INTERCONNECTABLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RACK SYSTEM HAVING REDUCED RADIATED EMISSIONS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY

Abstract

An equipment rack, including an electronic equipment enclosure defined by RF-shielded walls. Openings in the RF-shielded walls are provided for being aligned with complimentary-sized and shaped openings in one or more like data center equipment racks and adapted for permitting a shielded electromagnetic connection between two or more racks. At least one access door in the enclosure is provided for facilitating access to the electronic equipment in the rack. Panels are provided for covering the respective openings in the RF-shielded walls when the openings are not being used to permit an electromagnetic interconnection between two or more racks. Feedthroughs of the invention communicate signals and power into and out of adjacent enclosures while allowing the enclosures to each form a Faraday cage, protecting electrical and electronic systems within the enclosure from electromagnetic threats such as EMP, HEMP, lightning and geomagnetic storms.

Claims

1. An equipment rack, comprising: an electronic equipment enclosure defined by RF-shielded walls; a plurality of openings in the RF-shielded walls adapted for being aligned with complimentary openings in one or more like data center equipment racks and adapted for permitting a shielded electromagnetic connection between two or more racks; at least one signal feedthrough capable of providing designed energy to a system to be protected, while preventing unwanted energy from being provided to the system to be protected, comprising; an electrically conductive panel disposed in at least one of the plurality of openings; wherein the at least one signal feedthrough is disposed in the electrically conductive panel such that an input end of said signal feedthrough is located within said electronic equipment enclosure, and an output end of said signal feedthrough is located within an interior volume of a second electronic equipment enclosure when the electronic equipment enclosure is attached to the second electronic equipment enclosure such that said plurality of openings are aligned with said complementary openings in said second electronic equipment enclosure; the signal feedthrough operable to communicate a signal applied on an input of the at least one electrical feedthrough to an output of the at least one electrical feedthrough, without requiring any opening in an electrical conductive layer between the input and the output of the feedthrough or in the electrically isolating panel, such that electrical signals are able to be communicated between the first and second electronic equipment enclosures without requiring an electrically conductive path between the first and second electronic equipment enclosures.

2. The equipment rack of claim 1, wherein said electrical feedthrough comprises: an input piezoelectric layer having a first surface and a second surface defining a first thickness of said input piezoelectric layer, said second surface of said input piezoelectric layer opposing said first surface of said input piezoelectric layer, said input piezoelectric layer having a first axis normal to said first and second surfaces; and an output piezoelectric layer having a third surface and a fourth surface defining a second thickness of said output piezoelectric layer, said fourth surface of said output piezoelectric layer opposing said third surface of said output piezoelectric layer, said output piezoelectric layer having a second axis normal to said third and fourth surfaces; wherein said first surface of said input piezoelectric layer is electroded, forming said input; said second surface of said input piezoelectric layer is in physical contact with an electrically conductive layer; said third surface is in physical contact with said electrically conductive layer; and said fourth surface of said output piezoelectric layer is electroded, forming said output; and wherein said input piezoelectric layer is mechanically coupled to said output piezoelectric layer through said electrically conductive layer such that an input time-varying electrical signal applied to said first surface is converted to vibrational energy by said input piezoelectric layer, and wherein said vibrational energy is transmitted through said electrically conductive layer to said output piezoelectric layer, wherein said vibrational energy is converted back into a time-varying electrical signal, resulting in a replica of the input time-varying electrical signal being present on said fourth surface of said output piezoelectric layer; and wherein there is no electrically conductive path between said electroded first surface on said input piezoelectric layer and said electroded fourth surface on said output piezoelectric layer, wherein said electrically conductive layer comprises a continuous, uninterrupted electrically conductive layer completely covering a cross section of the feedthrough, wherein said electrically conductive layer comprises a continuous peripheral surface external to the feedthrough that is in uninterrupted electrical contact with a conductive surface of said electrically conductive panel extending completely around the periphery of the feedthrough, forming a connection with said electrically conductive panel, such that radiated electromagnetic energy from outside the electrical enclosure does not pass into said enclosed interior volume through or around the signal feedthrough or said connection to the electrically conductive panel.

3. The equipment rack of claim 2, wherein said input piezoelectric layer is further defined as comprising a ceramic piezoelectric material, and wherein said output piezoelectric layer is further defined as comprising a ceramic piezoelectric material.

4. The equipment rack of claim 2, wherein said input piezoelectric layer is polarized in a direction parallel to said first axis, and said output piezoelectric layer is polarized in a direction parallel to said second axis.

5. The equipment rack of claim 2, wherein said input piezoelectric layer and said output piezoelectric layer are coaxially disposed with one another.

6. The equipment rack of claim 2, wherein said second thickness is greater than said first thickness.

7. The equipment rack of claim 2, further comprising a rigid end-mass attached to said electroded fourth surface on said output piezoelectric layer, said rigid end-mass having a mechanical quality factor greater than a mechanical quality factor of said output piezoelectric layer.

8. The equipment rack of claim 2, further comprising a rigid end-mass attached to said electroded first surface on said input piezoelectric layer, said rigid end-mass having a mechanical quality factor greater than a mechanical quality factor of said input piezoelectric layer.

9. The equipment rack of claim 1, wherein: said signal feedthrough comprises a piezoelectric ring attached to a drive disk, wherein said drive disk is flexible, and wherein a rod first end is attached to said drive disk; wherein said rod extends through the piezoelectric ring and through at least one flexible membrane that is in continuous electrical communication with and all along the peripheral edges of an opening in the electrically conductive panel; and wherein the rod passes through an opening in the electrically conductive panel, the opening having a peripheral edge, the rod forming an electrically conductive seal between the rod and the peripheral edge of the opening such that the rod is able to pass through the flexible membrane and into the interior volume of the enclosure without creating any voids or openings in enclosure that would allow electromagnetic energy to radiate into, or out of, an interior volume of enclosure; wherein, when a time varying signal is applied to said piezoelectric ring, the rod is translated back and forth, also translating a magnet disposed on a second end of the rod; wherein the magnet is in magnetic communication with a coil such that a time varying current is induced in said coil by a time-varying magnetic field generated by the movement of the magnet, said time varying current proportional to said time-varying signal.

10. The equipment rack of claim 9, wherein said magnet is further defined as a plurality of magnets.

11. An equipment rack system comprising a plurality of RF-shielded equipment racks, each rack of said plurality of RF-shielded equipment racks the racks comprising: an electronic equipment enclosure defined by RF-shielded walls; a plurality of openings in the RF-shielded walls adapted for being aligned with complimentary openings in one or more like data center equipment racks and adapted for permitting a shielded electromagnetic connection between two or more racks; at least one signal feedthrough capable of providing designed energy to a system to be protected, while preventing unwanted energy from being provided to the system to be protected, comprising; an electrically isolating panel disposed in at least one of the plurality of openings; wherein the at least one signal feedthrough is disposed in the electrically conductive panel such that an input end of said signal feedthrough is located within said electronic equipment enclosure, and an output end of said signal feedthrough is located within an interior volume of a second electronic equipment enclosure when the electronic equipment enclosure is attached to the second electronic equipment enclosure such that said plurality of openings are aligned with said complementary openings in said second electronic equipment enclosure; the signal feedthrough operable to communicate a signal applied on an input of the at least one electrical feedthrough to an output of the at least one electrical feedthrough, without requiring any opening in an electrical conductive layer between the input and the output of the feedthrough or in the electrically isolating panel, such that electrical signals are able to be communicated between the first and second electronic equipment enclosures without requiring an electrically conductive path between the first and second electronic equipment enclosures.

12. The equipment rack of claim 11, wherein said electrical feedthrough comprises: an input piezoelectric layer having a first surface and a second surface defining a first thickness of said input piezoelectric layer, said second surface of said input piezoelectric layer opposing said first surface of said input piezoelectric layer, said input piezoelectric layer having a first axis normal to said first and second surfaces; and an output piezoelectric layer having a third surface and a fourth surface defining a second thickness of said output piezoelectric layer, said fourth surface of said output piezoelectric layer opposing said third surface of said output piezoelectric layer, said output piezoelectric layer having a second axis normal to said third and fourth surfaces; wherein said first surface of said input piezoelectric layer is electroded, forming said input; said second surface of said input piezoelectric layer is in physical contact with an electrically conductive layer; said third surface is in physical contact with said electrically conductive layer; and said fourth surface of said output piezoelectric layer is electroded, forming said output; and wherein said input piezoelectric layer is mechanically coupled to said output piezoelectric layer through said electrically conductive layer such that an input time-varying electrical signal applied to said first surface is converted to vibrational energy by said input piezoelectric layer, and wherein said vibrational energy is transmitted through said electrically conductive layer to said output piezoelectric layer, wherein said vibrational energy is converted back into a time-varying electrical signal, resulting in a replica of the input time-varying electrical signal being present on said fourth surface of said output piezoelectric layer; and wherein there is no electrically conductive path between said electroded first surface on said input piezoelectric layer and said electroded fourth surface on said output piezoelectric layer, wherein said electrically conductive layer comprises a continuous, uninterrupted electrically conductive layer completely covering a cross section of the feedthrough, wherein said electrically conductive layer comprises a continuous peripheral surface external to the feedthrough that is in uninterrupted electrical contact with a conductive surface of said electrically conductive panel extending completely around the periphery of the feedthrough, forming a connection with said electrically conductive panel, such that radiated electromagnetic energy from outside the electrical enclosure does not pass into said enclosed interior volume through or around the signal feedthrough or said connection to the electrically conductive panel.

