Shield frequency



A shield frequency, shield harmonic, or shield modulation refers to the frequency settings of the shield emitters on a particular starship. If an enemy force were to obtain this frequency, they can modify their weapons to bypass the shields entirely. Shield functionality can be regained by remodulating the shields. In order for two starships to merge their shield envelopes, the frequencies of their shields must be matched. Federation shield frequencies operate in the Megahertz ranges. 

In less than ideal sensor conditions, a ship can be identified by the pattern of its shield harmonics. 

In 2366, when the non-corporeal Koinonians drained antimatter from the antimatter pods to use it as energy to create their replica of Marla Aster, it was stopped by increasing the shield harmonics to match the antimatter containment effectively severing the Koinonian beam. 

In 2371, Lursa and B'Etor were able to inflict severe damage on the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) after learning its shield frequencies through modifications of Geordi La Forge's VISOR. They were then able to adjust their bird-of-prey's disruptors and torpedoes to pass through the Enterprise's shields. 

The Vidiian starship that attacked the USS Voyager in 2371 was capable of continuously matching Voyager's shield frequencies, allowing them to clamp directly onto the hull. 

In 2372, a shuttlecraft piloted by Tom Paris penetrated the shields of a Pralor starship by matching shield harmonics with those of the Pralor subspace defense field. 

In 2375, One, an advanced Borg drone with 29th century technology, remodulated Voyager's shields to break the ship free of a Borg sphere's tractor beam. 

Later that year, Lieutenant Commander Tuvok developed a new shield modulation which was hoped would be effective against the weapons of Devore warships. 

In 2376, the USS Equinox successfully engaged the USS Voyager after learning its shield frequencies. Although Voyager remodulated its shields several times, each time the new frequencies were passed to the Equinox by their EMH, which had been switched with that of Voyager. 

While aboard a Borg installation, Janeway monitored the shield modulation of a Borg drone as it passed through one of the ship's internal force field. By adjusting her bio-dampener to the modulation of 324.95 she was able to walk through the force field, however her bio-dampener was destroyed in the process.