What Is Required To Start The Process?
A prototype contract is required to start the process. The prototyping process starts with the development of a specification based upon the requirements of the OEM. WaveZero designers assist with the development of both requirements and specifications. Once the specifications are agreed to, WaveZero will engineer the shield (See Question 5), which involves working with the OEM's designers and engineers to establish a shield concept. An electronic CAD file is used to exchange information with the OEM for review. Several iterations may be required to assure that the mechanical form and fit requirements are well defined. After the OEM approves the CAD design, WaveZero produces prototype samples. Initial samples are usually unmetalized and used to assess form and fit with the PCB and plastic enclosures. WaveZero provides fully functional Form/Met prototypes suitable for EMC testing after approval of the thermoform design is received.
- Who Does The Design Work?
WaveZero does the design work; however, WaveZero designers work very closely with the OEM's designers and engineers to assure that requirements are understood and reflect the needs of the OEM for an EMC shield.
- What Software Is Used?
WaveZero uses SolidWorks" for the mechanical design of the shield. Proprietary design and analysis software is used to determine the required thickness of metal coating. Flow/EMC" is used for predicting the influence of particular designs on shield performance. Cosmos" is used when structural and thermal analysis is required. WaveZero has also developed proprietary software to "engineer" the metal vapor deposited coating system.
- Does WaveZero Assume Total Responsibility For The Part Or Product?
WaveZero customers are required to verify that the Form/Met shield is suitable for its intended purposes and satisfies all regulatory requirements. WaveZero assumes responsibility for designing and manufacturing the Form/Met EMI shield. While we maintain that EMC is more likely and more rapidly achieved with Form/Met, an absolute guarantee cannot be provided given the idiosyncrasies of EMI and EMC testing.
- Can WaveZero Do Compliance Testing?
When requested by our customer, WaveZero retains one of several local EMC laboratories (for instance, Elliot Laboratories, Inc. in Sunnyvale, California) specializing in pre-compliance testing. For EMC testing, WaveZero will locate an appropriate firm and location and manage the process.
- Does WaveZero Offer Consulting Services?
Yes, as part of our customer support, we work with customers to ensure their WaveZero designed products attain industry compliance.
- Does WaveZero Assist In Agency Approval?
WaveZero can provide this service if requested by the OEM customer. WaveZero would select the EMC testing vendor and manage the process of EMC testing using qualified vendors of EMC testing services.
