Wide area emi gasket with conductors traversing core

Abstract

An EMI gasket blocks electromagnetic radiation between electrically conductive bodies, is disposed to occupy an area, and can have openings for conductors or connectors. A resilient core is covered on opposite surfaces with a conductive sheet material such as a metalized polymer fabric that can be woven, nonwoven, knitted, braided, etc., for providing electromagnetic sealing when the gasket is compressed between the bodies. The polymer sheet is coupled through between the opposite faces of the gasket along lengthwise seams that are heat sealed through the core or have conductive thread, yarn, wire or fasteners that extend through the core. Preferably, the gasket is quilted using conductive thread or yarn. The conductive material extending through the core to couple the opposite faces of the gasket provides conducting paths that improve shielding efficiency as compared to a comparable structure wherein electrical conduction between the opposite faces (and the sealed bodies) is limited to the conductive surface material. The seal can be die cut to form openings for connectors or conductors, avoiding the need for perimeter seals around the openings.