RF Absorbers: Application Guide

RF absorber foam

RF absorber foam is a flexible microwave absorber with a foam structure, capable of delivering high absorption effectiveness across a wide frequency range while remaining lightweight. The following sections introduce the primary applications and practical advantages of each product.

EC-SORB® ECP-3

EC-SORB® ECP-3
Source: Microwave Factory Official Website
(https://ece.co.jp/products/absorber/ecp3.html)

This is a pyramid-shaped microwave absorber with excellent wave absorption performance in the millimeter-wave band. The primary applications include use in various RF anechoic chambers for 5G/6G communication equipment, automotive, satellite, and defense-related radar test ranges.

The advantages of using it in practice include its lightweight, flexibility, and high durability. Additionally, the absorber is characterized by maintaining absorption performance even at large angles of incidence, with minimal forward and backward scattering. It also enhances safety by complying with the flame-retardant requirements of UL standards.

The availability of a hook-and-loop fastener option facilitates easy layout changes, installation, and removal in testing environments. In this way, the product enables rapid and efficient evaluation experiments.

Manufacturer Name Microwave Factory
Frequency range 3GHz to 320GHz
Absorption performance Up to 50 dB
Size Approximately 61 cm × 61 cm, height 8.3 cm
Material Urethane foam

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Microwave Factory's
RF absorbers

IS Absorber Series

IS Absorber Series
Source: TDK RF Solutions Official Website
(https://www.tdkrfsolutions.tdk.com/images/uploads/data-sheets/TDK-IS-Absorber-Series_102021.pdf)

This microwave absorber is based on polyurethane foam containing carbon. It is primarily used in RF anechoic chambers, testing environments for wireless communication devices, and for measures against EMI (electromagnetic interference) in electronic devices. Furthermore, in an RF anechoic chamber, the absorbers can be installed on the walls, ceiling, and floor to effectively absorb reflected waves and create an accurate measurement environment.

In the field of wireless communications, the absorbers achieve stable communication quality by mitigating reflections and interference. They are also effective in absorbing harmonic noise in high-frequency devices in the GHz band or higher. Additionally, the absorbers demonstrate excellent absorption performance across an ultra-broadband range from microwave to submillimeter-wave, and exhibit superior durability, chemical resistance, and flame retardancy.

The design achieves sustainability through the use of environmentally friendly materials, maintaining stable performance over the long term, and ensuring high safety.

Manufacturer Name TDK RF Solutions
Frequency range Approximately 0.8 GHz to 110 GHz
Absorption performance Approximately 15 dB to 55 dB
Size 60cm×60 cm (height: 30 cm to 100 cm)
Material Polyurethane foam

Reference: TDK RF Solutions Official Website(https://www.tdkrfsolutions.tdk.com/products/absorbers/is-series-absorber)

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TDK RF Solutions'
RF absorbers

Eccosorb™ CV

 Eccosorb™ CV
Source: Laird Technologies Official Website
(https://www.laird.com/products/absorbers/microwave-absorbing-foams/single-layer-foams/eccosorb-cv)

This is a broadband microwave absorber with a corrugated (egg-carton-like) structure based on polyurethane foam as the substrate. It is primarily used in antennas, radar systems, and testing and measurement devices, suppressing reflected waves to enhance measurement accuracy and communication stability.

Its rounded profile maintains performance without degradation even at wide angles of incidence up to 60°, ensuring excellent absorption in high-frequency ranges such as the millimeter-wave band.

The lightweight and flexible nature of this material allows for easy cutting with a utility knife and seamless adhesion to curved surfaces. Furthermore, it is compliant with the flame-retardancy standards set by NRL and can be used in environments with temperatures up to 90°C. The absorber features a lightweight and highly flexible absorbent material that complies with RoHS and REACH, thus ensuring both safety and reliability.

Manufacturer Name Laird Technologies
Frequency range 2GHz or higher
Absorption performance 40 dB at 8 GHz or higher
Size 61 cm × 61 cm, maximum thickness of 9.8 cm
Material Urethane foam

Reference: [PDF]Laird Technologies Official Website(https://www.laird.com/sites/default/files/2021-01/RFP-DS-CV 06242020.pdf)

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Laird Technologies'
RF absorbers

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How to Select the Right RF Absorber?

The RF absorber market is expanding rapidly, driven by the increasing need for EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) reduction in 5G/6G, autonomous driving, and defense applications.

This site provides comparative information on products and manufacturers by application to help you identify the ideal solutions for R&D, anechoic chambers, and high-frequency testing.

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RF Absorbers by Application

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