Radio Frequency (RF) & Wireless Design

Created by Steven Minichiello on 27 April, 2018

Most people are familiar with the concept of dissimilar metals and the effect that it can have on corrosion, especially in the Marine sector  :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion


this is why there is a sacrificial anode that is used on boats to eliminate the corrosion of other metals that need to be preserved :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathodic_protection


However what you may not be aware of is the effects of this corrosion in regard to Radio Frequency. There are few people today that are aware that crystal radio sets can be created with a rusty razor blade. This was known as a foxhole radio and was popular during WW2 as a very cheap RF radio receiver :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxhole_radio


This effect can also affect other electrical systems in cars, planes, and boats as mentioned and although obscure it does exist :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusty_bolt_effect