EMI Grounding

EMC grounding is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce EMI noise at the board, cable, and system levels. The most ideal EMC ground is a short and wide connection with low impedance, especially when grounding problematic frequencies above 200Mhz. Some examples include spring contacts and snap-in grounding spacers for PCBs, 360° metal clamps for cables (primarily to ground the shielding on the cable), and grounding straps for cables and enclosures.

The most cost-effective EMC solution KGS offers is the OG series on-board EMC grounding contact. The small profiles and spring-action contacts are uniquely designed by KGS engineers. They’re on a tape-and-reel format and can be easily pick-and-placed on the PCB during assembly. While it’s best to design-in the grounding contact during PCB design, it can sometimes be incorporated onto the board afterwards (without re-spinning the board). KGS’ OG series have been incorporated into very small devices (like mobile phones and digital cameras) to larger applications (such as industrial equipment and automobiles).

Pigtail wires are fairly common for grounding, but it should be noted that this can be considered insufficient grounding due to high inductance. Since higher frequencies typically flow on the surface of a ground wire, increasing the surface area of the ground ensures effective noise reduction. Using a low inductance grounding strap like GFGST and FGM series is an effective way to ground noise.

On-board Grounding Contacts (SMT Type)

KITAGAWA INDUSTRIES America’s on-board contacts are all SMT (Surface Mount) type contacts, which give advantages of sophisticated structures and precision of work including:

  • Space-saving FG reinforcement enabled at the design stage.
  • Space-saving FG facilitation even where screws are precluded.
  • Effective for emissions and ESD immunity.
  • All EMC solutions can be completed on the board level including grounding, shielding and filtering.
  • Shaped to prevent spring deformation by hook.
OG Series

KITAGAWA INDUSTRIES America carries a large selection of onboard contacts (OG) that are excellent grounding materials for reducing EMI noise at the board level.

OG-160810

Tiny profile, board-level EMC grounding component. Compact design, great for space-conscious applications (such as smart, wearable devices).

OG‐321605

On-board grounding component designed for small gaps. Low profile contact designed for space conscious applications.

OG-453239-A

Connecting a GND layer of PCB with multiple points on a chassis can be expected to suppress radiation noise. Can be used under high temperature at 150ºC.

OG-503253-A

SMT grounding contact for engine compartment PCB. Spring mechanism capable of withstanding 10 million deflections caused by engine vibration.

OG-684296

SMT-type EMC grounding contact for PCB’s in engine compartments. Unique dimple design allows for continued eletrical contact.

OGC Series

Compact cables clamps applicable to automated mounting on PC board. Board‐level wire management clamps. Available in side or top insertion.

OGCP Series

These are unique onboard contacts that act as both shielding can holders and rounding components. It can be snapped into the clips and taken off when needed.

On-Board Clip: OGCP-502423

Automated mounting applicable fixture “On-Board Clip” for shielding can. Multi-point GND is provided to shielding can and reinforced shielding performance.

OGP Series

Eliminates problems with bad contact due to soldering flux. Ensures reliable, stable electrical contact for EMC grounding.

OGP-2520,OGP-3216, OGP-4520

OGP solves contact failure problems caused by solder flux. Eliminates continuity failure caused by pattern scraping between a PCB and pogo pins and a PCB and a metal plate.

OGSC Series

Side contacts for perpendicular grounding. Ideal for applications where standard grounding between parallel boards/chassis is not possible.

Side Contact: OGSC-T-302020 and OGSC-B-302020

Side contacts for perpendicular grounding. Due to low profile design (2mm), it’s suitable for small electronic devices. Operating temperature -40ºC ~ 150ºC.

OG‐R Series

For reliable and stable electrical grounding when applied at screw holes. Helps to prevent EMC grounding reduction from loosened screws.

EMI Grounding Components

Well-designed grounding is an essential part of reducing EMI noise. KITAGAWA INDUSTRIES America can support all grounding needs with a variety of grounding components including grounding straps and plastic spacers with metalized areas. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes with different capabilities.

FGC Series

Suitable for contact in large clearance applications. Provides simultaneous fastening and grounding for coaxial and braid-shielded cables.

FGCS Series

Combination of grounding and clamping with the FG series reduces the overall number of components in an application.

FGES Series

EMC grounding function is added to the spacer whose specialty lever system enables easy fixing and removal of PC board.

Frame Grounding Copper Straps: GFGST Series

Low impedance, flat copper grounding strap for excellent EMC grounding. Lightweight, flexible straps allows for easy installation in tight spaces.

FGM Series

Metal mesh employed EMC grounding material. Extra-thin flexible wire mesh allows easy installation in narrow space configurations.

FGR Series

Molded black polycarbonate rail with spherical metal fingers provides simultaneous rigid guiding support and continuity of the ground draining circuit for the PC boards.

FGS Series

Screw free fixing spacer is combined with EMC grounding function. Light-weight PPE resin base provided with a tinned phosphor bronze conductive strip.

HPC Series

Suitable for contact in large clearance applications. Spring design maintains electrical contact after compression. Tall profile fits gap spaces from 10~20 mm.

Automotive Grade: On‐board Grounding Contact and Shield‐can Clip

Designed and tested to withstand conditions common in the auto industry. Automotive-grade means the parts are PPAP-ready (Level 3). Double-check the operating temperatures to ensure they meet your requirements. Please check the automotive-grade parts from the link below.

OG-453239-A

Connecting a GND layer of PCB with multiple points on a chassis can be expected to suppress radiation noise. Can be used under high temperature at 150ºC.

OG-503253-A

SMT grounding contact for engine compartment PCB. Spring mechanism capable of withstanding 10 million deflections caused by engine vibration.

OG-684296

SMT-type EMC grounding contact for PCB’s in engine compartments. Unique dimple design allows for continued eletrical contact.

On-Board Clip: OGCP-502423

Automated mounting applicable fixture “On-Board Clip” for shielding can. Multi-point GND is provided to shielding can and reinforced shielding performance.