Off-the-shelf medical-grade circular interconnects available now

Interplex's new Interplex Sureline series will mean that OEMs no longer need to engage with suppliers to produce a custom connector/cable assembly for any new equipment models. Instead, they will be able to access ready-to-use overmoulded products that are more cost-effective and convenient to implement.

Available directly off-the-shelf, the medical-grade circular interconnect products are completely compatible with the comprehensive REDEL P1 and P2 connector format. They are provided in 14-pole (Plex 1) and 34-pole (Plex 2) versions. Customers can specify the same connector on either end of the cable or select a connector at one end and bare wires at the other. Cable lengths of 3" (0.9m), 6" (1.8m) and 10" (3.05m) can be selected. These interconnects employ the company's patented Sureflex overmould technology, ensuring industry-leading strain relief.

Manufactured in line with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class II standards, the interconnect products can cope with tough conditions. They offer a 1500 mating cycle durability, strong contact retention and the capability to withstand high temperatures (up to 150C, with non-standard material options able to handle 170C). Moreover, the IP50 rating of these interconnects guards them against the ingress of liquid sprays that can occur in demanding clinical environments.

Interplex Sureline interconnects are intended to address the core applications of surgical equipment, medical imaging systems, respiratory equipment, diagnostic instrumentation, and patient monitoring units. Outside of healthcare, they can also be employed in industrial testing and data logging systems.

"Until now, interconnect suppliers serving the medical sector have been predominantly focused on providing custom-made solutions. Consequently, OEMs have to make a large upfront investment to cover the tooling costs required. It also means they have to wait for periods of around three months to get the connectors/cabling shipped," explains Lee Burgess, Global Business Development and sales director at Interplex.

"As well as being positioned at attractive price points and accelerating development timeframes, these interconnect products are robust and reliable. Alongside this, their ergonomic design enables them to be intuitively oriented the right way prior to mating," Burgess concludes.

There is also scope to modify the design. Different cable lengths, pole numbers and configurations, keying positions, cable jackets and overmould materials can be specified. Various jacket/overmould colour options may be selected, and an OEM logo added, if requested.

MD&M West, Booth 3055 in Hall C, 7-9 February 2023.