Tipp City, OH. October, 2024 – Captor Corporation, a leading manufacturer of EMI Filters, HEMP Filters, Tempest Filters, Cable Assemblies, Build-to-print, and Contract Manufacturing is pleased to announce that Justin Dorsten joined our team in 2023 and we recently added Chico General to strengthen our superior customer service and engineering services.
Justin Dorsten graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Justin, since March of 2023, has excelled in his aptitude for bringing new products to realization and optimizing new approaches. He is a trusted customer ambassador and now a valuable co-trainer for Chico.
Chico graduated from Wright State University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He brings a energizing new perspective to solving many difficult problems.
These two new additions have added to our already strong engineering team of Brian Monnin, Rafik Stepanian, and Ryan Sollmann. Scott Timms, our President, started his career as a design/sales engineer and assists with his many years of experience to our well-rounded team. Captor works with all the Prime Defense Contractors offering solutions for stringent EMI compliance standards and build to print assemblies.
“Justin has exceeded our expectations, with the addition of Chico and Justin’s willingness to take on the big task of training makes us confident looking towards the future and customer reliance on Captor. Chico, in his short time with us, has provided the encouraging attention to detail for learning and retaining”, says Scott Timms, President.
Restricted records, files, and computerized data are often stored in a sensitive compartmented information facility, or SCIF, meaning military, national security, government, or corporate information is secured and protected from unauthorized access. A SCIF contains sensitive compartmented information (SCI) that is classified (or highly sensitive in the case of company records) to safeguard against data breaches, espionage, or leaks.
Here, we’ll discuss what a SCIF is and how they can be used for different situations.
What Is a SCIF Room?
SCIFs are typically installed in government or military facilities, aboard ships and aircraft, in corporate buildings, or sometimes in private residences. Entire buildings can sometimes be converted to SCIFs with small non-secure areas.
A SCIF can be a permanent room in a building or structure, or a mobile unit called a container, which is similar in appearance to a shipping container. When designing and constructing a SCIF of any type, security is the top priority. Intelligence Community Directive 705 (ICD705) defines standards for SCIF rooms and containers that apply to the structure, ductwork, electronics and electrical system, fenestration (i.e. windowless design), acoustics and soundproofing, and methods of intrusion detection.
SCIFs provide dedicated space for secure storage and access that’s restricted to authorized users. They often house computers and other data center equipment for government or military intelligence, physical documentation and files, or work or meeting space for users. May also go through a process called hardening to provide heightened cybersecurity protection against data breaches or leaks, equipment malfunction, or electronic security device failures due to software or hardware issues.
The US Defense Intelligence Agency within the Department of Defense accredits SCIF rooms and containers that are used for government and military SIC. It’s also important to check SCIFs for ongoing compliance with requirements as computer equipment or software is updated, replaced, and any time the structure itself is altered for electrical or HVAC maintenance or other upgrades.
Industries and Applications for SCIF Rooms
SCIFs are found in many settings where access to sensitive information is highly restricted. Entering the SCIF typically requires an adequate security clearance; however, outside personnel may be granted permission to enter after surrendering electronic devices, are not permitted to view sensitive information, and must be accompanied by an authorized user at all times. Examples may include IT, maintenance, or repair personnel.
SCIF security is commonly used in these settings:
Military. Classified information pertaining to military operations, intelligence, plans, meetings, and discussions are often housed in a SCIF.
Government. SCIFs can be used to store classified government information, records, and other intelligence that is critical to national security. Depending on the specific needs and location, the facility may include work or meeting space, computers, document storage, or other compliant features.
Commercial. SCIF rooms for commercial applications protect sensitive information regarding employees, proprietary information, intellectual property, client data, and other sensitive information. While not necessarily built or held to the same standards as a DoD-accredited SCIF, corporate versions still provide secure and restricted storage and access.
SCIF Rooms From Captor Corporation
Captor Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality EMI filter and signal protection and EMC solutions for SCIF rooms and containers. Our products include signal line filters, HEMP filters, high-current capacitors, and custom EMI filters. Design, layout, assembly, testing, and prototyping services are also available. We also work with a group of vetted suppliers to provide customers with complete SCIF solutions.
Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote to speak with a specialist about your SCIF project.
Ranging in size and complexity, power distribution units (PDUs) give data center managers more control over electrical power. Some PDUs are simply power strips, while others are complex with surge protectors. Choosing the right PDUs for your data center’s immediate power management needs and anticipated future demand can be a challenge. Facility managers must carefully consider input and output factors, how the equipment will be mounted, additional features, and the overall budget.
That’s why we put together this guide to help you choose the right power distribution units for your server racks.
1. PDU Mounting
First, focus on the structural element. Do you need the PDU to be horizontally mounted or vertically mounted? Horizontally mounted PDUs take up one to two rack spaces and can be mounted anywhere in a rack enclosure while remaining plugged into a power source via a long 10- or 15-foot cord. For even more versatility, you can horizontally mount PDUs to the underside of a counter or directly to a wall.
Vertically mounted PDUs occupy zero rack spaces because they attach to the vertical rails of the rack. Most vertically mounted PDUs offer button mounting, where users slide the PDU’s mounting buttons into the mounting holes of the rack. This installation process is significantly faster and easier than mounting with screws.
2. PDU Input Phase
Once you’ve determined whether your PDU needs to be vertical or horizontal, determine its input voltage, including its amperage and the number of phases. This information influences the PDU’s plug type.
If you already have a powered rack, you can simply examine the receptacle where you will plug in the PDU to determine the right PDU input.
Consider these factors to determine your needed PDU input phase:
Building power: Ask your facility manager or an electrician whether the building’s power is single-phase or three-phase. Most offices will have either 120V or 208V single-phase power.
Application density: For a low-density rack of 1U or 2U servers, you can use a single-phase PDU. But for larger commercial racks, you may need three-phase power capabilities. If it’s available, three-phase power is more cost-effective and efficient.
3. PDU Input and Output
Next, carefully consider connectivity—both the input plug and the output receptacle. The input should connect to a generator-supported power source or a UPS system. Usually, PDUs have a detachable power cord and are rated for international use, so the user just attaches their local plug to the input. To choose the correct output receptacle, make sure the power cords match the equipment’s voltage level.
4. Select the Right PDU
Every data center has unique needs, so it’s crucial to set goals before the PDU selection process. For example, if you have a large data center with hundreds of server racks, your primary goals may be to save physical space and reduce costs. Large facilities need to be monitored for power consumption at multiple levels, so you may not find as much value in monitoring the PDUs. In these cases, basic or metered PDUs may be most helpful.
On the other hand, branch locations not staffed by onsite personnel benefit more from switched PDUs. Although these solutions are more expensive up front, they provide long-term cost savings because they eliminate the need to send IT staff to manually switch the power on and off.
Find the Right PDU With Captor Corporation
Whether your facility needs basic power distribution units, intelligent power distribution units for high-tech operations, or a large volume of power distribution units for multiple locations, Captor Corporation is here to help. We produce 100% made-in-the-USA versatile electronic and electrical equipment for commercial, industrial, and military applications. Our company is ITAR-registered and certified per ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D.
Contact us today for help choosing the right PDU or to learn more about our capabilities.
The rising prevalence of electronic devices across all industries reflects our technologically driven society as well as our increased need for electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters. Without the proper protection against EMI, critical electronic equipment can fail and result in disastrous consequences. It’s more important than ever to invest in reliable EMI filters that serve a broad range of applications.
Here we’ll discuss what EMI filters are, what causes EMI, and the common applications of this essential equipment.
What Are EMI Filters?
An EMI filter is a device typically installed around power supplies and reduces unwanted harmonic energy when the electrical current switches. The EN/CE, FCC, and other military and commercial international EMI standards regulate these filters to minimize or eliminate unintended electronic noise that could disrupt the electronic’s operation. Military applications demand filtration of conducted emissions between 10 kHz to 18 GHz, and commercial applications typically require EMI filtration between 150 kHz and 30 MHz.
