Using connectors for medical technology

Connectors are used to transfer power, signal, data, or media, and can be designed for one of these operations, or as a hybrid system. These encompass different styles, including making electrical connections between medical machines and systems and to latch and unlatch tubing in medical devices. Here, Electronic Specifier highlights different types of medical connectors, their uses, and what to look for when sourcing connectors for medical use.

Uses of medical connectors

Connectors are a significant central component in electronic systems. High quality connector components will be necessary to reliably transmit power, data, and other electrical signals within the system.

Uses include digital X-rays, electronic endoscopes, patient monitoring systems, medical and surgical robots, and MRI.

Choosing the right connector for the application ensures better overall performance, lower risk of technical failure, reduced maintenance requirements and longer lasting equipment.

What to look for when sourcing connectors for medical use

Medical devices are designed differently. The technical requirements of each application therefore differ in terms of voltage and current specifications, or the style or shape of the connector that needs to be used.

Due to medicine being an industry with little acceptable room for error, it makes it important to select connectors that will ensure this. A key attribute to look out for when sourcing suitable connectors for medical use is the ease of use and installation.

Medical connectors are therefore designed with simplicity in mind. They are usually straightforward, utilising snap-in or push-pull coupling mechanisms that do not require specialist knowledge to fit securely. Moreover, clear marking and colour coding provided added security for connectors to be fitted correctly, minimising the risk of human error.

Medical connectors also need to be robust, providing long-term reliability. Connectors within this sector are designed to be disconnected and reconnected thousands of times without degradation in performance or reliability.

Also, connectors must withstand challenging environments. They must be suitable for a variety of conditions, including indoor and outdoor, and in extreme temperatures. Connectors will also need to withstand an intensive chemical cleaning process as they often need to be thoroughly sterilised between uses. Therefore, connectors used in medical devices must usually be fully sealable, offering the highest levels of ingress protection, usually up to the 1P67, 1P68 or 1P68K standards. This ensures the system is insulated against water and dust.

Medical devices must be compliant with the relevant national and international standards governing the sector to guarantee safety for end users.

Its important to note that when choosing the correct medical connector, the process should be thought of as ongoing. Instead of being a single one-time investment, it is an ongoing improvement process. It is vital to keep medical systems up to date as advances emerge and technology requires an upgrade.

Medical technology will only get smaller and more compact, meaning investment in miniaturised connectors will increase. Connectors will deliver the same performance, just with a smaller design.