are also spurious signals and noise that can confuse the operator. The resolution bandwidth (RBW) must be narrow to improve sensitivity, but this makes the detection process long and complex (Figure 1).
2. Risk of interpretation errors: the presence of spurious signals can lead to misinterpretations. For example, if a low-intensity signal appears similar to noise, the operator might mistakenly consider it a false positive, overestimating or underestimating the shielding loss (Figure 2).
3. Slow and cumbersome process: during troubleshooting, the operator must move the antenna (usually a loop) around weak points such as doors or windows while monitoring the display in real-time. The combination of slow movements and the need to constantly observe the screen increases the risk of missing crucial details. Additionally, the high sensitivity of the measurement requires a very narrow RBW, which further slows down the process.

These issues make the traditional method inefficient, especially for less experienced operators. To overcome these challenges, the SEMS B has been developed, an advanced tool designed for fast and precise electromagnetic shielding measurement.

SEMS B: the ultimate solution for SE troubleshooting

SEMS B stands out due to several innovative features that make it an ideal solution for SE troubleshooting:

• "Sniff" mode for targeted analysis. It eliminates unnecessary signals, displaying only the signal of interest. This mode significantly reduces the risk of errors and simplifies analysis.
• Increased speed and accuracy thanks to high sensitivity and optimized resolution bandwidth (narrow RBW), it quickly detects even the smallest shielding losses with extreme precision.
• Acoustic alert for leak localization. It integrates an alarm buzzer that automatically notifies the operator when insufficient shielding is detected. This allows the operator to identify weak spots without continuously looking at the display, making the process faster and more efficient.

Traditional tools vs. SEMS B

A comparison between traditional tools (spectrum analyzer + RF generator) and SEMS B highlights notable differences in performance:

Unlike traditional troubleshooting techniques, SEMS B offers an innovative approach that simplifies and accelerates the detection of shielding losses. Thanks to its intuitive interface and advanced functionalities, it improves the reliability of SE measurements and significantly reduces intervention times.