The cables and connectors used in medical devices are based on common design rules and similar products are used in other markets. However, they are tailored to the unique demands of medical applications and are heavily scrutinized throughout production. Understandably, safety and reliability are at the forefront of considerations for implantable medical devices. The cablesRead More

Developing new wireless medical technologies involves more than great design. Learn about the Qi standard, charging strategies, and other steps in the process between concept and completed product. Advanced wireless charging technologies are transforming the market for portable medical devices, with new equipment for health monitoring, therapeutics, diagnostics, fitness, and wellness changing the healthcare landscape.Read More

As the data humans create and consume reaches once unimaginable volumes, a new nomenclature has been created to describe it. Carl Sagan, the eminent American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, science communicator, author, and professor, invited people to imagine the huge number of stars in our galaxy. His famous quote, “billions upon billions of stars,”Read More

New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. August 2023 New Connectivity Products August 2023 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Smiths Interconnect launched Kepler contact technology for IC testing. Whether for testing high performance computing, wearables, or other automotive chips, Kepler is the only solution that provides two-axis of motion during a single actuation of the socket,Read More

As personal medical devices follow the path of consumer electronics, product miniaturization has made it easy for patients to integrate these technologies into their lives. Medical machines for hospital settings are also scaling down and becoming available to more facilities. Micro and miniaturized interconnects play a key role in enabling these medical equipment trends. TheRead More

Heavy-duty and safety-critical applications and their interconnect systems must be designed to resist mechanical stress and environmental conditions without degrading power, signal, or data transmission. Four tests help ensure high reliability. Ruggedization methods and processes apply to the entire design, engineering, and manufacturing cycle in the creation of high-performance connectivity solutions. From choosing high-quality materialsRead More

Meet the Connector: XLR Connector XLR connectors are a type of electrical connector commonly used in professional audio and video (AV) applications, with limited application in medical video technologies and industrial AV equipment. The name “XLR” stands for “eXternal Line Return.” The XLR is sometimes referred to simply as an audio connector. This circular connectorRead More

Mitigating the impact of electromagnetic interference begins at the board level when designing electronic systems for use in complex medical, aerospace, and other environments where multiple technologies operate. Managing electromagnetic interference (EMI) is critical in busy settings where multiple and diverse types of electronic equipment are operating in tandem, such as medical, aerospace, military, andRead More

New developments in artificial intelligence are making computer-assisted surgery more precise, less invasive, and more successful than ever. Artificial Intelligence in Computer-Assisted Surgery Computer-assisted surgery, also called image-guided surgery (IGS), has been a key player in the operating room for more than two decades. IGS provides surgeons with real-time 3-D images of body structures, includingRead More

Smaller medical devices need miniaturized interconnects to achieve greater functionality and portability in medical diagnostic, monitoring, and surgical equipment. Patients want home-based monitoring, fewer clinic visits, lower costs, and shorter hospital stays. Physicians want more precise data and mobile care for difficult to reach or underserved regions. These trends have driven demand for compact, portableRead More

The implementation of the new CA mark for use in products sold in Great Britain will now take effect at the end of 2024. Here’s what you need to know. Great Britain is developing its own independent regulatory framework for goods sold in England, Scotland, and Wales. As part of this process, products — includingRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights disposable interconnects from leading suppliers. Disposable Interconnects HyperGrip from Smiths Interconnect is a circular plastic, user-configurable, color-coded connector with push/pull latching design allowing for one-hand disconnect. HyperGrip is designed to meet medical industry requirements such as finger-proofing to IEC60601, flammability rated to UL94 V0, and is compatible with most sterilization requirements. The Series includesRead More