Medical Connector

Automotive Connector & Cable Special Topics Consumer Datacom/Telecom Industrial Materials Medical Military/Aerospace Sensors/Antennas Transportation Connectors Wire & Cable Assemblies

Reliable Interconnects are Key to Well-Designed Endoscopes

Electrical functionality, mechanical fit-for-use, and materials are significant considerations when designing endoscopes to meet the needs of doctors and patients. By AJ Born Endoscopes are minimally invasive tools used for diagnostics, treatment, and surgical procedures. High-end systems combine advanced imaging, navigation, and multi‑channel functionality—enabling instrument passage, suction, irrigation,…

Waterproof Connectors: Ready for Not-So-Fair Weather Conditions

What are 3.5 mm Plug-type Connectors?

Sterilizable and Autoclavable Product Roundup

February 2026 Connector Industry News

Listing of Market Articles
Reliable Interconnects are Key to Well-Designed Endoscopes Electrical functionality, mechanical fit-for-use, and materials are significant considerations when designing endoscopes to meet the needs of doctors and patients. By AJ Born Endoscopes are minimally invasive tools used for diagnostics, treatment, and surgical procedures. High-end systems combine advanced imaging, navigation, and multi‑channel functionality—enabling instrument passage, suction, irrigation,…
Waterproof Connectors: Ready for Not-So-Fair Weather Conditions Water presents one of the greatest challenges for interconnects. It can enter connections in the form of humidity, submersion, or spray during use or cleaning processes and lead to corrosion that will degrade connectivity and product longevity. Waterproof connectors must be designed in from the start. Article Contributed…
What are 3.5 mm Plug-type Connectors? Meet the Connector: 3.5 mm Plug-type Connectors 3.5 mm plugs and jacks are widely supported across older and some newer audio/video equipment and consumer electronics. They are also used in some medical peripherals, such as headphones for sonography or audiology equipment. The plugs have three primary configurations that…
Sterilizable and Autoclavable Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights sterilizable and autoclavable interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Sterilizable and Autoclavable Interconnects Bernd Richter GmbH, an Amphenol company, demonstrates its advanced capabilities in the development of hybrid silicone round cables engineered for demanding applications such as endoscopic devices. These high-performance cable…
February 2026 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. February 2026 Connector Industry News February 2026 Connector Industry News > Award News DigiKey has been ranked #171 on the 2025 list of America’s Top Private…
Acquisition Update: Molex and AirBorn CEOs Share Insights Last year, Molex stunned the electronics industry with its acquisition of AirBorn, a leader in military and aerospace interconnects. Now their CEOs report on how the first year together has yielded benefits for both companies — and the customers. At the end of 2024, Molex made one of…
Medical Devices on the Move In the field, at home, and even in hospital settings, demand for medical devices that are small, light, durable, reliable, and portable are creating pressure for smaller interconnects. Portability is an ongoing trend for medical devices. Monitoring equipment is no longer limited to a fixed location, even within…
IoT is Transforming the Electronics Supply Chain The Covid-19 pandemic brought about a reexamination of the global electronics supply chain. New strategies were needed to ensure timely access to critical supplies. Now, sensors, the IoT, and AI are helping connector suppliers get products to their customers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, shortages of critical supplies, including…
What are Thermocouple Modules? Meet the Connector: Thermocouple Modules Thermocouple modules are a compact subsystem or interface circuit device that connects a thermocouple sensor to an electronic system. A thermocouple module converts small millivolt signals from thermocouples into usable digital or analog signals. Integrating one into a circuit makes temperature sensing plug-and-play,…
Connectors for Medical Diagnostics Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors for medical diagnostics from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Connectors for Medical Diagnostics PEI-Genesis offers LEMO’s Redel P Series push-pull self-latching connectors featuring a secure mechanical connection with a push-pull self-latching system and an audible click when mated. Standard and reverse gender…
Miniaturization in Medical Devices: The Role of RF Connectors The demand for smaller, wearable, and implantable devices is driving the use of compact RF connector solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the growth of telehealth and remote patient monitoring, with a new generation of portable and connected medical devices offering convenience, immediacy, and precision to patients and…
Designing Regulatory Compliance into Medical Devices The medical device industry is constantly innovating with new materials, wireless technologies, sensors, packaging, and power devices. However, despite the ongoing advances occurring in electronics, it is critical that all equipment continues to follow regulatory compliance. Medical equipment and medical devices are subject to stringent regulatory standards to…