13. The equipment rack of claim 12, wherein said input piezoelectric layer is further defined as comprising a ceramic piezoelectric material, and wherein said output piezoelectric layer is further defined as comprising a ceramic piezoelectric material.

14. The equipment rack of claim 12, wherein said input piezoelectric layer is polarized in a direction parallel to said first axis, and said output piezoelectric layer is polarized in a direction parallel to said second axis.

15. The equipment rack of claim 12, wherein said input piezoelectric layer and said output piezoelectric layer are coaxially disposed with one another.

16. The equipment rack of claim 12, wherein said second thickness is greater than said first thickness.

17. The equipment rack of claim 12, further comprising a rigid end-mass attached to said electroded fourth surface on said output piezoelectric layer, said rigid end-mass having a mechanical quality factor greater than a mechanical quality factor of said output piezoelectric layer.

18. The equipment rack of claim 12, further comprising a rigid end-mass attached to said electroded first surface on said input piezoelectric layer, said rigid end-mass having a mechanical quality factor greater than a mechanical quality factor of said input piezoelectric layer.

19. The equipment rack of claim 11, wherein: said signal feedthrough comprises a piezoelectric ring attached to a drive disk, wherein said drive disk is flexible, and wherein a rod first end is attached to said drive disk; wherein said rod extends through the piezoelectric ring and through at least one flexible membrane that is in continuous electrical communication with and all along the peripheral edges of an opening in the electrically conductive panel; and wherein the rod passes through an opening in the electrically conductive panel, the opening having a peripheral edge, the rod forming an electrically conductive seal between the rod and the peripheral edge of the opening such that the rod is able to pass through the flexible membrane and into the interior volume of the enclosure without creating any voids or openings in enclosure that would allow electromagnetic energy to radiate into, or out of, an interior volume of enclosure; wherein, when a time varying signal is applied to said piezoelectric ring, the rod is translated back and forth, also translating a magnet disposed on a second end of the rod; wherein the magnet is in magnetic communication with a coil such that a time varying current is induced in said coil by a time-varying magnetic field generated by the movement of the magnet, said time varying current proportional to said time-varying signal.

20. The equipment rack of claim 19, wherein said magnet is further defined as a plurality of magnets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the figures, like item designators refer to like elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and elements in the figures are depicted without regard to their relative physical size or shape, so that the figures are not limiting as to the sizes of the depicted features in relation to one another.

[0062] In the drawings:

[0063] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a data center equipment rack according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0064] FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the data center equipment rack shown in FIG. 1;

[0065] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the data center equipment rack shown in FIG. 1;

[0066] FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the data center equipment rack shown in FIG. 1;

[0067] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the data center equipment rack shown in FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the data center equipment rack shown in FIG. 1, taken along line A-A of FIG. 4;

[0069] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the data center equipment rack shown in FIG. 1, taken along line B-B of FIG. 4;

[0070] FIG. 8 is a front elevation showing a “racked and stacked” array of the data center equipment racks according to the invention;

[0071] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the array of data center equipment racks shown in FIG. 9;

[0072] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the data center equipment racks shown in FIG. 9, taken along line C-C of FIG. 10; and

[0073] FIG. 11 illustrates an example installation of a line of rack systems at a data center.

[0074] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a non-electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the feedthrough is circular in cross section but this is exemplary only as the feedthrough may be oval, square or rectangular in cross section, or may take any cross-sectional shape.

[0075] FIG. 13 depicts a schematic view of a non-electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention.

[0076] FIG. 14 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the inventive system comprising a non-electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention in conjunction with an electrically conductive electrical enclosure having an interior volume that encloses a system to be protected. Also depicted is an external source of undesired energy 501, radiating a level of energy 503 such that the electronic enclosure 202 is subjected to the undesired energy.

[0077] FIG. 15 depicts a cutaway view of an embodiment of a non-electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention attached to an electrically conductive electrical enclosure having an interior volume that encloses a system to be protected. In embodiments, optional EMI mesh used to provide circumferentially complete electrical conductivity between the mounting flange of the feedthrough to an outer surface of the electrically conductive electrical enclosure 202.

[0078] FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a non-electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention that is rectangular in cross section, feedthroughs of the invention may take any desired cross-sectional shape.

[0079] FIG. 17 depicts a broken-out expanded cross section view of an embodiment of a non-electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention that, among other things, is applicable to retrofit applications.

[0080] FIG. 18 depicts a bandwidth of a desired signal BW.sub.d having a lower frequency f.sub.L and an upper f.sub.U, within which the desired signal is contained. Overlaid on the plot of desired signal bandwidth is a depiction of a frequency response of an exemplary signal feedthrough of the invention.

[0081] FIG. 19 depicts a system of the prior art that is susceptible to unwanted or undesired conducted and radiated emissions, in which unwanted or undesired conducted and radiated emissions are allowed into the enclosure by being conducted through wiring or radiated into the enclosure through a hole formed by a wire or other penetration.

[0082] FIG. 20 depicts a system of the invention that is protected from conducted and radiated emissions because the system to be protected is completely enclosed by a continuous electrically conductive surface having no holes or openings therethrough, but wherein power and data signals are able to be communicated to the system to be protected through the electrically conductive surface by a signal feedthrough of the invention.

[0083] FIG. 21 depicts an embodiment of a non-electrically conductive signal feedthrough of the invention in which two male threaded studs may be bonded, welded, friction welded or otherwise attached to a continuous electrically conductive enclosure, and wherein the masses comprise matching female threads. The piezoelectric layers are captured and may be placed in compression between a mass and a surface of the enclosure as the masses are threadingly engaged on a threaded stud and tightened down against the piezoelectric layer.

[0084] FIG. 22 depicts an embodiment of a signal feedthrough of the invention similar in operation to that of FIG. 21, but wherein the threaded studs are formed of a unitary structure comprising male threaded portions on either end, with a shoulder portion between them that is press fit or shrink fit into an opening in the enclosure. The cylindrical structure may comprise conductive material such that, when press fitted or shrink fitted into the receiving opening, a continuous electrically conductive enclosure 202 is formed. I.e. there is no resulting opening or hole in the continuous electrically conductive surface or enclosure. Thus, the system to be protected is completely enclosed by a continuous electrically conductive surface.

[0085] FIG. 23 depicts an embodiment of a signal feedthrough of the invention that utilizes a piezoelectric ring or other structure to convert a time-varying electrical signal into a mechanical translation of a magnet or magnet array that is in magnetic communication with an electrical coil. When a time varying signal is applied to the electric ring or other structure, the rod is translated along an axis proportionally to the time varying signal, inducing a time-varying electrical current in the coils, and thus producing a time-varying electrical voltage or current appearing at the coil leads, the time-varying signal being proportional to the time-varying signal that was applied to the piezoelectric ring or other structure. There is no electrically conductive path from outside the enclosure to the coil, and the electrical enclosure completely encloses the interior volume of the enclosure with an uninterrupted completely continuous three dimensional electrically conductive sheet that has no electrical openings.

[0086] FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary view of interconnected equipment racks of the invention, the equipment racks shown in cross section, and containing electrical systems to be protected from EMI, EMP/HEMP events, HEMP-level electromagnetic radiation, and electromagnetic radiation in general, each rack interconnected via feedthrough(s) of the invention.

[0087] FIG. 25 depicts a cross section view of an embodiment of an equipment rack of the invention having a panel of interconnects for connecting to an adjacent or adjoining equipment rack using complementary openings, the complementary openings comprising electrically sealing, non-electrically conductive feedthrough(s) of the invention to accomplish the signal, or power, or both, interconnect between the adjacent equipment racks.

[0088] FIG. 26 depicts a cross section view of an embodiment of a panel of interconnects for connecting adjacent or adjoining equipment racks using complementary openings, the complementary openings comprising electrically sealing, non-electrically conductive feedthrough(s) of the invention to accomplish the signal, or power, or both, interconnect between the adjacent equipment racks.

[0089] FIG. 27 depicts HEMP and HEMP-level energy over time. In the case of a HEMP event, the time shown is the time after a high-altitude nuclear explosion.

[0090] FIG. 28 depicts HEMP and HEMP-level energy over frequency of radiated energy.

[0091] FIG. 29 also depicts HEMP and HEMP-level energy over time. In the case of a HEMP event, the time shown is the time after a high-altitude nuclear explosion.

[0092] FIG. 30 depicts information regarding E1 HEMP pulse characteristics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] The following documentation provides a detailed description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

[0094] Although a detailed description as provided in the attachments contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not merely by the preferred examples or embodiments given.

