Structural Design for EMI Shielding: From Underlying Mechanisms to Common Pitfalls.

Modern human civilization deeply relies on the rapid advancement of cutting-edge electronic systems that have revolutionized communication, education, aviation, and entertainment. However, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by digital systems poses a significant threat to our society, potentially leading to a future crisis. While numerous efforts have been made to develop nanotechnological shielding systems to mitigate the detrimental effects of EMI, there has been limited focus on creating absorption-dominant shielding solutions. Achieving absorption-dominant EMI shields requires careful structural design engineering, starting from the smallest components and considering the most effective electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuating factors. This review offers a comprehensive overview of shielding structures, emphasizing the critical elements of absorption-dominant shielding design, shielding mechanisms, limitations of both traditional and nanotechnological EMI shields, and common misconceptions about the foundational principles of EMI shielding science. This systematic review serves as a scientific guide for designing shielding structures that prioritize absorption, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of shielding science. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.