Connector Selection for Medical Device PCBs When choosing a connector for a medical application, one must consider not only the typical ratings for voltage and current, but also the constraints on physical size, temperature, and durability. Article contributed by KYOCERA AVX Medical devices include a broad range of equipment, ranging from small implantable stimulators…
What are Disposable Connectors? Meet the Connector: Disposable Connectors Disposable single-use and limited-reuse connectors must do the same job as reusable versions, but cost, functionality, and environmental impact play a bigger role in their design. Disposables are largely used in medical applications to maximize patient safety by preventing cross-contamination and infection. They…
Cable Management Equipment and Accessories Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights cable management equipment and accessories from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Cable Management Equipment and Accessories PEI-Genesis stocks HellermannTyton's line of identification cable ties. These cable ties can be easily applied by hand or with a HellermannTyton tension tool and feature a flat…
Advances in At-Home Medical Tech Can Improve Patient Care Medical technology that is comfortable and easy to use, as well as offers improvements in data collection and connectivity, help shift the focus to prevention and create better patient outcomes. Going back one or two decades, at-home medical technology included some home dialysis treatment, but centered mainly on…
30 Years of DesignCon The interconnect industry’s biggest gathering celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Technologist Bob Hult has attended every one of them. Here’s what captured his attention this year. DesignCon 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of this premier technical conference for designers of high-performance chips and printed circuit board systems.…
Healthcare Robotics Provide Precise, Patient-Centered Care Healthcare robotics, including the latest robotic surgical systems, have profoundly changed the way patients receive care. Today’s procedures are minimally invasive and highly precise, with fewer complications. Healthcare robotics is reshaping medicine. From devices that support personalized care in home environments to sophisticated systems that assist in surgeries,…
What are IEC 60601-Compliant Connectors? Meet the Connector: IEC 60601-Compliant Connectors IEC 60601 is a technical standard that ensures the basic safety and essential performance of electrical medical equipment and systems for use in the home healthcare environment. IEC 60601-compliant connectors adhere to a specific pin layout, meet insulation requirements, feature specific grounding…
ZIF & LIF connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights ZIF & LIF connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. ZIF & LIF connectors PEI-Genesis supplies ITT Cannon’s DL connector family, a versatile, high-density zero insertion force (ZIF) connector series with up to 260 contacts in plastic body connectors and up to 408…
February 2025 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. February 2025 Connector Industry News February 2025 Connector Industry News > Personnel & Acquisitions News Weidmüller Group has appointed Gary Martins as managing director for…
Tiny Medical Sensors Boost Procedure Success in a Big Way Minimally invasive medical procedures have many advantages over open surgery. Medical sensors provide surgeons with necessary feedback, improving outcomes and reducing the risk to patients. Minimally invasive medical procedures have many advantages over open surgery, such as less damage to the body, less pain, fewer complications, less time…
Medical Alley Draws Electronics Companies to Midwestern MD&M Show Minnesota med-tech innovators with the Mayo Clinic, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, 3M, and others congregated at the annual MD&M regional trade event to explore miniaturization, automation, and bio-compatible technologies. The pacemaker, the mechanical heart valve, and the heart-lung machine for open heart surgeries are among the lifesaving technologies that…
Non-Magnetic Spring Probe Solutions for MRIs Using a spring probe grid array allows designers to customize the number of ground pins used to optimize the performance of connectors used in MRI systems, serving specific frequencies/coil designs, saving size, weight, and cost while maintaining the performance of a coax channel where needed. MRI (Magnetic Resonance…
What are Multiport Connectors? Meet the Connector: Multiport Connectors Multiport connectors integrate multiple coaxial contacts into a single connector module, which achieves higher interconnection density while shortening installation time. Multiport connectors also reduce the form factor and the system’s overall complexity. The choice of multiport connector depends on the required frequency range,…
Magnetic Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights magnetic connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Magnetic Connectors Amphenol Communications Solutions’ ix Industrial connectors enable IoT connectivity for Ethernet and other Industrial protocols through all levels of an operation from the Enterprise/Cloud to the sensors/actuators on the factory floor. ix Mag Series connectors…