[0095] As used herein, “piezoelectric material”, or PZT, includes within its meaning any material that experiences a mechanical change when subjected to an applied electric charge, or which develops an electric charge when subjected to a mechanical stress or mechanical deformity, or both. A non-limiting, exemplary list of piezoelectric materials includes: ceramics including but not limited to barium titanate (BaTiO3), lead zirconate titanate Pb[ZrxTix]03, potassium niobate (KNbO3), sodium tungstate (Na2WO3), Ba2NaNb5O5, Pb2KNb5O15, zinc oxide, sodium potassium niobate (K0.5Na0.5NbO3), bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), sodium niobate (NaNbO3), barium titanate (BaTiO3 and Bi4Ti3O12) and Sodium bismuth titanate NaBi(TiO3)2; crystalline materials such as langasite (La3Ga5SiO14), gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4), lithium niobate (LiNbO3), lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), quartz, berlinite (AlPO4), rochelle salt, topaz, tourmaline-group minerals, and lead titanate (PbTiO3); semiconductors such as, for example and not by way of limitation, III-V and II-VI semiconductors including zincblende and wurtzite crystal structures such as GaN, InN, AlN and ZnO, and any bulk or nanostructured semiconductor crystal having non-central symmetry; polymers, including amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, including but not limited to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers, polyamides, paralyne, polyimide polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), voided charged polymers, polymer composites integrating piezoelectric ceramic particles into a polymer film; and any other material that experiences a mechanical change when subjected to an applied electric charge, or which develops an electric charge when subjected to a mechanical stress or mechanical deformity, or both. Such piezoelectric materials may, or may not be, polarized, in any direction.

[0096] As used herein, “electronics enclosure”, “rack” or “housing” includes within its meaning any structure that has a substantially closed interior volume in which a system to be protected may be disposed, or housed. An electronics enclosure may comprise electrically conductive sheet materials that have been shaped to form the interior volume. The sheet materials may be a solid sheet material, or the sheet materials may comprise openings that are sized and disposed so as to significantly attenuate undesired radiated electromagnetic energy to which the enclosure may be subjected. Further, the sheet materials may comprise mu-metals. Electronics enclosures may have feedthroughs for allowing electrical power and communication signals to enter and exit the electronics enclosure, as well as other feedthroughs that may allow, for example, cooling air or liquids to enter or exit the enclosure.

[0097] As used herein, “undesired conducted energy” includes within its meaning electric currents that, when a system to be protected is subjected to such electric currents, experiences undesired results that render the system to be protected such that its operation is degraded or it is inoperable, temporarily or permanently. In some cases, the effect of the undesired conducted energy may be temporary such that the system returns to normal operation when the undesired radiated energy is removed. In other cases, the effect of the undesired conducted energy may be permanent such that the system does not return to normal operation when the undesired conducted energy is removed.

[0098] As used herein, “undesired radiated energy” includes within its meaning electric and/or magnetic fields and radiating electromagnetic energy such as EMP, HEMP and HEMP-level energy that, when a system to be protected (such as an electrical system) is subjected to such energy, the system experiences undesired results that render the electrical system to be protected such that its operation is degraded, or the electrical system is inoperable, temporarily or permanently. In some cases, the effect of the undesired radiated energy may be temporary such that the system returns to normal operation when the undesired radiated energy is removed. In other cases, the effect of the undesired radiated energy may be permanent such that the system does not return to normal operation when the undesired radiated energy is removed. Within the context of “undesired radiated energy” is EMP (including HEMP-level) radiated energy. HEMP radiated energy includes within its meaning electric fields of up to 114 J/m2, which may extend up to and beyond 100 MHz; and, electric field components of HEMP may range up to 10.sup.1 V/m at 0.01 Hz, 10-1 V/m at 100 Hz, and 0.001 V/m at 10,000,000 Hz (as stated at 5.6.3.1 and in Fig. A.1 in IEC TR 6100-5-5-3 (1999), Installation and mitigation guidelines—HEMP protection concepts, filed herewith in an Appendix to the patent application, and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). “Undesired radiated energy” also includes EMP and HEMP pulse levels and durations as set out in Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Protection and Resilience Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure and Equipment, developed by the National Coordinating Center for Communications (NCC), National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, Arlington, Va., (Feb. 5, 2019), filed herewith in an Appendix to the patent application, and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. “Undesired radiated energy” also includes HEMP-level radiated energy. “Undesired radiated energy” also includes within its meaning radiated energy that causes EMI in the system to be protected. “Undesired radiated energy” also includes within its meaning the effect electric fields induced in the earth by variations in the geomagnetic field caused by natural phenomena such as, for example, geomagnetic storms. Such fields may range up to 15 V/km or more. See Geomagnetic Storms and Their Impacts on the U.S. Power Grid, John Kappenman (Metatch Corporation) (2010), as prepared for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Rd., P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37831, U.S. govt. contract no. 6400009137, contemporaneously filed herewith as an Appendix in the application, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. “HEMP” means the EMP resulting from a high-altitude nuclear explosion. “HEMP-level” means any electromagnetic energy at the same level as HEMP radiated energy. HEMP and HEMP-level radiated energy includes within its meaning radiated energy as depicted in any of FIGS. 27, 28, 29 and 30 and as set out in the documents filed herewith in the Appendix.

[0099] As used herein, “system to be protected” and “system” includes within their meaning any system, element, structure or device which may be susceptible to damage, degraded operation, or any undesirable effect resulting from being subjected to undesired radiated electromagnetic energy or conducted electrical energy. Such systems may comprise, by way of example and not by limitation, any electrical or electronic circuit; any system in communication with electrical conductors for transmission of electrical power or information; circuits comprising discrete logic components, analog electrical components, digital circuit components, semiconductor-based circuit elements including but not limited to microprocessors, memory devices, communication circuits, logic arrays, programmable logic, field programmable gates, and other digital circuit elements; electric power supplies; and any system comprising conductors or semiconductors. Such systems may include computers, radios, power supplies, guidance and control systems, motor controllers, and virtually any system comprising an electric or electronic circuit or device.

[0100] As used herein, “mu-metal” includes within its meaning any ferromagnetic alloy exhibiting a permeability greater than ordinary steel, for example greater than 10,000, and up to, and greater than, 100,000. An exemplary common range for the permeability of mu metal is 80,000 to 100,000. Exemplary, non-limiting compositions of mu-metal include approximately 77% nickel, 16% iron, 5% copper, and 2% chromium or molybdenum. Mu-metal may also be considered to be ASTM A753 Alloy 4 and may be composed of approximately 80% nickel, 5% molybdenum, small amounts of various other elements such as silicon, and the remaining 12% to 15% iron. A number of different proprietary formulations of the alloy are sold under trade names such as MuMETAL®, Mumetall®, and Mumetal2®. Mu-metal may be a “soft” ferromagnetic material such that it has low magnetic anisotropy and magnetostriction, giving it a low coercivity so that it saturates at low magnetic fields. Other high-permeability nickel-iron alloys such as permalloy have similar magnetic properties; mu-metal's advantage is that it is more ductile, malleable and workable, allowing it to be easily formed into the thin sheets needed for magnetic shields such as electronics enclosures. Mu-metal objects, including electronics enclosures, may require heat treatment after they are in final form—annealing in a magnetic field in hydrogen atmosphere, which may increase the magnetic permeability of the mu-metal about 40 times. Such annealing alters the material's crystal structure, aligning the grains and removing some impurities, especially carbon, which obstruct the free motion of the magnetic domain boundaries. Bending or mechanical shock after annealing may disrupt the mu-metal's grain alignment, leading to a drop in the permeability of the affected areas, which can be restored by repeating the hydrogen annealing step.

[0101] As used herein, “Electromagnetic Pulse”, or “EMP”, includes within its meaning any transient electromagnetic disturbance or short burst of electromagnetic energy. Such a burst's origin may be a natural occurrence, or may be manmade, and may occur as a radiated, electric, or magnetic field or a conducted electric current, depending on the source and circumstance of the occurrence. An EMP may result in the generation of undesired conducted electric currents, undesired radiated electric fields and undesired magnetic fields. EMP also includes within its meaning HEMP and HEMP-level electromagnetic energy.

[0102] As used herein, “electroded” means the creation of a conductive surface on an object through any means known in the art such as plating, depositing, sputtering or any form of metal deposition, or through any other means of creating, applying or attaching a conductive surface on an object or adjacent to an object. An electroded object has at least one surface that has received a conductive coating or is adjacent to and in electrical contact with a conductive surface.

[0103] As used herein, “signal” includes within its meaning desired energy provided from a source to a load. “Signal” includes within its meaning electrically conducted or mechanically transmitted energy that contains power or information. A non-limiting, exemplary list of signals includes: alternating electrical current (AC); non-time varying electrical voltages or currents (sometimes known as “discretes”); time varying electrical voltages or currents such as those used to transmit information; and mechanical stress or vibration, including time-varying stress and vibration.

