Wireless networks received an upgrade in recent years with the fifth generation or 5G rollout. The technology contains more bandwidth, meaning more data transmission, enabling more users. Part of this technology that helps deliver faster speeds is the adoption of new frequencies.
Prior generations of cell networks used lower frequencies which restricts the amount of data that transmits. Table 1 below outlines the frequencies used by all cell phone generations.
|
|
Frequencies Used |
|
1G |
800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz |
|
2G |
850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 1.9 GHz |
|
3G |
850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.7 GHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.1 GHz |
|
4G |
700 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 2.6 GHz |
|
5G |
600 MHz, 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 39 GHz |
Table 1: Frequencies available for generations 1-5 of cell phone networks
All these signals belong to the radio portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and can travel great distances. These mobile signals can interact with neighboring electronics though, should those devices operate within the same frequencies.
How a 5G Blocking Paint Protects Electronics
To avoid crosstalk and device failure, designers surround electronics with electrically conductive materials that shield against radio signals. The idea is to make a Faraday Cage around the device that block incoming signals. Blocking outside signals prevents communication between electronics and cell networks.
Traditionally, aluminum units housed circuit boards, shielding the electronics. The high cost and weight of aluminum however, forced designers to switch to ABS. The plastic enclosures left circuits vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI). A quick solution was to metallize the plastic housing units using an electrically conductive shielding paint. 
Figure 1: ABS housing units coated with electrically conductive paint. From left to right, carbon, nickel, silver and silver-coated copper
Advantages of 5G Blocking Paint Compared to Other Materials
Foils, tapes, gaskets and wire mesh are all conductive materials that protect electronics from EMI. Conductive paint has several advantages over these materials in certain circumstances. For detailed geometries, conductive paint conforms to the intricate contours, ensuring full coverage over complex surfaces.
Conductive paint is also a solution to protect areas such as rooms, residential houses or office buildings. When coupled with other materials like conductive fabrics for windows, conductive coatings are ideal for interior spaces.
How does Conductive Paint Perform Against 5G Signals?
Test standards like the MIL-STD 285 and IEEE-299.1:2013 measure shielding of enclosures and conductive coatings against EMI. The standard frequency range is 10 Hz to 18 GHz, however; this range can extend to cover the new 5G frequencies.
MG Chemicals’ line of water-based conductive coatings underwent testing to measure the shielding from 10 Hz to 40 GHz. The test results show how well these coatings block signals from 5G’s highest frequencies. Figure 2 is a graph showing shielding attenuation vs. frequency for the 841WBU and 842WBU
Figure 2: Shielding attenuation of 841WBU (orange) and 842WBU (green). Circled region covers 5G high frequencies
The data suggests that both products provide sufficient shielding across the entire 5G spectrum. The 842WBU data showing an impressive attenuation between 60 and 85dB (99.9999 to 99.999999% signal reduction). For applications with less demanding requirements, the 841WBU becomes a viable option. Shielding within the 5G band ranges between about 30 and 60 dB (99.9 to 99.9999% signal reduction).
Advantages of Water-Based Systems
Water-based paints have unique advantages which make them an ideal choice for certain applications. First, the water-based binder is low odor making it ideal for indoor spaces with limited ventilation. Second, storage is easy since the material is non-flammable and there’s no risk of ignition.
Our water-based conductive coatings shield interior spaces such as residential homes, offices, server rooms and MRI rooms. Also, our water-based conductive coating also sees a lot of use in government projects with stringent environmental regulations.
Conductive Paint Blocks 5G Signals
The rollout of 5G networks introduces new high frequencies that devices need to shield against for electromagnetic compliance. Conductive paints like our new WBU series provides the broad spectrum shielding needed to block signals. This protection ensures continued operation of your electronics.
