Ignition Tester Shields Out Noise With DuPont(TM) Zytel(R) EMX

DETROIT, March 5 -- Checking ignition performance in racing cars and other high-powered vehicles is taking a turn for the better, thanks to DuPont(TM) Zytel(R) EMX nylon shielding resin. In the MSD(R) Digital Ignition Tester, a housing molded from Zytel(R) EMX effectively shields sensitive microprocessor circuitry against electromagnetic interference (EMI), or noise. The tester is displayed in the DuPont booth (#1953) at the SAE World Congress in Detroit's Cobo Hall this week.

The tester's manufacturer, Autotronic Controls Corporation, evaluated an unshielded housing but found that electrical noise caused problems with the unit. "Zytel(R) EMX gives us effective shielding in a sturdy housing that we can produce by standard injection molding technology at a lower total cost than shielded alternatives," said John Clark, senior design engineer at Autotronic Controls. "Field trials with the new housing show virtually no noise problems," he added.

That's quite a feat. MSD(R) ignition coils for high-powered racing cars can generate up to 50,000 volts of electrical potential in repeated bursts, producing intense electrical noise, according to Clark.

The MSD(R) ignition tester allows racing crews to check the operation of the ignition control and coil without removing them from the car. It produces a simulated trigger signal that fires the car's ignition coil just as if the engine were running. If the spark is unable to jump the gap in the tester, there is an ignition problem, which the tester can help trace down. The tester can also be used to confirm rev limits, shift points, tachometer accuracy, cam synchronization and other engine parameters.

Because Zytel(R) EMX provides built-in shielding protection for the housing, Autotronic Controls saves the cost of applying a conductive shielding coating that would be needed for a conventional plastic housing. A metal housing would have provided effective shielding, but it would have required a larger investment in tooling and costly finishing steps for each part.

Zytel(R) EMX coupled with DuPont application technology can provide effective shielding solutions for housings and other parts of a wide range of electronic devices. Other potential automotive applications include sensors, control modules and more. Potential nonautomotive uses involve laptop, handheld or desktop computers, video game systems and rack-mounted electronics. Solutions for mobile phones are in an earlier stage of development in collaboration with device manufacturers.

In addition to providing built-in EMI and RFI shielding, Zytel(R) EMX allows manufacturers to meet goals for mechanical strength, impact resistance, aesthetics, UL listing and low manufacturing cost. Depending on customer needs, DuPont can also provide design assistance, tooling recommendations and technical support in optimizing molding conditions.

Autotronic Controls Corporation is a leader in performance automotive ignition systems and components. The company pioneered in multiple spark discharge (MSD(R)) ignition technology.

For more information about Zytel(R) EMX nylon resins, please visit plastics.dupont.com on the World Wide Web or call DuPont at 800-441-0575.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

DuPont(TM) and Zytel(R) are a trademark and registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

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