EMI filters can be either passive or active and usually cover a specific range of frequencies. Most EMI filters use passive components, such as inductors and capacitors, because they can filter a broader frequency range.
What Causes EMI?
EMI is caused by conducted interference or radiated interference. Physical contact between conductors creates conducted EMI, while non-physical contact, also known as induction, creates radiated EMI. Higher frequencies are associated with radiated EMI, while lower frequencies are associated with conducted EMI.
Where and How Are Standard EMI Filters Used?
Most EMI is high-frequency noise, meaning that the signal’s sine waves are close together. EMI filters contain capacitors and inductors that suppress this noise. Capacitors limit direct current (DC), which carries most of the EMI into a device, and allows alternating current (AC) to pass through. Also called shunting capacitors, capacitors in EMI filters redirect DC within a specific high-frequency range away from a component or circuit. Shunting capacitors then feed this current into the system ground.
Inductors hold magnetic energy as electric currents pass through them, reducing overall voltage. An optimal inductor eliminates the interference completely.
EMI can come from many sources, including power lines, solar flares, power cords, appliances, and more. Thus, standard EMI filters are commonly used in:
Radio equipment
Lab equipment
Medical devices
Computers
Military equipment
How Does a Standard EMI Filter Work?
EMI in the form of radiated or conducted emissions can be minimized or eliminated by standard EMI filters. The filter’s capacitor creates a low-impedance path to redirect high-frequency signals away from the input. The noise is diverted either back to the power supply or to the ground connection.
Standard EMI Filters From Captor Corporation
EMI filters are essential in reducing electromagnetic interference in electronic devices. They block high-frequency electrical signals so that the device can function without interruption or malfunction.
At Captor Corporation, we offer a variety of custom and standard EMI filters that can help meet the needs of customers in diverse industries. Request a quote today or contact us at 937-667-8484 to learn more about our products and capabilities.
Tipp City, OH. May 2020 – Captor Corporation is excited to announce the release of our MIL-COTS EMI Filter series. The new series is available in AC Single Phase (250VAC), Three Phase Delta (120/208VAC), Three Phase Delta (254/440VAC), Three Phase Wye (254/440VAC). The different voltage levels can be supplied for 50/60 Hz or 400 Hz applications. The filters feature low capacitance to ground to meet MIL-STD-461 Navy applications.
Captor also offers the option of modifying the filters to meet your specific mechanical and power requirements. Our experienced Engineering and Manufacturing team will design the modified COTS at no extra cost to the customer and offer competitive delivery times.
“We are extremely pleased with the initial interest from our customers concerning this product line. Not only are we selling them right out of the catalog, but we have already tailored many filters to fit the exact application,” says Scott Timms, President.
Tipp City, OH. April 2019 – Captor Corporation, a leading manufacturer of EMI Filters, HEMP Filters, Tempest Filters, Cable Assemblies and Contract Manufacturing is pleased to announce Rafik Stepanian as Chief Engineer. Rafik supports the Tipp City manufacturing facility and will also maintain an office and lab in Philadelphia.
With over 25 years of experience in the EMC/EMI industry Rafik possesses an exceptional knowledge of filter design and EMI compliance testing. He has worked with all the Prime Defense Contractors offering solutions for stringent EMI compliance standards. Commercial aviation, industrial and medical customers have also routinely seek out Rafik’s expertise for their challenging projects.
Rafik’s diverse experience includes client account management, project, contract and product management as well as manufacturing process optimization. He is also available for on-site EMI consulting/training for customer engineering teams.
“Captor is excited to welcome Rafik to our team. With his vast experience and knowledge, we have expanded our ability to bring new solutions to the marketplace. This will benefit not only Captor, but all of our customers and future clients,” says Scott Timms, President.
With over 25 years of experience in the EMC/EMI industry Rafik possesses an exceptional knowledge of filter design and EMI compliance testing. He has worked with all the Prime Defense Contractors offering solutions for stringent EMI compliance standards. Commercial aviation, industrial and medical customers have also routinely seek out Rafik’s expertise for their challenging projects.