What Are the Beads in Computer Power Cables For?
Our life revolves around TVs, radios, microwaves, computers and other such electronic devices. This has caused us to be surrounded by cables however what most people don’t know is the fact that these cables generate high level of interferences like EMI interference and RFI interference. These interferences can enter the equipment via various sources like antenna, power cables, speakers etc. Different methods can be adopted to reduce this interference including capacitors, suppressors, circuit modifications and also a filter. However the disadvantage of using these methods is that although they reduce the interference but they cause other future problems and if you work on the computer constantly then this problem can take the turn for the worse.
Your PC is one of the most complicated device which only works when numerous components like keyboard, mouse, monitor etc are employed in conjunction with it. This means that they have more than normal computer power cables attached to it. Just imagine the levels that EMI and RFI interference will reach. Like any other equipment capacitors, suppressors, circuit modifications or any other form of filter is out of question. The best solution to this problem is Ferrite Beads. But the big question is what Ferrite Beads is?
Ferrite Beads in Computer Power Cables:
Computer components like motherboard, keyboard, mouse etc are quite noisy devices. The oscillator of motherboard has a speed of between 300 MHz to 1000 MHz; same is the case with keyboard. A separate processor and oscillator are given to the keyboard. The other components of computer like video cards have their own oscillator to boast about. All these oscillators emit different levels of radio signals and when combined together the radio signals broadcasted reach an unimaginable point. This interference can be minimized through the casing around these components.
Another source of noise or interference in computers is the cables. The biggest problem with these computer power cables is that they are continuously broadcasting as well as catching signals. When they carry these signals into the computer then unexpected problems occur. This is where Ferrite Beads come in.
Ferrite Beads is an electronic component which is found attached at the end of computer power cables. The main purpose of these ferrite beads is to reduce the level of interference. The ferrite beads are cylindrical in shape and are usually made from ferrite. Ferrite is a material that is semi-magnetic in nature and it is made by using iron-oxide alloy with other metals. There are two methods of installing ferrite on computer power cables which are:
· It can be slipped over the cable when the cable is being manufactured
· It can be snapped around the cable in two pieces after it has been manufactured.
If you would like to purchase ferrite beads to slip over your existing computer power cables please perform a site wide search for ferrite beads under all categories on any of our store navigation pages. If you would like to buy new computer power cable and accessories please click here:
How to Get Rid of the Interferences Using Ferrite beads:
The best way to get rid of any RFI or EMI interference, that might be transmitted, is by installing the ferrite bead on the cable having the problem. However, it is important to find the right computer power cables. Given below are the steps that you will need to follow in order to fix the problem:
· Tune into the interference and write the reading of “S” meter.
· Disconnect the computer power cables attached to your pc and notice the difference in “S” meter readings.
Once you have located the problematic cable then place a ferrite bead around the cable. Make sure that the ferrite bead installed is near the exit point of the computer. If you have a doubt about where to install the ferrite bead then make use of the “S” meter once again. This will give you a fair idea of whether it is working or not.