D04 connectors maintain density and durability for demanding medical applications
Smiths Interconnect has added a high density option to its D connector series for the medical market. The new D04 connectors offer high density while maintaining high cycle life, said the company.
The increasing demand for high-density electrical connectors in medical devices is driven by many factors, notably the size, weight and functional requirements of the device. Due to the increasing popularity of portable and patient wearable devices, size and weight of connectors are now becoming more important in the medical market segment, noted the company.
By increasing the contact density of connectors, design engineers can improve performance while maintaining size and minimising additional weight. High density connectors enable critical medical devices to remain ergonomic and easy-to operate for healthcare providers.
Medical applications requiring high performance, such as electrophysiological mapping and ablation of arrythmias, and intravascular and cardiac imaging, are typical examples of applications that require high density electrical connectors.
The D04 connectors are for applications that require high density, high cycle life and ease of assembly. They join the D series which is available in two standard sizes with contact count ranging from three to 25. The addition of the new D04 connectors, expands the D series to now include a high density configuration with a high contact count, up to 10,000 cycles and verifed electrical performance, claimed the company. Using a pin and socket configuration, the D04 connector has an insulation resistance greater than 5000 MOhm at 500V DC. Thanks to this additional configuration, the D-series meets the electrical requirements of EIA-364-05 to 70 Test Procedures (Electronic Industries Alliance) and uses low resistance pin and socket technology, which is an advantage over their spring probe counterparts.
“To address the demanding segment of the ablation catheters, we have developed a high-density solution featuring 82 contacts that complements our D series of proven high reliability circular connectors specifically designed for critical medical applications” says Mark Kelleher, vice president and general manager of the connectors business unit at Smiths Interconnect.
The connectors are designed to be safe and reliable with push-button quick disconnect and a finger proofing isolator. They are also easy to assemble due to the D shape layout where the shape of the connector and receptacle housings significantly reduces capacity for incorrect mating, said Smiths. They are also designed for one handed mating and de-mating.
Custom solutions can be created based on the needs and specifications of specific devices, including the capability to support over 120 contact positions.
