Lightweight EMI Resistant Wiring Solutions

Wiring and connectors are particularly vulnerable to electromagnetic interference. This is in part due to the harnesses that place both power and signal wiring in close proximity. For many applications, the solution to such a problem might be increasing the amount of shielding on the wires. However, for aviation platforms solutions that add weight are typically not viable. Because they form conductive composites at such low loading ratios, carbon nanotubes could be a key component in EMI shielding. Compared to conventional metal-based EMI shielding materials, electrically conducting polymer composites has attracted interest due to their light weight, resistance to corrosion, flexibility, and processing advantages. Minnesota Defense proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of creating aircraft wires with high-levels of EMI shielding (without adding weight), through the use of carbon nanotube sheets and yarns.