[0104] As used herein, a “replica” of a signal means a resulting signal that has the same information content as an original, or input, signal. Thus, it may be, but is not necessarily, an exact replica of the input signal. The replica signal is not necessarily the same amplitude, polarity, level or spectral content of the input signal. Thus, as a non-limiting exemplary case, an output signal may be a replica of an input signal even if the output signal is level-shifted, scaled, or inverted or any combination of these; or even if it contains spectral components not present in the input signal, such as may be the case when the output signal has picked up noise as it is passed from input to output. A replica signal may be, for example, a scaled version of the replicated signal.

[0105] As used herein, “desired signal” includes within its meaning any signal that is intended for use by the system to be protected, or by any system in communication with the system to be protected. A desired signal may have a bandwidth BWd having a lower frequency f.sub.L and an upper f.sub.U, within which the desired signal is contained.

[0106] As used herein, “mechanical transmission” of energy includes within its meaning any form of mechanical energy that is capable of transmitting a signal. The piezoelectric transmission of a signal from an input piezoelectric layer to an output piezoelectric layer as described herein is a non-limiting example of mechanical transmission of a signal.

[0107] As used herein, “electrically conductive enclosure” includes within its meaning any form or shape of enclosed volume, in which an enclosing structure forms an interior volume, and wherein the enclosing structure is electrically conductive. The enclosing structure may be a continuously electrically conductive sheet comprised of one or more conductive surfaces, such as when it is formed of a solid sheet of electrically conductive material; or it may comprise openings of a dimension small enough to prevent an undesired level of radiated electromagnetic energy to penetrate or radiate from or into the enclosed interior volume of the enclosure. The allowable dimension of any such opening may be determined by the susceptibility of the system to be protected to undesired radiated electromagnetic energy. Some systems, which may be highly susceptible to smaller levels of higher frequency radiated electromagnetic energy, may allow only small openings in the enclosing structure; other systems, which are less susceptible, may allow openings of larger dimensions in the enclosing structure. “Electrically conductive enclosure” also includes within its meaning electrically conductive enclosures in which the enclosing structure comprises mu-metal. The enclosing structure may comprise only electrically conductive materials, such an embodiment in which the enclosing structure is fabricated from a metal such as stainless steel, or it may comprise a combination of electrically non-conductive and electrically conductive materials such as an embodiment that comprises plastic or other non-conductive materials that have been plated or coated with a conductive surface. In such embodiments, the conductive surface may form a continuous conductive sheet surrounding the enclosed interior volume or may form a continuous conductive sheet comprising openings, as described above, that surrounds the enclosed interior volume. Such enclosures are known as EMI enclosures in the art. “Electrically conductive enclosure” includes within its meaning Faraday cages structures.

[0108] As used herein, “feedthrough” does not imply or mean that an opening or hole is created or required in the continuous electrically conductive surface or enclosure that forms the enclosed interior volume. “Feedthrough” includes within its meaning structures that receive a signal on a first end and either communicate that signal, or provide a replica signal, at a second end.

[0109] As used herein, “input side” includes within its meaning the side of a feedthrough that receives energy, such as electrical energy, from a source, and converts the received energy to mechanical vibrational energy for transmitting to the output side of the feedthrough.

[0110] As used herein, “output side” includes within its meaning the side of a feedthrough that receives energy, such as mechanical vibrational energy, from an input side of the feedthrough and converts the received energy to electrical energy for providing to a load.

[0111] While reference may be made herein to “data centers”, it is to be understood that this is by way of example only. The inventive scalable, EMI/EMP hardened electronic enclosure rack system may be used generally, in an application or situation in which it is desired to protect an electrical or electronic system from the effects of EMI or EMP radiated energy, or conducted electrical energy, or to reduce electromagnetic or conducted radiated emissions, without regard to the type of electrical system to be protected. Thus, the use of the inventive interconnectable, EMI/EMP/HEMP and HEMP-level hardened electronic enclosure rack system in data centers is just one of many applications of the invention.

[0112] It is well known that certain undesired radiated and conducted energy may have undesired effects on systems to be protected. In some cases in which the undesired radiated and conducted energy result in undesired voltages and currents in the system to be protected that are of a magnitude low enough that there is no permanent harm to the system to be protected, the undesired effect produced by the undesired radiated and conducted energy on the system may be limited to the generation of noise. Such noise may render the system to be temporarily non-operable, but the system may return to normal operation when the undesired radiated and conducted energy have ceased. However, in other cases, the undesired radiated and conducted energy may be of such magnitude that the system experiences voltages and or electric current exceeding breakdown levels such that the system suffers permanent damage in the form of burned out semiconductor junctions, semiconductor metal layers, cables, connectors, and the like. In such circumstances the result can be catastrophic, system-wide destruction of the ability to operate. In such circumstances, when the undesired radiated and conducted energy cease, the system may not return to normal operation.

[0113] In some circumstances, undesired radiated and conducted energy may be the result of natural phenomena such as lightning, electrostatic discharge (ESD), meteoric EMP, coronal mass ejection (i.e., a burst of plasma and accompanying magnetic field, ejected from the solar corona and released into the solar wind) or geomagnetic storms. In other circumstances, undesired radiated and conducted energy may be manmade such as, for example, the switching action of electrical circuitry, whether isolated or repetitive (as a pulse train); the closing and opening of electrical contacts in electric motors, clock and data signals in electronic systems, gasoline engine ignition systems, power line surges; EMP and HEMP weapons including nuclear weapons, and continuously operated radiated emission weapons and jamming systems, as in electronic warfare (EW) systems.

[0114] The development of the rack system as described in this application is directed towards the purpose of providing an electromagnetically secure environment within which any item, including IT equipment, communications equipment, control equipment, protective relay equipment, or any other electronic or non-electronic item may be placed. As described below, the described racks and rack system are interconnectable—above, below, beside, or through a protected umbilical structure.

[0115] Various views of a rack 10 according to an embodiment of the invention are shown in FIGS. 1-7. The racks 10 can be interconnected to form a rack system 70 as shown in FIGS. 9-11, which is exemplary of an unlimited variety of interconnections dictated by the equipment being protected. The racks 10 may by larger or smaller depending on the requirements of what will be placed within.

[0116] As shown collectively in FIGS. 1-7, the exemplary rack 10 is generally rectangular and includes a top wall 12, a bottom wall 14, side walls 16, 18, a front wall 20 and a back wall 22. The top wall 12 includes a removable cover 24, and the side walls 26 and 18. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the rack 10 includes removable covers 26 and 28, respectively. The removable covers 24, 26 and 28 match up to adjacent racks 10 and racks 10 above or below each rack 10 to define a rack system 70 as shown in FIGS. 9-11 without regard to the size of the racks 10. For illustrative purposes, the racks 10 are 10 U racks.

[0117] With the covers 24, 26 and 28 removed, interconnection ports 24A, 26A and 28A are exposed for use. The size and location of the interconnection ports 24A, 26A and 28A can be of any size and location, as long as the ports 24A, 26A and 28A match up to ports in adjacent racks 10.

[0118] Penetrations may be integrated onto the interconnection ports 24A, 26A and 28A as required to connect and maintain the electromagnetic shielding environment inside the rack 10. Penetrations can be integrated into the cover 24, 26 and/or 28 of an otherwise unused interconnection port 24A, 26A and/or 28A. This is important to accommodate specific applications inside the rack 10. Sizes and types of penetrations can vary. The penetrations can include an umbilical attachment to cooling/power for “TIER IV+” data center protection.

[0119] Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 and 2, air intake/exhaust port 40 in the front wall 20, air intake/exhaust port 42 in the top wall 12, air intake/exhaust port 43 in the bottom wall 14 and air intake/exhaust port 44 in the rear wall 22 are standard “waveguide below cutoff” intakes that pass air but not electromagnetic energy. This is a standard approach and not an innovation per se.

[0120] The air intake/exhausts 40, 42, 44 can be any size and in any location to accommodate specific needs of the user. As evident by its description, the air intake/exhausts 40, 42, 44 may either take cooling air into the rack 10 or exhaust warm air from the rack 10 depending on the direction of fan rotation. See by way of example, fan 46 of air intake/exhaust 44.

[0121] The rack 10 includes air waveguides, provisions for filters and other items. Because the racks 10 are interconnectable, each individual rack 10 does not need to have a filter, rather it can be connected to power in another rack 10 through the interconnection ports 24A, 26A and/or 28A.

[0122] Similarly, air flow, data cables, or any other required connection can be routed between racks 10 as needed. Also, a hose 17 may be provided to route compressed gas from a connector 15 to provide further cooling.

[0123] The racks 10 may be combined into multi-rack assemblies to form a rack system 70 shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. As described above, the arrangement of individual racks 10 may be dictated by a wide variety of requirements and racks may be different sizes and dimensions as long as the covers are matched and aligned when mated together. In FIG. 9 a rack 10 as described above is shown assembled with five (5) racks 60 of a larger size to form the rack system 70. Dimensions support standard racks but this does not need to be the case. Racks can be taller, wider and deeper as required for the application. By way of example, a 10 U rack 10 may have dimensions as follows: 24.75 in. (62.9 cm.) wide, 23.75 in. (60 cm.) high and 47.8 in. (121.5 cm.) deep. These dimensions support standard racks, but this does not need to be the case. Racks can be taller wider and deeper as required for the application.