Magnetic Connectors: A Game-Changer in Medical Equipment Design Magnetic and breakaway connectors are highly valued for their quick-connect and quick-release usability. In medical devices, they enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in fast-paced environments. In medical equipment, the use of specialty connector types including push-pulls, keyed and coded interfaces, and magnetic connectors can make a difference in…
Miniature Interconnects Scale Down Continuous Glucose Monitors Today’s small, wearable CGM devices challenge design engineers with ensuring greater functionality in much less space. Miniaturized interconnect solutions with ultra-low profiles and enhanced pin density deliver more discreet and comfortable monitoring solutions. A new generation of wearable continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) is dramatically improving medical care and…
What are Micro TCA connectors? Meet the Connector: Micro TCA Connectors The rise of mobile telecommunications and text messaging in the early 2000s created a need to upgrade from existing carrier grade computing architectures. MicroTCA connectors addressed the need for more compact systems that were less expensive, but still maintained reliability and data…
Medical Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights medical connectors from leading suppliers. Medical connectors Avnet supplies the full range of Molex fiber optic connectors and adapters that provide customers with a wide range of design, manufacturing, and value-added service for the medical market. From small form factor and industrial versions…
Sept 2024 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. Sept 2024 New Connectivity Products Sept 2024 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Hirose’s high-voltage wire-to-board (WTB) connector offering now includes the ZG05HV Series, a high-heat-resistant version with a space-saving design. The ZG05HV Series WTB connector supports applications up to…
Connector Industry Profitability: A Decade of Consistent Growth and High Return on Equity Over the past decade, the global connector industry has consistently achieved an impressive average net income of 10.5% of sales and a remarkable 15.5% return on equity (ROE), positioning itself as a top performer in the market. The connector industry is renowned for its consistent performance, delivering double-digit…
Tackling the Microplastic Problem with Science and Sport With the help of Harwin’s technology, incorporated into microplastic sampling systems, GB Row Challenge athletes and University of Portsmouth scientists are creating a comprehensive map of microplastic concentrations. Microplastics have become prevalent in the environment, particularly in oceans and waterways. These microscopic strands of plastic can contain carcinogens…
The Key to Enriched Medical & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is fueling a transformative revolution in operations, competitiveness, and innovation in medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The medical industry is rapidly embracing IIoT, driven by the diagnostic and treatment advantages advanced robotics, vision sensors, and industrial data communications devices offer patients and…
Intelligent LEDs Help Farmers Grow Superfoods Indoor farming technologies centered around intelligent LEDs help grow new "superfood" crops that serve pharmaceutical and nutritional industries New indoor farming technologies that can create perfect growing conditions are taking the element of chance out of crop production. As climate change makes traditional farming less predictable, indoor vertical…
Autoclavable & Sterilizable Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights autoclavable and sterilizable connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Autoclavable & Sterilizable Connectors Fischer Connectors Fischer Core Series offers sterilizable connectivity solutions including brass, stainless steel, and plastic 405 models, which are autoclavable and compatible with other sterilization methods such as Cidex,…
June 2024 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. June 2024 Connector Industry News June 2024 Connector Industry News > Event News DigiKey is the key sponsor of the EW Project Challenge 2024 by ElectronicWings,…
What are Push-Pull Circular Connectors? Meet the Connector: Push-pull Connectors Push-pull connectors are circular connectors that have a spring-action cylindrical sleeve surrounding — or within — the integral connector housing that self-latches during mating. The connection is released through a squeeze-and-pull, rotate-and-pull, or other specific unlocking action that prevents accidental disconnection. Push-pull circular…
Selecting Test Probe Tips to Test Printed Circuit Boards Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) are an essential part of the many electronic products we rely on every day. Both in-circuit and functional testing after manufacturing are critical steps to ensuring PCB dependability. Test probes play an important part in this process by providing the flexibility to make the…
