Case Study: Tester housing shields out electronic noise
In the MSD® Digital Ignition Tester, a housing injection molded from Zytel® EMX nylon resin effectively shields sensitive microprocessor circuitry against electromagnetic interference, or noise.
Application Description
The coils in Automatic Controls Corp.’s MSD® ignition systems for racing cars, hot rods and other high-powered vehicles can generate up to 50,000 volts of electrical potential in repeated bursts, producing intense electrical noise.
The MSDâ ignition tester is used to check the operation of the ignition coil and control without removing them from the car. The tester produces a simulated trigger signal that fires the ignition coil just as if the car were running. It can also be used to confirm rev limits, shift points, tachometer accuracy, cam synchronization and other engine parameters.
Materials Selected and Why
DuPontTM Zytel® EMX505 provides effective shielding while meeting needs for strength and moldability.
Benefits Gained
- Effective shielding – Field trials with the housing molded from Zytel® EMX show virtually no noise-related problems with the tester’s microprocessor. Units with unshielded plastic housings, by contrast, were prone to failure.
- Low cost – The housing made of Zytel ® EMX costs less to manufacture than metal housings. Tooling costs are lower, and unlike a metal housing, it requires no costly finishing operations or painting.
- Growth potential – By working with DuPont in development of high-performance ignition products, Automatic Controls Corp. is expanding its market opportunity. Shielded housings like those for the ignition tested could be used in a wide range of control modules for automotive and other applications.
Please click here if you would like more information regarding this case study