[0124] The rack system 70 can support a “power bus” architecture, whereby a single bus supplies power to a full row of racks 10, without each rack 10 having its own power supply. A common “rectifier cabinet” can provide power to all of the racks 10 in a row, and still maintain electromagnetic protections.

[0125] The racks 10 can have as many interconnection ports as required. Also, the interconnection ports facilitate the integration of special penetrations, as needed, by allowing for electromagnetically sealed penetrations for waveguides, air, liquid, fiber optic ports, or penetrations for any other purpose to be integrated into any available rack interconnection port.

[0126] The depictions shown in this application are one possible version of many possible rack designs. The racks can be taller, wider, or be sized to support any standard or non-standard rack unit mounting of equipment. The interconnections shown are just one way to assure interconnection between racks. These can include versions with more, fewer, larger or smaller interconnection ports using any shape interconnection port cover.

[0127] The interconnection ports exclude electromagnetic energy from entering the inside of the rack system, and the means of accomplishing this can be the use of any suitable form of gasketing, fingerstock, conductive pastes, or any other method that can support electromagnetic shielding and facilitate the removal of the interconnection port cover to support any configuration or change in configuration of racks over the life-cycle of the systems protected by the rack system. As best shown in FIG. 7, with the cover 26 removed, the interconnection port 26A is exposed, and has an array of holes 27 that also mate with matching aligned holes in the interconnection port of another rack 10. With the covers 26 removed, the aligned holes can receive screws, bolts or any other suitable connection with, as noted above, suitable gasketing, fingerstock, conductive pastes or other electromagnetic shielding. Actual connection of components may be by any suitable plug, cable, wire and jumper cable without regard to whether it is male/male, male/female, female/female or a unitary connector. Such examples are shown at reference numbers 72 of FIG. 11.

[0128] The cooling pedestal 74 is interconnected through an electromagnetically sealed umbilical to electromagnetically protected cooling modules (not shown) that can be located inside, outside or any other convenient location to provide dedicated cooling capacity to the rack system 70. The rack system 70 can also use cooling as provided by any typical data center environment.

[0129] The electromagnetically protected umbilical can also support the supply of power to the rack system and can be connected to an electromagnetically sealed generator dedicated to the support of the rack system and any associated mechanical systems.

[0130] The rack system 70 may support “built in test” through the use of electromagnetic emitters inside the protected environment of the rack system 70. These emitters can be used to assess the electromagnetic shielding environment and detect if there are any shielding leaks, or to perform periodic “verification testing” of the shielded environment. The built-in test may not impact any operational aspect of the equipment operating inside the rack system.

[0131] Another embodiment may include the use of an integrated filter as part of the rack assembly and will provide isolation from RF energy that may be present at harmful levels outside the new rack assembly. The rack system 70 can be mobile—the system may or may not have integrated wheels for mobility, and may or may not have handles allowing for the system to be transported.

[0132] The rack system may have RF ports built in to allow for the automatic testing of the rack system for Shielding Effectiveness per the MIL-STD. The rack system may have “Shielded Enclosure Leak Detection System” ports to allow for the injection of RF energy into loops or studs.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 11, an example installation of a line of rack systems 70 with EMP protected supplemental power/HVAC cooling facility 74 connected by an EMP protected power/cooling umbilical 76 is shown in a data center 90, together with standard, non-EMP protected racks 78 in the same data center 90.

[0134] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an exemplary embodiment of a signal feedthrough of the invention is depicted. The signal feedthrough 001 may comprise an input piezoelectric layer 101 having a first electroded surface 102 that may further comprise a terminal 107 for connecting conductor such that first electroded surface 102 is in electrical communication with a source 200 of a desired signal id, which may be a time-varying input electrical signal or energy. Terminal 107 may take any shape as may be suitable for a particular use or application, which shape may be dictated by physical constraints of the use. Source 200 may be electrically connected to first electroded surface 102 by any means known in the electrical arts. Input piezoelectric layer 101 may have a second surface 110 adjacent to, and in physical contact with, a surface of an electrically conductive layer 109. As is depicted further in FIG. 17, electrically conductive layer 109 may be utilized as a flange for attaching signal feedthrough 001 to a wall or other surface of an electrically conductive enclosure such as enclosure 202 depicted in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17. The first electroded surface 102 and second surface 110 of input piezoelectric layer 101 may be opposing surfaces each surface being normal to axis A, and they may define a first thickness T1 of input piezoelectric layer 101. In an embodiment, input piezoelectric layer 101 may be polarized in a direction parallel to axis A. When used to communicate a desired signal id to a system to be protected 201 as depicted in FIG. 14, input piezoelectric layer 101, first electroded surface 102 and optional rigid end-mass 106, described below, define a signal input section or an input side of the feedthrough.

[0135] Still referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, electrically conductive layer 109 may form a complete, electrically uninterrupted sheet spanning an completely covering the entire cross section of feedthrough 001 (or 002), such that when feedthrough 001 is attached an enclosure, such as enclosure 202, as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in which a continuous, uninterrupted electrical connection between the periphery of electrically conductive layer 109 and an electrically conductive external surface of the electrically conductive enclosing exterior surfaces of enclosure 202, a completely uninterrupted electrically conductive three dimensional shape of enclosure 202 is established, having an interior volume, that does not allow undesired radiated energy 503 to be radiated into the interior volume. In other words, in embodiments, the resulting structure may form a Faraday cage enclosing the system to be protected. The continuous, uninterrupted electrical connection between the periphery of electrically conductive layer 109 and an electrically conductive external surface of the electrically conductive enclosing exterior surfaces of enclosure 202 may be established by any means in the electro-mechanical arts for making electrical connection between two electrical conductors, including but not limited to welding, brazing, soldering, electrical conductive chemical bonding, and so on.

[0136] Still referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, signal feedthrough 001 may comprise an output piezoelectric layer 103 having a third surface 111 adjacent to, and in physical contact with, a surface of electrically conductive layer 109. Output piezoelectric layer 103 may further comprise a fourth electroded surface 104 that may further comprise a terminal 108 for connecting a conductor such that fourth electroded surface 104 is in electrical communication with a load 201, providing desired signal id to load 201, which may be a system to be protected. Terminal 108 may take any shape as may be suitable for a particular use or application, which shape may be dictated by physical constraints of the use. Load 201 may be electrically connected to fourth electroded surface 104 by any means known in the electrical arts. The fourth electroded surface 104 and third surface 111 of output piezoelectric layer 103 may be opposing surfaces, each surface being normal to axis A, and they may define a first thickness T2 of output piezoelectric layer 103. In an embodiment, input piezoelectric layer 101 may be polarized in a direction parallel to axis A. When used to communicate a desired signal id to a system to be protected 201 as depicted in FIG. 14, output piezoelectric layer 103, fourth electroded surface 104 and optional rigid end-mass 105, described below, define a signal output section, or output side of the feedthrough. The mechanical vibration generated by input piezoelectric layer 101 in response to its excitation by the input desired signal id is depicted by arrows F. The mechanical vibration F is received by output piezoelectric layer 103, causing a replica of the input desired signal id to appear on the electroded fourth layer of output piezoelectric layer 103.

[0137] Still referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, axis A may be an axis of input piezoelectric layer 101. Axis A may be an axis of output piezoelectric layer 103. Axis A may also be an axis of signal feedthrough 001.

[0138] Still referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in embodiments, an optional end-mass 106 (M1) may be disposed adjacent to and attached to the first surface of the input piezoelectric layer 101 (PZT1). Likewise, an optional end-mass 105 (M2) may be disposed adjacent to and attached to the fourth surface of the output piezoelectric layer 103 (PZT2). These optional end-masses may operate to alter the resonant frequency of the signal feedthrough to match the frequency characteristics of a desired signal in order to maximize the operation of the signal feedthrough in communicating the desired signal through the feedthrough. Each optional end-mass may be rigid, and may comprise metal. The end-masses may be bonded to the adjacent surfaces 102 or 104. The bonding of such optional end-masses to either, or both, ends of the signal feedthrough may be viewed as adding additional mass to the ends of the signal feedthrough or as replacing some of the ceramic in an output portion of the signal feedthrough. Adding an end-mass to the output portion of the signal feedthrough increases the total mass and volume of the signal feedthrough. An end-mass may be used to replace a portion of output ceramic and depending on the density of the end mass that replaces the ceramic, the total volume of the signal feedthrough can remain the same while the mass decreases (with a less dense end-mass) or increases (with a denser end mass). Alternatively, an end-mass may be used to replace a portion of output ceramic and the total mass of the signal feedthrough may remain the same while the volume or length of the signal feedthrough increases (with a less dense end-mass) or decreases (with a denser end-mass). These examples are illustrative of the effect of including optional end-masses of differing density to the signal feedthrough. In an embodiment of the signal feedthrough, a dense end mass may be added to the output portion of the signal feedthrough, increasing both the mass and volume of the signal feedthrough. An increase in the mass of the signal feedthrough, or an increase in length, operates to lower the resonant frequency of the signal feedthrough while increasing the gain and power density of the signal feedthrough. The increase in gain is due to the fact that the added end-mass increases the momentum of the device without adding any ceramic layers (which add to the capacitance and dielectric losses). The increase in gain without adding ceramic layers results in a higher power density (ratio of power to volume ceramic). The end-masses 105 and 106 may be chemically or otherwise bonded to their adjacent piezoelectric layer surface at bond line 112 or 113. Furthermore, the length of the end-mass(es) may be selected to ensure that during operation of the signal feedthrough, maximum compressive and tensile forces are concentrated at the bond line 112 and 113 between the end-mass and adjacent piezoelectric layer, resulting in increased gain. Further, since the end-masses have a high mechanical quality factor Q, the gain and power density increase commensurately with the increase in mechanical quality factor of the composite signal feedthrough. Furthermore, the cost of the signal feedthrough is reduced due to the availability of inexpensive metal material to replace the more expensive piezoelectric material, and the ease of bonding metal end-masses to piezoelectric layers as opposed to the expense of conventional laminated multilayer piezoelectric manufacturing techniques. Thus, the use of one or more optional end-mass(es) may be utilized to tune a natural frequency of a signal feedthrough to fall within the bandwidth of a desired signal BWd as discussed below in relation to FIG. 18. The thickness of an end-mass may be chosen dependent on the type of material used for the end-mass and the resonant characteristics desired from the composite signal feedthrough. In embodiments in which the piezoelectric material is ceramic, a preferred end-mass and material may be steel, because it is denser than ceramic piezoelectric material and the profile of a signal feedthrough may be minimized using a denser end-mass. Regardless of the material used for the end-mass, in embodiments it may be non-electroactive and have a mechanical quality factor (Q) greater than that of the electroactive layers of the signal feedthrough.