Where in the World is Amphenol LTW's Luc Kan? Amphenol LTW’s GM Luc Kan travels for work half of the year. Learn what keeps this connector entrepreneur and road warrior excited about technology — and how he stays serene while always in motion. Under the guidance of General Manager Luc Kan, Amphenol LTW has enjoyed a meteoric…
Sealing Success: Overmolding for More Secure Connections Overmolding is the hard-working protection solution for electronic components in the field. Innovative technologies ensure connections in medical, industrial, and other harsh environment applications. Overmolding is the process of encasing electronic components with a covering to create a single, integrated part. The process is done mainly for environmental protection,…
TE Connectivity’s Sustainability Efforts Pay Off The company reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 72% in just three years and improved its environmental impact by implementing efficient operational strategies across the supply chain. New technologies are part of the solution. TE Connectivity’s products are part of sustainability solutions around the world, connecting solar energy…
What is a VGA Connector? Meet the Connector: VGA Connectors A VGA (Video Graphics Array) connector is a standard interface used to connect a desktop computer, medical monitor, signage display, projector screen, or other video-generating device to a monitor or display screen. The VGA interface is now considered a legacy connector. It was…
Medical Cable Assemblies Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights medical cable assemblies from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Medical Cable Assemblies Avnet supplies circular MT optical cable assemblies from Molex. Today’s medical and industrial equipment generates vast amounts of data and requires optical communications to move that data at high speeds. These…
Disposable Medical Devices Increase Safety for Patients Disposable and limited reuse medical devices pack technology into a cost-effective format that can be a viable alternative to reusable devices, particularly when it comes to preventing contamination. Cost, functionality, and environmental impact factor into the choice of device as well. Patient safety is a top priority for…
Six Common Connector Types Used in Medical Devices Common connector types used in medical technologies are also specified for data centers, communications equipment, industrial systems, MIL-aero designs, and other high-reliability, high-performance markets. Every component choice matters in the high-stakes design of medical devices and equipment. The electronic connectors specified for medical technologies aren’t always specific to…
First Mate Last Break Connectors Boost Safety and Reliability A surgical device manufacturer needed a connector with a mixed configuration of power and data contacts to pair with a 12-foot silicone overmolded cable assembly, making autoclave sterilization difficult. FMLB connectors met the challenge. To choose the best connector for a medical device, a designer must move through…
What are Lead Wires? Meet the Connector: Lead Wires Lead wires are two small lengths of wire extending from the pole of an electrical component, such as a resistor, capacitor, or semiconductor device, used to connect the component to a circuit or another component. They may also be called hook-up wires, appliance…
Circular Medical Interconnects Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights circular medical connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Circular Medical connectors PEI Genesis supplies LEMO S Series circular connectors, the original push-pull connectors. The S Series circular connector offers high performance and rugged design, and is ideal for use in medical applications,…
Feb 2024 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. Feb 2024 New Connectivity Products Feb 2024 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. KYOCERA AVX released the 9159-7X0 Series double-ended linear card-edge connectors with spring contacts. This addition is the first in the portfolio to feature the company’s robust beryllium…
Smart Patches Offer Next-Level Wireless Health Monitoring A new generation of wearable sensors are making cardiatrics, diabetes management, biometric monitoring, and medication delivery more comfortable and effective. Wireless health monitoring has been transformed by the possibilities afforded by miniaturized electronics. The first mass market of wearable medical devices took the form of fitness trackers and…
Heavy-Duty Connectors Protect the Flow of Power and Data in Robots in Harsh Environments As robots become ubiquitous and the tasks they take on grow more complex, one constant remains: they must be able to endure harsh environment conditions without interruption or performance impacts. The definition of “harsh” varies significantly across the many operating environments that require automated processes. Some robots may…
The Basics of Electrical Connector Manufacturing Understanding how connectors are manufactured can help designers and engineers make the right choices for their product designs. Electrical connectors play a huge role in the ability of electronic devices to perform complex functions in a wide variety of applications. Connectors are continually adapting to accommodate technological advances,…
