Originally Published MPMN January/February 2007

SPOTLIGHT

Switches, Signals, and Connectors

Disposable cable assemblies

A company designs and manufactures a complete line of disposable integrated cable assemblies that mate with many manufacturers’ connectors. It also designs custom connectors for any application. All products are fully overmolded for high durability and are manufactured to withstand stringent sterilization protocols. Bioburden is minimized by producing all products in a Class 100,000 cleanroom and ISO 13485-certified facility. Using a patented dual-insert molding process to create the bezel allows for customization of insertion and extraction forces and tactile feel by incorporating a variety of materials specified by the customer. Custom colors, logos, and inserts are available.
Source One Technologies, Los Gatos, CA
www.source1cable.com

Coaxial connectors

A multipin connector series offers a low VSWR of 125:1 up to 20 GHz. Each coaxial contact has a maximum overall diameter of 0.125 in. fitted into a low-profile metallized housing. Insert arrangements are available in 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-way coaxial assemblies, with mixed signal and power contacts available in hybrid layouts.
Sabritec, Irvine, CA
www.sabritec.com

EMI-filtering connectors

An RoHS-compliant series of filtering connectors remove electromagnetic interference (EMI). The Amphe-dB connectors are suitable for use in medical applications such as laboratory equipment, scanners, patient monitors, and therapy equipment. Unlike other design options that use modified PCBs to incorporate filtering, the filtering connectors are installed at the entrance of a device, providing a clean signal where the information enters or exits. This helps to ensure that EMI will not affect the device’s other components.
Amphenol Industrial Operations, Brockton, MA
www.aldenproducts.com

Zero-insertion-force connectors

With a minimum rated life of 10,000 mate and unmate cycles and no loss in performance, a series of zero-insertion-force-connectors can be mated and unmated in less than 2 seconds. Because the contact in the receptacle connector of the DLP units mates directly to the PCB on the plug half, signal paths are minimized and crosstalk is kept to a minimum. The units use 34-way high-density contact modules for flexibility in various applications in medical equipment. A quarter turn of the knob shaft mates all the contacts at once using a cam and bearing mechanism.
ITT Electronic Components, Newton, MA
www.ittcannon.com

Valve connectors

A line of valve connectors are mainly used with solenoid valves in hydraulic and pneumatic applications. The DIN 43650 connectors are also used in electrical applications for pressure switches, filter switches, limit switches, and special sensors. They are available in the five industry standard sizes of 8, 9.4, 10, 11, and 18 mm and are suitable for 24-, 110-, and 220-V applications. With the capability to be wired by the customer, the units are available in a range of models including without components, with LED, with LED and varistor, and with diode and LED.
Automation Systems Interconnect Inc., Carlisle, PA
www.asi-ez.com

Subminiature push buttons

A series of logic-level, subminiature, antistatic push-button switches are constructed to permit automated processing and high-density mounting. The push buttons feature an antistatic superstructure that consists of a carbon-impregnated bushing. The bushing is 6 mm in diameter, which simplifies panel layout. When configured with a support bracket, the bushing prevents antistatic discharge to the contacts. Static electricity from the operator’s touch travels from the actuator through the bushing and bracket to the PCB.
NKK Switches, Scottsdale, AZ
www.nkkswitches.com

Interconnects

Impedance-matched size 8 and size 12 interconnects control impedance and minimize jitter. The Quadrax high-speed assemblies enable customers to reduce both size and weight by up to 30% over comparable solutions, according to the company. An integrated alignment feature prevents bending pins in the field.
W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., Elkton, MD
www.gore.com

Copyright ©2007 Medical Product Manufacturing News