[0139] In embodiments, the piezoelectric layers 101 and 103, and the optional end masses 105 and 106, may be of similar exterior shape. In embodiments, the piezoelectric layers 101 and 103, and optional end masses 105 and 106, may be coaxially located.

[0140] Referring now to FIG. 14, a system diagram depicting a threat source of energy 501, may be coupled into an antenna or other transducer 502, such that undesired radiated energy 503 is radiated. Threat source of energy 501 and antenna or other transducer 502 form a threat system 500, which may be any manmade or naturally occurring source of undesired radiated energy. Thus, threat source 501 may also be any threat source such as an EMI source, an EMP source, a high altitude nuclear explosion HEMP source, a HEMP-level source, or any other electromagnetic radiation. If the system to be protected 201 were not protected by disposing it within an interior volume 203 of electrically conductive enclosure 202 and any signal feedthrough of the invention, including signal feedthrough 001, it would be subjected to the interruptive and potentially disruptive effect of undesired radiated electromagnetic energy 503, causing interruption in operation and possibly destruction of sensitive circuits and devices comprising the electrical or electronic system to be protected 201. Shown for reference is a source 200 of a desired signal id. However, by use of the inventive feedthroughs of the invention and the enclosures described herein, the electrical or electronic system to be protected 201 is protected from being rendered inoperative or damaged from the EMI, HEMP or HEMP-level undesired radiated electromagnetic energy 503 due to the extreme attenuation afforded by the feedthroughs and enclosure of the invention, while the desired signal id (which may be a power signal) is still able to be communicated into, or out of, enclosure 202. Thus, the enclosure 202 has been EMI/EMP/HEMP hardened.

[0141] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 17, cross sectional views of a signal feedthrough 001, 002 attached to an electrically conductive enclosure 202 is depicted. In order to isolate the signal feedthrough 001, 002 of the invention from undesired shock and vibration, a compressible, shock and vibration isolating material 400, such as, for example, rubber, may be disposed between electrically conductive layer 109, 309 and a wall of the electrically conductive enclosure 202. Isolation of the signal feedthrough 001, 002 from such shock and vibration prevents such shock and vibration from producing unwanted charges in the output piezoelectric layer 103, 303 of the signal feedthrough, which, if within bandwidth BWSF, may manifest as electrical noise in reproduced desired signal id as generated in the output piezoelectric layer. A groove in electrically conductive layer 109, 309 may contain an electrically conductive EMI mesh or other electrically conductive material 404, which may be compressible, providing continuous electrical contact between electrically conductive layer 109, 309 and electrically conductive enclosure 202, forming continuous electrical contact around the periphery of the attachment of electrically conductive layer 109, 309 to a wall of electrically conductive enclosure 202, providing a completely continuously electrically conductive three dimensional enclosure having an interior volume for housing, or containing, a system to be protected 201. Piezoelectric layer 103 or 303 may protrude into the interior volume of enclosure 202 through opening 401 in an exterior wall of enclosure 202, without causing an opening in the continuously electrically conductive three dimension enclosure formed by electrically conductive layer 109 (or 309), conductive material 404 and conductive wall of enclosure 202. Optional end-masses 106, 306, 105 and 305 are shown for reference. Also input piezoelectric layer 101, 301 and electroded first surface 102, 302 are shown for reference. Electrically conductive layer 109, 309 may be attached to an outer surface of electrically conductive enclosure 202 by any means such as threaded fastener 402 engaged with receiving female matching threads 403, or by welding or chemical bonding, which may be conductive. Terminals 107, 307, 108, 308, and electroded surfaces 102, 302, 104, 304 are depicted for reference.

[0142] Referring now to FIG. 16, another exemplary embodiment of a signal feedthrough of the invention 002 is depicted. The signal feedthrough 002 may comprise an input piezoelectric layer 301 having a first electroded surface 302 that may further comprise a terminal 307 for connecting a conductor such that first electroded surface 302 is in electrical communication with a source 200 of a desired signal id. Terminal 307 may take any shape as may be suitable for a particular use or application, which shape may be dictated by physical constraints of the use. Source 200 may be electrically connected to first electroded surface 302 by any means known in the electro-mechanical arts. Input piezoelectric layer 301 may have a second surface 310 (not called out in FIG. 16, but second surface 310 is called out in FIG. 17, and, as can be seen in FIG. 17, is analogous to second surface 110 as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13) adjacent to, and in physical contact with, a surface of an electrically conductive layer 309. As is depicted further in FIG. 17, electrically conductive layer 309 may be utilized as a flange for attaching signal feed-through 002 to a wall or other surface of an electrically conductive enclosure such as enclosure 202 as depicted in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17. The first electroded surface 302 and second surface 310 of input piezoelectric layer 301 may be opposing surfaces each surface being normal to axis D, and they may define a first thickness T3 of input piezoelectric layer 301. In embodiments, input piezoelectric layer 301 may be polarized in a direction parallel to axis D. When used to communicate a desired signal id to a system to be protected 201 as depicted in FIG. 14, input piezoelectric layer 301, first electroded surface 302 and optional rigid end-mass 306, described below, define a signal input section.

[0143] Still referring to FIG. 16, signal feedthrough 002 may comprise an output piezoelectric layer 303 having a third surface 311 adjacent to, and in physical contact with, a surface of electrically conductive layer 309. Output piezoelectric layer 303 may further comprise a fourth electroded surface 304 that may further comprise a terminal 308 for connecting a conductor such that fourth electroded surface 304 is in electrical communication with a load 201, providing desired signal id to load 201, which may be a system to be protected. Terminal 308 may take any shape as may be suitable for a particular use or application, which shape may be dictated by physical constraints of the use. Load 201 may be electrically connected to fourth electroded surface 304 by any means known in the electrical arts. The fourth electroded surface 304 and third surface 311 of output piezoelectric layer 303 may be opposing surfaces, each surface being normal to axis D, and they may define a first thickness T4 of output piezoelectric layer 303. In embodiments, output piezoelectric layer 303 may be polarized in a direction parallel to axis D. When used to communicate a desired signal id to a system to be protected 201 as depicted in FIG. 14, output piezoelectric layer 303, fourth electroded surface 304 and optional rigid end-mass 305, described below, define a signal output section.

[0144] Still referring to FIG. 16, axis D may be an axis of input piezoelectric layer 301. Axis D may be an axis of output piezoelectric layer 303. Axis D may also be an axis of signal feedthrough 002.

[0145] In embodiments, the piezoelectric layers 301 and 303, and the optional end masses 305 and 306, may be of similar exterior shape. In embodiments, the piezoelectric layers 301 and 303, and optional end masses 305 and 306, may be coaxially located.

[0146] As with other embodiments of the invention, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16, the direction of signal flow id may be reversed. In other words, a signal may flow from, i.e. be generated by, load 201, whereupon it vibrationally energizes output piezoelectric layer 303, which vibration is transmitted to input piezoelectric layer 301, the resulting vibration in piezoelectric layer 301 generating an electric signal id at terminal 307 that is a replica, which may be a scaled replica, of the signal id generated by load 201. In other words, the signal feedthrough may be bidirectional and may flow through the feedthrough in either direction.