What are ZIF and LIF Connectors? Meet the Connector: ZIF and LIF Connectors Zero insertion force and low insertion force connectors protect the IC from damage during mating and unmating. ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) and LIF (Low Insertion Force) connectors are used in electronic devices such as computer hardware, medical devices, robotics, and many…
Waterproof Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights waterproof connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Waterproof connectors Flexx-Sil cable jacketing from Cicoil, a Trexon Company, produces waterproof flat cables and flat cable assembly products. It features inherent water-repelling characteristics and produces superior water-resistant cables. Cicoil waterproof cables are impervious to…
Implantable Medical Devices Depend on High Quality Connectors 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…
Cutting the Cord: Wireless Charging Technology for Medical Devices 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,…
What are Single-Pin DC Connectors? Meet the Connector: Single-Pin DC Connectors This common barrel-type plug is widely used in portable devices ranging from consumer radios to basic medical devices. But it’s not as simple as it looks. The term single-pin DC connector (also called single-pole connector) typically refers to a circular or barrel-shaped…
Push-Pull Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights push-pull connectors from leading suppliers. Push-pull connectors Avnet supplies the ix Industrial IP6X Rectangular Push-Pull connector and cable from Amphenol Communications Solutions. The ix provides Cat6A Ethernet connectivity using the IEC 61076-3-124 mating interface and full sealing to IP65, IP66, and IP67 specifications.…
August 2023 New Connectivity Products 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…
Smaller Medical Devices Create Space for Micro Connectors 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…
Standards, Materials, and Testing for Four Types of Resistance 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…
What is an XLR Connector? 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…
ZIF/LIF Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights ZIF/LIF from leading suppliers. ZIF/LIF The 6824 Series from KYOCERA AVX of FPC/FFC connectors was developed for the internal connection of mobile equipment such as digital cameras, tablet PCs, smartphones, and game consoles. Despite their low-profile and space-saving features, FPC or PCB layouts…
Best Practices and Solutions for Minimizing EMI 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…
Artificial Intelligence Brings Precision and Insights to Computer-Assisted Surgery 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[market_ad position="1"] 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…
Disposable Interconnects Product Roundup 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…
Sensors Provide a Clear Vision for Minimally Invasive Surgery Sensor-guided technologies help surgeons push the barriers of surgical innovation. Thanks to sensor-guided medical technologies such as robot-assisted surgery, endoscopic diagnostics, and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, surgeons are able to perform precise medical procedures with minimally invasive surgery (MIS), accelerating patient recovery and improving outcomes. Robotic arms combined with…
How to Choose a Medical Connector Connectivity solutions for medical equipment must be safe, dependable, durable, easy to operate, and meet critical regulatory requirements. Medical connectors are used to transmit data, power, and control signals to a system or piece of equipment that provides patient care in a hospital, clinic, or home health setting.…
EU MDR: Update to Medical Device Regulations in Europe New regulations impact the more than 500,000 types of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices in Europe. What do these regulations mean for device manufacturers? European Union Medical Devices Regulation (2017/745/ EU) (MDR) represents a major update to the Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC) (MDD) and…
RF Connectors for Medical Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights RF connectors for medical applications from leading suppliers. RF Connectors for Medical Applications EZ Form Cable, a Trexon Company, provides SMA connectors for the medical industry, specifically MRI systems and RF tumor ablation. EZ Form Cable SMA connectors are “virtually” non-magnetic, well beyond…
What are EMI/EMP Connectors? Meet the Connector: EMI/EMP Connectors EMI/EMP connectors, also called filter connectors, help protect electric and electronic systems from emitting or receiving disruptive “noise,” including radio frequency interference (RFI), electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulses (EMP), voltage spikes, and other radiated emissions that can distort or interrupt a signal. EMI,…
Antimicrobial Interconnects Resist Germs, Infection Whether implanted in the body or used against skin, patients depend on electronic devices to resist bacteria. A new generation of biocompatible materials makes high-tech medicine safer than ever. Cardiac pacemakers, stents, knee and hip implants, insulin pumps, cochlear implants, and other electronic medical devices have increased the…
