With more advanced technologies being introduced each day, modern medical systems are making our lives easier and healthier. The role of most sophisticated medical devices is indeed significant in this path. Each day innovations are made to myriads of medical applications ranging from diagnostic and surgical devices to interventional, imaging, and therapeutic equipment along with high-end sensors, handheld devices, and robotic intervention.

Significance of Medical Connectors

The reliability of an interconnect system is essential for any type of electrical connection. However, when it comes to medical devices, it is especially critical as it defines a straight line between life and death of people at many levels. From the base materials to the build of the connectors to the standards they are compatible with, its power requirements, EMI shielding capacities, ingress protection, current carrying capacity and mating cycles, every single specification of a connector is of utmost relevancy when it comes to medical connectors.

We have discussed about the advanced connector solutions for medical devices offered by Amphenol in a previous article. Apart from the robust and reliable performance standards, many demanding medical applications are looking additionally for rugged connectors.

Why are Harsh Connectors used in Medical Devices?

Medical devices require harsh connectors because a lot of these devices are subjected to vibration, humidity, temperature, and shock when performing experiments and assays in labs or operation theatres.  The monitors and other imaging devices necessarily need to be IPx7 with hermetic sealing and so is evident that they use waterproof or IP rated I/O connectors. Amphenol’s harsh connectors come with a compact design that helps customer save space on their panel as well.

IP Rating for Medical Equipment

Medical equipment ranging from portable defibrillators to MRI machines require a high resistance to dirt and moisture ingress as well as the ability to be easily mated and unmated. An IP67 rated connector ensures that it is dust-proof and can withstand immersion in water for an extended period, and hence can ensure that the performance will not be affected with accidental liquid entry, protecting the high value medical robotics system, communication system.

Amphenol’s Rugged Connectors for Medical Devices

Amphenol ICC’s harsh product line has a broad and successful coverage on global medical customers including rugged connectors from IP67 rated Rugged HDMI connectors and Rugged USB connectors with die-cast housing and operating temperature range from -55°C to +105°C for extreme conditions. These compacts connectors are ideal for the new generation of miniature medical applications.  These connectors are used in many advanced medical equipment like MRI, Ultrasonic devices and Handheld Patient Monitors.  Apart from these, connectors like Harsh USB 3.0 type A, type C, Harsh RJ45, and Harsh D-sub are also used in these machines.

The rugged Modular Jack connector, that goes into Ultrasonic devices also showcase a similar performance range. They come with internal and external seals made with flexible silicone rubber, providing excellent sealing to IP67 and higher over a wide temperature range, thereby protecting equipment from water and dust incursion.

The rugged D-Sub connectors come with machined contacts plated with 30µ" gold, making it extremely durable even under harsh conditions. They are mechanically rugged and stable enough to protect against shock, vibration, and impact, as well as to prevent distortion. They are used in blood analyzers in addition to ultrasonic devices.  Our Harsh USB Type C and Harsh MRD Connectors are capable of supporting sophisticated medical devices like, Surgery Aided Robotics Arm as well.

Amphenol can support your connector requirements from the smallest handheld devices requiring the finest pitch connectors to high power, high data rate rugged connector systems for complex medical equipment. Our diverse range of standard products is complemented by an advanced engineering team ready to partner with you on your custom connector solutions.