[0147] Referring now to FIG. 18, a bandwidth of a desired signal BWd is depicted. A desired signal may have a lower frequency fL and an upper frequency limit fU defining desired signal BWd within which the desired signal is contained. By selecting the materials, mass and length of the electroactive layers and optional end-masses, a signal feedthrough of natural frequency fN and bandwidth BWSF with a lower cutoff frequency fLSF and an upper frequency fUSF may be constructed. Natural frequency fN is preferably selected to fall within BWd, and BWSF may be selected to encompass BWd. Energy that is above fUSF or below fLSF is not converted to mechanical vibrational energy by the input electroactive layer. Thus, not only does the signal feedthrough not provide any electrically conductive path from the input electroactive layer to the output electroactive layer, but the signal feedthrough also rejects energy falling outside BWSF that is coupled into any conductors in communication with the input electroactive layer.

[0148] Referring now to FIG. 19, a system of the prior art that is susceptible to unwanted or undesired conducted and/or radiated emissions is depicted, in which unwanted or undesired conducted 700, 701 and radiated 702 emissions are allowed into the interior volume of the enclosure 202 by being conducted through wiring or filtering or radiated into enclosure 202 through a hole formed by a wire or other penetration, allowing a voltage or current spike 701 to form on electrical conductors of electrical devices placed in the interior volume of the enclosure 202.

[0149] FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of system of the invention that is protected from conducted and radiated emissions because the system to be protected is completely enclosed by a continuous electrically conductive surface having no holes or openings therethrough, but wherein power and data signals are able to be communicated to the system to be protected through the electrically conductive surface of enclosure 202 by a signal feedthrough of the invention. No undesired conducted 700, 701 and radiated 702 emissions are allowed into the interior volume of the enclosure 202, because 1) there is no electrically conductive path through the feedthrough of the system; and 2) there are no openings or gaps in the continuous electrically conductive sheet surfaces that completely enclose electrical devices placed in the interior volume of the enclosure 202.

[0150] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, an embodiment of a non-electrically conductive signal feedthrough of the invention in which two male threaded studs 802 and 803 may be bonded, welded, friction welded or otherwise attached to a continuous electrically conductive enclosure 202, and wherein mass 800 and mass 801 each comprise matching female threads. The piezoelectric layers PZ3 and PZ4 may be disposed in compression between mass 800 and a surface of enclosure 202 and piezoelectric layers PZ5 and PZ6 may be disposed in compression between mass 801 and a surface of the enclosure. Each mass 800 and 801 may therefore be threadingly engaged on a threaded stud 802 or 803, respectively and tightened down against the piezoelectric layers PZ3 and PZ4, which may be oppositely polarized as depicted by the arrows in the figure. A time varying signal id applied to the piezoelectric layers PZ3 and PZ4 drives mass 800 back and forth in the direction x because the piezoelectric layers are tightened against the surfaces of enclosure 202, mechanical energy, i.e. vibrational energy, is translated from piezoelectric layers PZ3 and PZ4 through enclosure 202 wall and into piezoelectric layers PZ5 and PZ6 on the other side of enclosure wall 202. Masses 800 and 801 may amplify the vibrational energy, which is proportional to the time-varying input signal id. The transferred vibrational energy operates on piezoelectric layers PZ5 and PZ6, which may be oppositely polarized as depicted by the arrows in each, to produce a time-varying signal in conductor 1000 that is proportional to input time-varying signal id. As depicted in FIG. 21, the studs may be welded, such as friction welded, onto a surface of enclosure 202. Alternatively, they may be chemically bonded onto a surface of enclosure 202. Still further, referring to FIG. 22, the threaded studs 810 may be a part of a unitary structure 811 that passes through an opening in enclosure 202, completely filling the opening and being press fit or shrink-fitted into places. In any event, the non electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention operates to communicate a replica of a time-varying input signal through an enclosure wall that forms part of a continuous electrically conductive sheet that completely encloses an interior volume, without any holes, gaps or openings in the continuous electrically conductive sheet. Furthermore, there is no electrically conductive path through the feedthrough or through the enclosure wall. Therefore, no undesired radiated or conducted emissions may enter or leave the interior volume of enclosure 202. The feedthroughs depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be bidirectional; i.e., while the signals are labeled “id” and “id” replica in the figure, it is understood that a signal may be applied between PZ5 and PZ6, and that signal would appear between PZ3 and PZ4 as an output.

[0151] Referring now to FIG. 23, an embodiment of a feedthrough of the invention is depicted in which the invention comprises a support ring 902 having a first surface 921 that may be attached to an outside facing, or exterior facing, surface 920 of an enclosure 202. The support ring 902 may in turn comprise a second surface 950 that is attached to or otherwise in mechanical communication with a surface of a piezoelectric ring 901. The piezoelectric ring 901 may be attached by any known means such as, for example, chemical bonding, to a drive disk 903, which may comprise a flexible material, to which is also attached to a first end of rod 904. Rod 904 may extend through piezoelectric ring 901, passing through at least one, or a plurality of, flexible membranes 922. Flexible membranes 922 may be attached to and may be in continuous electrical communication with and all along the peripheral edges of an opening 924 in the wall of enclosure 202 where the outer edge(s) of the flexible membrane(s) 922 comes into contact with the edge formed by opening 924 in the wall of enclosure 202 along 923. Flexible membranes 922 may be in electrical communication with the peripheral edges of opening 924 in the wall of enclosure 202 along the entire periphery of the opening 924 and may be attached continuously along the periphery of the opening 924 in the wall of enclosure 202 using electrically conductive attachment means such as, for example, welding or electrically conductive chemical bonding, forming a complete and continuous electrical connection between the outer edge of flexible membranes 922 and the inner edge of opening 924 in enclosure 202 where the outer edge of flexible membranes 922 comes into contact with the edge formed by opening 924 in enclosure 202 at 923. Rod 904 may pass through openings 925 in flexible membrane(s) 922. The invention may comprise one or more flexible membranes 922. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 23, two flexible membranes are depicted. Rod 904 may be attached, for example by welding or conductive chemical bonding or other electrically conductive means, to openings 925 in flexible membranes 922 all along the entire circumference of opening 925, forming a complete and continuous electrical connection around rod 904, the electrical connection being between rod 904 and the edge of opening 925 in flexible membranes 922 where it passes through openings 925 and comes into physical and electrical contact with the edges of openings 925 in flexible membranes 922. Flexible membranes 922, rod 904, and drive disk 903 may each comprise electrically conductive material such as, for example, a metal or metal-coated plastic or other substrate material. Thus, the opening(s) 925 in flexible membrane(s) 922 and the opening 924 in enclosure 202 are electrically sealed and form a continuous electrically conductive surface that surrounds the interior volume of enclosure. In other words, rod 904 is able to pass into the interior volume of enclosure 202 without creating any voids or openings in enclosure 202 that would allow electromagnetic energy to radiate into, or out of, the interior volume of enclosure 202.

[0152] Still referring to FIG. 23, a signal source 200 producing a time-varying electrical signal may be in electrical communication with piezoelectric ring 901. The time-varying electrical signal is communicated to piezoelectric ring 901, which induces mechanical energy in the direction of X in piezoelectric ring 901, back and forth. Because drive disk 903 is attached to a first end of rod 904, rod 904 is caused to translate back and forth along the direction of x in proportion to the time varying signal. Drive disk 903 may be, but is not necessarily, flexible. A second end of rod 904 may be attached to a flexible structure 910 that allows rod 904 to translate back and forth along x as driven by piezoelectric ring 901, proportional to the time varying signal. Magnet array 911 may be disposed on rod 904, and is thus also translated back and forth along x proportional to the time varying signal. Magnet array 911 may be fixedly attached to rod 904 by any means such as chemical bonding or may be attached to rod 904 via any means that allows magnet array 911 to translate back and forth, such as in a spring loaded fashion, so as to apply one or more natural frequencies or other frequency responses in order to achieve a desired effect. Magnet array 911 may comprise one or more magnets, for example a plurality of magnets which may be permanent magnets or any other form of magnet, and may be in magnetic communication with electrical coil 906 so as to produce a time-varying current or voltage differential in conductors 908 and 909 which are in electrical communication with coil 906 when magnet array is driven back and forth in the direction of X by rod 904. I.e. conductors 908 and 909 may form first and second electrical leads for coil 906, and current ie may flow into a load that is connected to leads 908 and 909 when a time-varying signal is applied by source 200, which may be any source of time-varying electrical energy, including an electrical power source for powering electrical loads or devices that are disposed in the interior volume of enclosure 202, or any source of electrical signal. Source 200 may also be any communication, frequency or other electrical source that provides a time-varying electrical signal to any electrical loads or devices that are disposed in the interior volume of enclosure 202. Since the openings that allow rod 904 to enter into interior volume of enclosure 202 form a continuous, uninterrupted electrically conductive enclosure completing surrounding and enclosing enclosure 202, no radiated emissions are allowed to enter or leave enclosure 202. Likewise, since the electrical wiring from source 200 is only in communication with piezoelectric ring 901, and because there is no electrically conductive path from source 200 to coil 906, no electrically conducted emissions from outside enclosure 202 can be placed on the electrical leads 908 and 909 which in communication with the electrical load(s) or sources in the interior volume of enclosure 202. Thus, desired time varying electrical energy and signals may be communicated to loads, circuits and devices located within the interior volume of enclosure 202, but unwanted radiated and conducted emissions may not enter the enclosed volume of 202, nor can it enter into or effect loads, circuits and devices located with the interior volume of enclosure 202. Using the non-electrically conductive feedthrough of the invention, electrical power and signals can be communicated to devices and circuits within enclosure 202 but electrical devices and circuits within enclosure 202 are protected from conducted and radiated emissions from outside enclosure 202.