Medical Trends Drive Innovation and New Technologies The pandemic has altered the healthcare ecosystem and stimulated innovations in the medical sector. As a result, doctors and patients have new connected tools to promote health outside of the clinical setting. Medical Trends The COVID19 pandemic has provided us with new insights into the healthcare ecosystem and…
New Market Research Report Projects Bright Future for Connector Industry New Bishop & Associates report examines how the connector industry has fared in the pandemic era and looks ahead at the next five years. After what we thought would be one of the most interesting years ever, 2022 is shaping up to be even more astonishing than 2021.…
Sterilizable and Autoclavable Connectors for Medical Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights sterilizable and autoclavable medical connectors from leading suppliers. Sterilizable and Autoclavable Connectors for Medical Applications Viking THORKOM circular connectors from CDM Electronics are available in various shell sizes, high density contact arrangements, and mounting styles. They feature quick connect and disconnect with either…
What are IEC Connectors? Meet the Connector: IEC Connectors IEC connectors or plugs are a broad category of different types of electronic and electrical power connectors that meet the International Electrotechnical Commission standards (IEC standards). These connectors serve many markets, including Medical, Consumer (white and brown goods), Industrial, Automotive, Transportation, Test &…
Industrial Laser Processing Fuels Today’s Modern Electronic Devices Automated manufacturing processes are integrating industrial lasers for precision processing, inspecting, and testing of materials. Fiber optic connectors help make these systems possible. [caption id="attachment_37247" align="aligncenter" width="600"] (Image courtesy of Teradyne)[/caption] Fiber optic technology is enabling a new generation of high power, ultrafast industrial lasers. These precision beams…
How PAEK Compares to Glass-to-Metal Sealed Connectors While the traditional method of glass-to-metal seal (GTMS) connectors serves as an effective hermetic barrier and electrical insulator for a broad spectrum of medical, automotive, aerospace, military, and low-pressure geophysical applications, advanced thermoplastics developed over the past three decades have proven to be a superior solution for the…
What are Hermetic Connectors? Meet the Connector: Hermetic Connectors Hermetic connectors are completely sealed against ingress of air or liquid using a glass, ceramic, or composite sealing device or material. Hermetic sealing offers the highest level of protection available against air, gases, chemicals, moisture, debris, and other contaminants. It is an essential…
Effective Alternative to Silicone-Jacketed Cables and Cable Assemblies A mainstay of medical device design, silicone jacketing protects cables from the hazards that medical technologies face in clinical care settings. It’s not a perfect material, though. New alternatives address silicone’s common shortfalls. Silicone is a widely used cable-jacketing material for medical device components. Commonly used in medical…
Wireless, Wearable, and Implantable Medical Technologies Saved My Life Wearable consumer-grade technology provided valuable diagnostic information, which led to a successful therapeutic treatment that saved my life. In mid-February, one of my doctors detected an irregular heartbeat during a routine office visit and suggested I see a cardiologist. The cardiologist requested approval from my medical insurance provider…
Push Pull Connectors for Medical Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights push-pull connectors for medical applications from leading suppliers. Push Pull Connectors for Medical Applications Souriau JMX Series Plastic Push-Pull Coupling Connectors, supplied by Allied Electronics & Automation, offer reliable mating with a push-pull locking mechanism with an audible and tactile indicator that only…
Instrumentation and Test & Measurement Systems Demand Higher-Performance Connectors Specialized test connectors and equipment help new products meet ruggedness, outgassing, and other performance and compliance requirements. Instrumentation connector technology is evolving to serve higher speeds and bandwidths, RF technologies (including microwave and mmWave), and the analog-to-digital transformation. Test & Measurement and instrumentation processes have become essential to…
Investigative and Therapeutic Technology Trends Advances in miniaturized interconnects and optical cabling have launched a design revolution in the medical device field, from high-precision laser surgical tools to small and portable connected healthcare devices. Today’s modern medical therapeutic instruments are enabled by faster speeds, expanded bandwidths, fiber optics, RF microwave and mmWave, and…
Medical Connectors Need High Precision Medical Contacts for High Performance and Safety High-performance medical contacts are a critical element in a connector assembly and contribute to the overall performance, safety, and functionality of medical equipment. By Lemco Précision SA Medical Contacts Used in Connectors It’s becoming more challenging to produce medical devices that balance innovation, cost, regulatory compliance, and user-friendliness.…
