How ULTRA NT SCIF Barrier Works | RF Shielding Explained

Illustrated Guide: How RF Shielding Works

Concept illustration of RF shielding membrane in a fictional secure facility — Conceptual illustration of a fictional secure facility; agency insignia are illustrative and do not imply government approval, affiliation or endorsement. Not construction drawings. Refer to the official installation instructions and original laboratory report for design details and test data.

The Science Behind Advanced RF Shielding

Radio-frequency (RF) shielding reduces electromagnetic energy passing through an enclosure. When electromagnetic waves encounter a conductive membrane, some energy is reflected, some is dissipated within the material, and some may pass through. The actual attenuation depends on frequency, material properties, geometry, and test conditions.

Independent Performance Testing

ULTRA NT SCIF Barrier SOLID achieved a documented minimum shielding effectiveness of 106.8 dB across 100 MHz to 10 GHz and 91.7 dB across the tested 30 MHz to 18 GHz range in 2018 MET Laboratories testing using IEEE 299-2006 methodology. Refer to the original test report for full results and conditions.

What Does 106.8 dB Mean?

For a power ratio, attenuation in decibels is 10 × log10(input power / transmitted power). Thus 106.8 dB represents approximately 48 billion to one in a mathematical power ratio. This is not a guarantee of completed-room shielding effectiveness.

Why Shielding Continuity Matters

Effective shielding requires more than a high-performance membrane. Untreated seams, gaps, doors, service penetrations, and floor-to-wall and ceiling-to-wall transitions can become leakage paths. ULTRA NT installations use overlapping membrane runs, conductive seam tape, and appropriately treated penetrations as part of a continuous six-sided shielding approach. The completed enclosure must be designed and verified for its specific requirements.

Inside a Shielded Wall

A typical assembly places the ULTRA NT membrane between drywall layers, with conductive tape across membrane seams. Construction details and fastening methods must follow the current installation instructions.

SOLID and PERFORATED

ULTRA NT SOLID: documented minimum 106.8 dB from 100 MHz to 10 GHz. ULTRA NT PERFORATED: documented minimum 65.55 dB from 100 MHz to 10 GHz. These are product test results, not guarantees for installed facilities.

Plan Your Project

Review technical data sheets and test documentation · Read installation instructions · Request project pricing