PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Spotlight on Cables, Connectors, and Plugs

Medical equipment cables

Custom cable systems are designed for use in a wide range of medical equipment including pacemakers, dental devices, and ultrasound and x-ray machines. The company has developed video cables for x-ray equipment that reportedly last 20 times longer than competing products. Small-diameter cables made from a high-strength copper alloy withstand more than 1 million bending cycles at a bend radius as small as five times the cable's diameter. Specially designed shielding ensures signal protection from high frequencies and magnetic fields. Elocab Sonderkabel GmbH & Co. KG, Georgensmünd, Germany.

Isolated ground plugs, receptacles

In conventional receptacles, earthing contacts are connected to the box, fittings, conduit, or other earth-system components. These can act as antennae for EMI and RFI signals. IG (isolated ground) receptacles separate earth contacts from their mounting straps, isolating the circuit from transient signals. The 15-, 20-, and 30-A wiring devices are suited for sensitive electrical and electronic equipment used in industrial environments. Marinco Specialty Wiring Devices, Napa, CA, USA.

Plastic-shell connectors

Connector shells are designed with a pattern of raised bumps to facilitate mating and unmating operations. The 405 series is available with 27 gold-plated contacts in an 18-mm-diam body. All external body components are manufactured from a lightweight plastic that meets USP Class VI requirements. The plastic-shell connectors can withstand thousands of autoclave sterilization cycles and operating temperatures greater than 200°C. They are also chemical resistant and come equipped with shielding for EMI- and RFI-sensitive applications. W. W. Fischer S.A., Apples, Switzerland.

Medical connectors

Potential equalization connectors eliminate voltage hazards that may occur when different metal parts are touched simultaneously. The 1.5-mm-diam POAG connectors are designed in accordance with DIN 42802, the German standard for medical connectors. They combine a corrosion-resistant metal surface with heat-resistant insulation that withstands steam sterilization. The connectors are fitted with a safety catch to prevent accidental disconnection. Multi-Contact AG Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland.

Cable assemblies

Ready-to-install custom cable assemblies eliminate the need to contract assembly with an external cable house. These high-current contacts and connectors occupy the same amount of space as traditional low-current models while handling up to twice as much current—up to 150 A per contact can be accommodated. The assemblies, which require a low insertion force and feature low resistance to enable the efficient transfer of current, are manufactured to customer specifications. They can be produced in either low or high volumes. AMP Deutschland GmbH, Langen, Germany.

Push-pull connectors

Cylindrical connectors are fitted with a push-pull locking mechanism that enables easy connection even in difficult-to-reach places. Insulation bodies are made of liquid crystal polymer to permit autoclaving. Connectors come in three styles and four sizes; custom configurations are also available. Applications include ultrasound machines, defibrillators, recording devices, and dental equipment. ODU-Steckverbindungssysteme GmbH & Co. KG, Mühldorf am Inn, Germany.

Multiport connector

A stacked, high-density female connector complements a company's line of subminiature multiport connectors. Part of the K42 series, the 15-pin connector offers versatility and more available board space than other models in the line. The phosphor bronze socket pins ensure contact retention; the body is made of a UL 94V-0–rated thermoplastic. Mounting options include riveted threaded inserts, 4-40 hexagonal jack- screws, and board locks. The connector has an overall height of 31.6 mm and 0.75-mm centre-to-centre distance. Kycon Inc., San Jose, CA, USA.

Ferrites

Suppression ferrites that reduce RF interference on power or data lines are supplied in a range of widths and performance characteristics. No earthing is required; the ferrites are installed simply by feeding the cable through the designated opening. Split-shell models are available for preinstalled equipment. Constructed from a nickel-zinc formulation, the ferrites' impedance ranges from 40 to 450 W depending on the frequency, ferrite size, and circuit conditions. Warth International Ltd., East Grinstead, W Sussex, UK.