Interconnect Enables Effective Use of Disposable Electronic Probes

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Interconnect Enables Effective Use of Disposable Electronic Probes

Shana Leonard

A manufacturer specializing in connectors has debuted its custom interconnects for medical disposable electronic probes. The Hypertronics Corp. (Hudson, MA) interconnect is suited for such electronic probe applications as electrophysiology catheters, endoscopes, and intravascular ultrasound.

The complete interconnect system consists of a single-use connector that joins the disposable electronic probe to a sterilizable cable that is configured for multiple mating cycles. Embedded electronics can be integrated into the connector or cable as well. Features of the interconnect systems include customization, a single vendor source, high reliability, design for sterilization, complete cable assemblies, and the use of disposables.

"By applying this high-reliability interconnect to the electronic probe system, Hypertronics facilitates the medical trends toward less invasive procedures, disposable probes, embedded electronics, high cycle life, and sterilizations," says Tom Kannally, the firm's industry manager of medical invasive probes.

The system's generator end can withstand up to 100,000 mating cycles and employs the company's Hypertac contact system, which exhibits a low contact resistance of less than 8 m W for small signal contacts.

Designed with wires situated at an angle to the socket's axis, the contact sleeve contorts in response to the insertion of the pin. The wires stretch around the pin, creating multiple linear contact paths. Favorable properties of the contact system include high current-carrying capability, low insertion force, shock and vibration immunity, and good wiping action.

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