Connector solutions for cochlear ear implants

The versatility of Intelliconnect products in medical systems is demonstrated by the wide range of applications already supplied. These include connectors for RF cancer treatment, radiation dosimeters and detectors, bio-medical test equipment and bionics.

Intelliconnect also manufacture micro-miniature waterproof coaxial connectors for use in cochlear ear implants. This very demanding application requires a rugged and reliable quick-disconnect waterproof connector capable of making several thousand disconnects during its product lifetime.

The Intelliconnect design meets IP68, is comfortable to wear close to the skin and may be used in normal domestic environments including  swimming pools, showers, baths and high humidity environments such as saunas, steam rooms etc.

In addition to standard coaxial and triaxial types, Intelliconnect provide a fast turnaround custom design service for non-standard medical connector requirements. With no NRE costs to customers and low minimum order quantities, Intelliconnect custom designed medical connectors offer an ideal solution for specialised medical products.

Roy Phillips, Managing Director of Intelliconnect, commented: “Increasing use of wearable medical electronics such as cochlear ear implants and monitoring equipment and the growth of RF treatments continues to provide us with new design-in opportunities. Our wide range of standard products and ability to produce custom connectors cost effectively and quickly, typically in just seven weeks from confirmation of design, ensures our customers can a get no-compromise connector solution at a very competitive price.”

Standard products available from Intelliconnect suitable for medical applications include the TRB and TRT triaxial connector series designed primarily to reduce noise levels in systems while providing an isolated ground. The TRB series has a bayonet locking mechanism as designed on the BNC series while the TRT series has a 7/16-28 thread coupling mechanism as designed on the TNC series. Both the TRB and TRT series are non-constant impedance and incorporate a third conductor. These two products feature a state-of-the-art clamping construction and weatherproof sealing features which ensure excellent termination to various twinaxial and triaxial cables.

The waterproof ABMS micro miniature size connector series is similar to, and offers the same weight and space benefits of, the standard MCX connector series. The ABMS connector is a more rugged design, rated to 3000 mating cycles and waterproof to IP68. This connector series offers a quick snap-on locking mechanism and is used with small, semi-rigid and flexible cables. These connectors can also accommodate various PCB, surface, edge, press fit and bulkhead mounting configurations.

Al Intelliconnect RF connectors are designed in accordance with US MIL-STD-348 and US MIL-PRF and have an operating temperature range of -65°C to +165°C and the ABMS series is waterproof to IP67/68.

In addition to connectors for medical applications Intelliconnect manufactures a wide range of standard and custom RF connectors and components, including waterproof and fast turnaround custom designs which are undertaken without NRE charges to their customers.

Intelliconnect also manufacture a large range of coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc. and custom cable assemblies Typical applications include MIL and aerospace, marine, oil and gas, medical and general microwave markets.