Connectors for Medical Diagnostics Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors used for medical diagnostic equipment from leading suppliers. Connectors for Medical Diagnostics Applications MINIDOCK Series Connectors from I-PEX are optimized for use in rugged docking applications and ruggedized applications with low-insertion-force cable plug terminations, like the cable plug mating end in ultrasound…
Designing Interconnects for Portable and In-Home Medical Equipment Secure, medical-grade connectors help portable medical devices endure shock, vibration, and rough handling without detriment to performance. As portable medical equipment for both hospital and home use becomes more prevalent, the need to design healthcare devices that can meet the demanding requirements of a high-impact, high-vibration environment continues…
Miniaturized and User-Friendly Connectors Empower Advanced Medical Wearables New medical wearable device innovations count on miniaturized connectors that can perform reliability under the stresses of use and cleaning processes. [caption id="attachment_35129" align="aligncenter" width="600"] An elderly woman with hearing aid[/caption] Miniaturized Connectors In today’s fast-growing medical wearable markets, designers must create safe devices that provide effective performance…
Silicone Alternative Offers New Option for Medical Cable Jacketing Innovative component solutions that integrate cutting-edge technology with next-generation materials give medical devices designers new choices. By Northwire (A LEMO Group Company) Silicone is a popular cable jacketing material for components used in applications where reliable high performance is imperative. Commonly used in medical tools, hospital equipment, and…
I Need a Wire Harness Assembly I Need a Wire Harness Assembly Sometimes the last thing considered in a complex system is the wiring harness. However, as with many sub-assemblies that make up a system, wiring harnesses have many variables that may affect the quote and the quoting process if these variables are not…
Smaller DesignCon 2021 Still Worthwhile The rescheduled, relocated DesignCon was heavily impacted by the ongoing pandemic. However, high-speed innovation appears to be unstoppable. Bob Hult shares his observations on the 26th annual event and new connector products introduced. DesignCon 2021 was unlike any of the previous 25 years’ events. The continuing prevalence of…
Five Connectivity Considerations for Ultrasound Imaging Applications To ensure optimal ultrasound performance over long equipment lifetimes in rigorous operating environments, design engineers should consider five primary characteristics when specifying medical connectors. Sonography, better known as ultrasound imaging, is one of the most utilized and beneficial medical diagnostic imaging techniques. Ultrasound imaging technology has been used…
Four Key Device Trends Driving the Medical Connector Market Trends driving collaboration between medical device and connector manufacturers include increased demand for safety and regulatory compliance, disposable solutions, high-resolution imaging capabilities, and durability. The quality and reliability of electronic equipment for the medical industry is vital, as human life and safety depend on it. This formidable responsibility…
Multi-Functional Connectors Meet the Needs of Therapeutic Equipment Therapeutic devices are getting smaller, smarter, serve more purposes, and are exposed to harsh cleaning and disinfection protocols. Connectors with multiple advanced features are required to meet the challenging demands of these important medical devices. Therapeutic equipment includes a broad array of devices used to treat patients and…
Connectors in Ventilators By Mic Cardone, Director of Systems Integration, Tom Chudyk, Sales Director, Fred Morgenstern, Product Director, Janet Tufo, Marketing Director, Neutrik USA, in conversation with Connector Supplier Demand for ventilators skyrocketed in the early months of the pandemic, inspiring a wave of innovative new equipment designs. However, the success…
Consumers Adopt Wearable Tech for Greater Health From multifunctional fitness trackers and smartwatches to tiny medical devices that deliver medicine or vital information, consumers have embraced wearable technologies. Consumers have embraced the concept of wearable devices and the industry is responding in a big way. From step counters to heart monitors, consumers have shown a…
When is a Custom Connector the Best Option? With millions of connector products ready for order from trusted suppliers and distributors, designers should be able to find a suitable solution for their project. But sometimes, they can’t. That’s when customization comes in. A quick search of any major distributor’s inventory turns up millions of connector products.…
Top 12 Technology Trends: The Evolution of Proprietary to Open Source Connectors Sometimes a custom connector design will remain a limited-use product. Other times, it may become a popular proprietary connector. In some instances, the evolution continues and the connector experiences widespread use as a commercial or open-source product. This is the eighth installment in the Technology Trends series by…