Medical interconnect system delivers low-mating forces

19th December 2014

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Claimed to deliver high mating cycles and low-mating forces at a fraction of the cost of competing machined-contact systems, Molex has announced the MediSpec Medical Plastic Circular (MPC) Interconnect System. The custom-off-the-shelf interconnect combines premium performance and ease-of-use, incorporating proven cost-effective technology to meet the stringent standards of medical-device users.

The MPC system employs Molex’s proven LFH stamped-and-formed contact system, which helps ensure a reliable electrical interface for applications requiring multiple insertions. This cost efficient system, achieves low insertion and withdrawal forces with a 10,000 cycle durability rating. The simple, push-pull engagement mechanism provides ease-of-use, even with surgical gloves. An optional locking sleeve is also available to ensure the cable’s un-mating force complies with ANSI / AAMI-EC53 specification (more than 90N); without the locking sleeve the cable achieves between 15 and 20N un-mating force.

The contact interface (pin field) for both the plugs and receptacles are factory sealed (potted) to prevent ingress of flux into the contact zone during wire termination processes, as well as prevent ingress through the pin field during field use.

Four diameters are in development to address a full range of medical equipment applications for the OEM: D1 (up to eight contacts), D2 (up to 17 contacts), D3 (up to 35 contacts) and D4 (up to 59 contacts) plus four keying positions and six colours. Molex offers a selective pin-count capability with each diameter interface to enable contact-usage flexibility without wasted pins. An additional IP64-rated sealing option is available to provide protection to a splash-proof specification.

Oliver Bischoff, Industry Marketing Manager, Medical, Europe, Molex, comments: “Recent healthcare reform bills have created an environment where medical equipment manufacturers are being driven to reduce costs without sacrificing reliability. The MediSpec MPC Connector System solves this dichotomy, providing a high-performance and affordable alternative to typical medical circular connectors in a cost-effective, commercial product, custom-off-the-shelf design. The modular design of the MediSpec MPC Connector System is designed to accommodate inserts for future applications, including fibre optics, RF, power, fluid and air couplings. This provides medical OEMs with a cost-competitive, semi-customised connector with excellent contact performance, specifically for hybrid alternatives. What’s more, by providing custom cable assemblies Molex provides a complete solution."