Aerial drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are quickly becoming essential tools across various industries, from defense to agriculture. As these technologies advance and are increasingly relied upon, it’s vital to address thermal management and electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues, which can significantly affect drone safety and performance.
A key consideration is the electrical grounding of the drone and its associated ground controls. Establishing a base or reference voltage is necessary for the proper operation of other components. Unlike traditional devices that are grounded to the earth, drones require an internal grounding approach. This typically involves grounding to a ground plane or grounding unit within the drone itself.
Gasketing Solutions for Electrical Grounding
Creating effective electrical grounding pathways requires choosing the right conductive gasket for the application. Parker Chomerics offers a variety of solutions within the trusted SOFT-SHIELD® product line, tailored to meet specific needs.
Fabric-over-foam (FoF) conductive gaskets provide an economical solution for electronic applications requiring low-closure force, grounding, and EMI shielding. These gaskets are crafted by wrapping a conductive fabric around a non-conductive, low-density foam core. This combination ensures high conductivity and reliable performance, making the SOFT-SHIELD FoF series a versatile choice for custom gasketing and grounding pads.
The SOFT-SHIELD 3500 is a standout option, designed for low-closure force applications that demand high shielding effectiveness. It features a urethane foam core enveloped in a conductive nickel-plated copper fabric, offering excellent compression set and durability.
Another effective grounding solution is conductive foam, which is especially useful for UAVs. Unlike standard conductive foams that use particles, Parker Chomerics’ conductive foam incorporates silver-plated fibers embedded throughout the foam. These fibers maintain consistent electrical contact, ensuring reliable performance without compromising the foam’s integrity.
For drones, the SOFT-SHIELD 4850 conductive foam is an ideal choice, offering excellent conductivity and short ground paths thanks to silver-plated fibers embedded in low-density, open-cell urethane foam. This foam is also highly adaptable, available in sheets that can be die-cut for various applications.
Both SOFT-SHIELD 3500 and 4850 gaskets offer low compression force, making them gentle on delicate components while providing a wide deflection range. Additionally, high-temperature versions, such as SOFT-SHIELD 3700/3800 for FoF and SOFT-SHIELD 4860 for conductive foam, are available to meet the demands of sophisticated electronics operating in temperatures up to 125°C.
