Spotlight on Electronic Components
Electroluminescent display
A thin-film electroluminescent display that combines contrast and image quality with a compact package is suited for use in portable medical equipment. Incorporating the company's proprietary integral contrast-enhancement technology and able to withstand a broad range of temperatures, the display performs equally well indoors and outdoors. Features include built-in analogue dimming, a range of voltage inputs, 70 cd/m2 brightness at the maximum frame rate, and 0.39-mm pixel pitch. The 160 x 120 matrix display has a 4-bit LCD-type video interface. Planar Systems Inc., Espoo, Finland.
Printed circuit boards
A company specializes in the fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and multichip modules (MCM-Ls) suited for use in hearing aids, electronic implantables, ECG devices, medical sensors, and related applications. The company has developed high-performance PCBs with 50–100-µm microvias as well as flexible and rigid MCM-Ls and high-density interconnection structures (HDISs). Constrained PCBs and HDISs are also available. Dyconex Ltd., Zürich, Switzerland.
Miniature shielded connector
Up to 50 ultrasmall coaxial cables can be connected to a miniature shielded connector with a 0.5-mm pitch. The cables are mounted on a device that stabilizes them in a parallel position inside the male connector. Because the connector and cables are completely shielded, electromagnetic interference is avoided despite the proximity of the components. The system is suited for the connection of coaxial cables to ultrasound probes used in medical equipment. Axon' Cable S.A., Montmirail, France.
Conductive gaskets
Foam covered with a conductive fabric is used to manufacture gaskets that meet electromagnetic interference shielding requirements. Because the foam core is flexible and conformable, the Tecksof 2000 gaskets are suited for applications that require low closure force and minimal compression set. Effectively shielding in excess of 100 dB, the gaskets are suited for use with a wide range of electronic cabinets and enclosures and portable devices. They are available in a range of profiles.
Tecknit, Grantham, Lincs, UK.
X-ray generator systems
Integrated x-ray generator systems come equipped with up to 110-kV and 300-W outputs and ac or dc inputs. Each Monoblock system houses a high-voltage power supply, isolated filament supply, and x-ray tube in one compact unit. It is suited for bone densitometry, c-arm radiography, and related applications. The company, which is certified to ISO 9001, offers OEMs a flexible mechanical design and a selection of x-ray tubes that meet their specifications. Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp., Hauppauge, NY, USA.
Rotary coded switches
Four-position rotary switches are designed to perform reliably in 3.3- and 5-V-dc circuits even after years of inactivity. Contact oxidation is the primary failure mode for infrequently manipulated switches, especially those used in circuits operating at 5 V dc and below. Type 07 switches resist oxidation, however, because the gold-plated contacts are hermetically sealed. The components are available in a variety of configurations and are stocked in large quantities. Elma Electronics Inc., Wetzihon, Switzerland.
Pressure sensors
Semiconductor-based pressure sensors range from basic models to fully amplified and temperature-compensated versions. The fully amplified sensors can be directly connected to multichip module inputs. 
By combining micromachining techniques, thin-film metallization, and bipolar semiconductor processing, the company is able to produce accurate, reliable sensors at competitive prices. Typical applications include noninvasive blood pressure monitoring and dialysis equipment, spirometers and other respiratory devices, and physical therapy equipment. Pressure sensors are available in a small-outline package to economize board space; they can be supplied in surface-mount and tape-and-reel formats. Motorola Semiconducteurs S.A., Toulouse, France.
Cooling and heating components
In addition to a wide range of standard thermoelectric assemblies, a company offers custom solutions for maintaining cool or elevated temperatures in medical equipment and analytical instrumentation.
A recently published catalogue illustrates the firm's capabilities and describes products such as temperature controllers, thermoelectric modules, and power supplies. The company provides engineering support, application studies, and testing of the final products. Supercool AB, Göteborg, Sweden.
ECG cables, lead wires
ECG cables and lead wires are designed and manufactured for OEMs worldwide. The company's R&D department is staffed with electronics, polymers, and CAD specialists who will work in tandem with customers to develop cables that satisfy specific needs. Components used in monitoring, diagnostic, Holter, and MRI equipment are routinely produced. Moulds are manufactured at the on-site tool shop, and finished products undergo intensive quality assurance procedures. Kendall Medizinische Erzeugnisse GmbH, Neustadt/Donau, Germany.