[0153] Still referring to FIG. 23, the terms “ring” and “disk” are used for ease of reference, but not to imply that the shape of the “piezoelectric ring”, “support ring” or “drive disk” are limited to be circular in plan shape. These elements may take any plan shape or configuration as may be desired for a particular use case. Thus, the shape of these elements may be determined by the physical and environmental constraints of a particular intended use.

[0154] The structure shown in FIG. 23 can, as with other embodiments of the feedthrough of the invention, operate bidirectionally. That is, a source of time-varying electrical energy attached across electrical leads 908 and 909 may drive an electrical current ie through coil 906, generating time-varying magnetic field that operates on the magnets of magnet array 911, causing the magnet array 911 to be acted upon by the Lorentz force that results from the magnets of magnet array 911 being disposed in the time-varying magnetic field, the resulting Lorentz force driving the magnet array 911 back and forth in the direction of X, which in turn transmits energy to disk 903, transmitting vibrational energy proportional to the signal current ie into piezoelectric ring 901, producing a replica of signal ie across at 200 (which, in this case, may be a load). The use of the terms “input piezoelectric layer” and “output piezoelectric layer” herein are used for ease of reference, but these terms are not to be limiting as to the direction of the signal or energy transfer.

[0155] Referring still to FIG. 23, the feedthrough may be attached to a wall of enclosure 202, which may be an electronic rack 10, or the feedthrough may be attached to a conductive plate or panel that is attached to a wall of enclosure 202 and is in continuous electrically conductive contact with the wall of enclosure 202 around its periphery. The wall of enclosure 202 may be electrically conductive such that the feedthrough and wall, or panel attached to the wall, form a continuous electrically conductive structure, enabling the enclosure 202 to operate as a Faraday cage.

[0156] Herein, “signal” and “energy” are used interchangeably to describe the energy passing through the feedthrough. It is to be understood that the signal, or energy, passing through the feed through may be any signal of any characteristic that is able to be converted from electrical energy to mechanical vibrational energy and from mechanical vibrational energy to electrical energy using piezoelectric materials and techniques.

[0157] In any of the embodiments, the electrically conductive layer 109, 309 and the continuously electrically conductive sheet or enclosure forming the enclosed interior volume of enclosure 202 may optionally be, but is not required to be, connected to an electrical ground. In the figures, electrically conductive layer 109, 309 and enclosure 202 may be depicted as optionally connected to an electrical ground at a point 600. Such depiction is for convenience, and only depicts an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment. Such ground connection 600 is simply an optional embodiment of the invention. It is not necessary for each embodiment of the invention that any of these features be connected to an electrical ground, and, in fact, in some embodiments, it may be desired that electrically conductive layer 109, 309 and the electrically conductive walls of enclosure 202 not be connected to an electrical ground.

[0158] In the embodiments of the invention, wherever an electrical signal is applied to a piezoelectric element or material, it is understood that the surface of the piezoelectric element or material that is in electrical contact with an electrical conductor has been electroded.

[0159] Referring now to FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, a system of EMI/EMP/HEMP hardened interconnected electronic racks is depicted. The equipment racks 10a, 10b, and 10c are shown in cross section. While three equipment racks are shown in FIG. 24, it is understood that the interconnectable electronic racks of the invention may be interconnected such that any number of interconnectable electronic racks comprise the interconnected system of equipment racks. Any of the interconnectable electronic racks may enclose within their interior volume one or more electrical systems 2000 to be protected from EMI, EMP/HEMP events, HEMP-level electromagnetic radiation, and electromagnetic radiation in general. each rack interconnected via feedthrough(s) of the invention. Data signals, or electrical power, or both, may enter one of the equipment racks (in the example shown in the figure, equipment rack 10a) through a conductive housing 1003 that may be in electrical communication with conductive surfaces of the enclosure forming equipment rack 10a, providing electromagnetic shielding to electrical connectors and conductors within housing 1003. Within the area of the enclosure covered by housing 1003, there may an opening in the enclosure forming equipment rack 10a that is covered by a feedthrough assembly panel 1004, which comprises one or a plurality of feedthroughs of the invention as shown in more detail in FIGS. 25 and 26. The feedthroughs allow electrical signals or power, or both, to be communicated into the enclosure forming equipment rack 10a without requiring any penetration, opening, or aperture in the enclosure or in electrically conductive plate 1005 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) as hereinbefore described. Thus, plate 1005, which may be in electrical communication with a conductive surface of the enclosure, and the enclosure form an uninterrupted electrically conductive enclosure around the electrical or electronic system to be protected from EMI/EMP/HEMP 2000. Thus, plate 1005 may thus work together with the enclosure to which it is attached to form a complete Faraday cage around the electronic system to be protected from EMI/EMP/HEMP 2000. The Faraday cage may be interrupted by openings for cooling or other purposes as described herein, however such openings may incorporate electromagnetic shielding feature such as electrically conductive gaskets, waveguide below cutoff, etc.

[0160] Still referring to FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, once signal and/or power has been communicated into an enclosure of an equipment rack such as rack 10a, it maybe distributed internally in that equipment rack to one or more electrical systems 2000. Power may also be distributed with the equipment rack to a power supply or convertor 1001, that may, in turn provide power to electrical systems 2000 in the interior, enclosed volume 1012 of enclosure 10a and in interior, enclosed volume 1012 adjacent equipment racks 10b and 10c, through feedthroughs of the invention at feedthrough assembly panels 1004 located at the complementary openings in adjacent enclosures such as 24A, 26A and 28A as hereinbefore described. Exterior facing openings 24A, 26A or 28A may be covered by coverings 24, 26 or 28, respectively.

[0161] Still referring to FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, the enclosures of equipment racks 10a, 10b, and 10c may have conductive surfaces 1009 to which plate 1005, which forms a part of feedthrough assembly panel 1004, may attach. The attachment of electrically conductive plate 1005 may form an electrically conductive attachment between electrically conductive plate 1005 to electrically conductive surface continuously around the periphery of plate 1005. Feedthroughs of the invention, for example comprising end masses 105 and 106 and piezoelectric portions 101 and 103, may be used to communicate electrical signal, electrical power, or both from the interior, enclosed volume 1012 of one equipment rack to the interior, enclosed volume 1012 of an adjacent equipment rack, allowing, for example, electrical signals or power on conductors 1011 to be communicated through the feedthroughs of the invention to conductors 1006 in an adjacent equipment rack, without requiring electrical conductivity through the feed through, and without requiring any electrical penetration, opening or aperture in plate 1005. Thus, in embodiments, electrical signal and/or power may be communicated between equipment racks having complementary openings such as openings 24A, 26A or 28A, while still allowing each individual equipment rack to be a Faraday cage.

[0162] Still referring to FIGS. 24, 25 and 26, the feedthroughs comprising feedthrough panel may be any feedthroughs described herein, including the feedthroughs depicted in FIGS. 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23.

[0163] In any of the embodiments of the invention, the feedthrough may operate bi-directionally, without regard to whether one end of the feedthrough is labeled as being an “input” or an “output”. In other words, the feedthroughs of the invention may be used to communicate a signal (including power) from either end of the feedthrough to the other end of the feedthrough. The use of “input” and “output” are thus to provide reference to certain features for ease of explanation, and not to create a limitation.

[0164] In the various embodiments of the invention, the various features described herein may be present in any combination, and in any quantity. The scope of the claimed invention includes not only all the various embodiments and features described herein, but all legal equivalents thereof.

[0165] The various elements of the embodiments of the invention as described herein and depicted in the figures may be present in any embodiment, and in any combination or quantity.

INDUSTRIAL APLICABILITY

[0166] A system and method for protecting electronic systems from failure or damage when such systems are subjected to undesired conducted or radiated energy such as electromagnetic pulse energy or electromagnetic interference, including EMP, HEMP and HEMP-level electromagnetic energy. The invention also reduces the amount of conducted or radiated emanations from a system. A novel, non-conductive signal feedthrough allows a desired signal to be communicated with electrical connectivity. An incoming desired electrical signal is converted to vibrational energy by a piezoelectric transducer, which is communicated into an enclosed interior volume of a conductive electrical enclosure housing a system to be protected, where it is converted back to electrical energy for processing by the system to be protected by a second piezoelectric transducer. The signal feedthrough allows a continuously conductive enclosure to be employed, in embodiments forming a Faraday cage surrounding the electrical system to be protected, providing protection from undesired radiated energy such as EMP and HEMP. The signal feedthrough allows communication without requiring electrical conduction through the feedthrough, thus protecting against undesired conducted energy.

[0167] An EMP and HEMP-hardened electrical electronic equipment rack, enclosure, and rack system according to the invention has been described and claimed with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.