Tell me more ×
Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for electronics and electrical engineering professionals, students, and enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 4 down vote favorite

What purpose does the IO shield on computers serve? I have been reading a lot of articles (mostly forums) on the internet and can't seem to find a definitive answer.

share|improve this question
1  
What is an IO shield? – Leon Heller Feb 8 '11 at 8:27
4  
I would call it a RFI/EMI cover plate, not an "IO Shield". "IO Shield" is dangerously unspecific, particularly considering the proliferation of the use of the term "Shield" for boards that plug on to arduinos. – Connor Wolf Feb 8 '11 at 11:50
4  
@Fake Name The IO shield is already established name which you will find in motherboard manuals and other computer literature. It's been in use for much longer than Arduino and similar devices. Here's an article about it. – AndrejaKo Feb 8 '11 at 12:17
2  
I agree, the term is somewhat strange. Many terms in the field of computing hardware are strange and misleading. But it still seems to be popular and used by many, so I guess arguing makes little sense. (I also don't get "form factor", for example. Board outline would be so much better, imho. I have never multiplied an ATX with anything, so I really don't know what a factor does in this context.) – zebonaut Feb 8 '11 at 12:24
3  
@FakeName, I get annoyed when I am interacting with someone and I tell them we need to get a shield for something and they think of arduino parts. Shields was used long before, and will be used long after, to refer to components that protect against unwanted effects. I understand that naming convention, and I do not mean to start a holy war, but an RF shield is very important. – Kortuk♦ Feb 8 '11 at 14:28
show 3 more comments

1 Answer

up vote 15 down vote accepted

I/O shield:

enter image description here

1) Shield to keep electro-magnetic radiation inside of the case

2) Dust Cover / Air circulation director: The fan in the power supply shall draw air throughout the entire case and not just along the short way from the I/O area to the power supply that's usually right above.

3) Aesthetics: No ugly hole.

share|improve this answer
As per keeping electro-magnetic radiation inside. What are the consequences if this is leaked? Could it interfere Wi-Fi or something..or with other electronics :S – irwinb Feb 8 '11 at 18:14
1  
Could be anything, really, but for instance, the pixel clock of a VGA card is exactly where FM radio is. Interference with Wi-Fi is likely as well. You never know. As an indicator: PC hardware is very (!) cost-sensitive. Manufacturers don't spend an exta 0.3 Ct. on something that would not be absolutely required to pass certification measurements. – zebonaut Feb 8 '11 at 19:01
ok cool, thanks :) – irwinb Feb 8 '11 at 19:06

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.