Medical connectors promise fast, secure lock

ACAL Technology has released the Amphenol Alden range of medical connectors that offer Pulse-Lok mechanism, which guarantees fast and secure connection in life-sustaining and emergency applications.

Designed specifically for the medical sector, Amphenol Alden connectors can be used in disposable or re-usable applications ranging from hand-held, first-responder emergency and field devices to operating room (OR) equipment.

The Pulse-Lok auto-latch mating mechanism provides fast and reliable connection with audible, visible and tactile feedback to confirm that the connector pairs are fully engaged. Compared to lever-style latching mechanisms, Pulse-Lok's rotary cam requires a low mating force and rotates automatically into the locked position. Disconnection is also fast, with a quarter turn allowing the connector to self-eject.

Available with up to 27, 52, or 78 contacts, the disposable connectors can be configured with usage limiters as well as proprietary keying options to protect single-use connectors from being copied or mated with the wrong connector. A choice of PCB, solder cup, solder pot and flex circuit terminations are offered to minimize assembly costs. The reusable connectors feature an over-molded cable assembly and are rated for 5,000 mating cycles, with standard contacts, for long-term survival in the demanding OR environment.

All Amphenol Alden medical connectors have a chemical-resistant plastic housing which is available in 14 standard color combinations for easy identification. They are water-proof to IP-67 and withstand steam, EtO and gamma sterilization. The connectors can be customized for specific applications with molded housings, cable yokes, strain reliefs, and embedded cable intelligence.

Working in partnership with Amphenol's Medical Solutions Team, ACAL Technology's local design specialists provide the expertise to simplify the selection and integration of standard and custom connectors in medical applications. The design and manufacturing services center at Wokingham, United Kingdom, provides extensive design-in resources for customers, including a full range of in-house design and assembly facilities for end-to-end product development and systems integration.

- Henri Arnold
EE Times Europe