Are all RF Window Films The Same?

The technology inside of commercial and residential window films has made tremendous leaps in the last few decades. These high-performance films are great for rejecting solar energy including UV and may only cost a few dollars per square foot. However, some of these solar films are also being mistakenly marketed as “RF” films. They may deliver some low-level RF attenuation, but this is purely coincidental. The frequencies are sporadic, leaving many gaps or holes in protection. Not to mention: these films don’t reject the critical IR energy. Films specifically built for RF attenuation won’t be found at the same price point as solar film. It’s important to know that your space is only as secure as its weakest point. For example, if your walls and other surfaces offer robust RF attenuation, and the windows do not, the space may not meet the specified security requirements.

In this post, we are taking one of our frequently asked questions and lending some clarification and guidance to some of the key considerations when designing and constructing a secure space that requires RF shielding on the windows. We will look at Signals Defense proprietary RF window film versus other RF films that can be purchased through online retailers.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SIGNALS DEFENSE RF WINDOW FILMS, AND OTHER RF WINDOW FILMS

Not all RF shielding films are created equal – when consistent and high RF attenuation across a broad frequency range is required; you need to be aware of the differences. This is especially true in government sponsored construction and accreditation.Signals Defense RF films https://signalsdefense.com/shielding-films/

Optically Clear with high RF and IR attenuation
Meets DoD Infrared and Radio Frequency Protection Standards
Highest solar energy rejection for optically clear RF film, low reflectivity substrate
Qualifies for LEED certification
Performance certified by National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
SD Films provide RF, IR, and UV sheltering
RF Field and Lab Tested
SD Films are not grounded

WAS THE TESTING DATA VERIFIED AND OBTAINED USING THE ASTM F3057 TEST METHOD?

ASTM F3057 is the test standard for Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness for Glazings, which is specific to both glass and film. Any shielding product that is being advertised for RF attenuation for high-level security purposes must be tested to this standard. The results and graphs must be shown in terms of dB, NOT percentages. Unlike other test requirements, such as basic IEEE-299 and D4937, ASTM F3057 requires hundreds of test points across several RF bands, ensuring complete broad-spectrum performance data.

SD Films have been tested using the ASTM F3057-16 Standard Test Method for Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness. This method defines specific parameters for testing glass, glazings, glazing systems and coatings such as applied window films, specifically with the intent of the system(s) being used for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) security.

What to look for in an RF Film

In summary, consider the below checklist when researching products for a secure space:

Verify the exact RF attenuation performance required for the project.
Make sure these exact requirements include RF attenuation data levels in dB and frequency range.
Ensure that any RF attenuation is based on ASTM F3057, the Standard Test Method for Electromagnetic Shielding
Effectiveness for Glazings, and not different methods that focus on glazing configurations such as IEEE-299 or D4935.
Proceed with caution with any data tables that only list a handful of references or where the data is listed in terms of percentage.
Verify if IR protection<https://signalsdefense.com/ir-shielding/> is a requirement. For instance, if the space is secure and formal accreditation is required, there will likely be an IR requirement.
Does the project also require glass fragmentation or physical security?
Does the RF film need to be grounded?

Contact Signals Defense Today

Explore the advantages of SD RF films and learn how they can enhance the security of your space by contacting us<https://signalsdefense.com/contact/> today!