Medical Miniature Connectors
Elastomeric Interconnects for Medical Devices
Z-Axis elastomeric connector elements are used in surgical instruments, implantable device testing, and handheld diagnostic systems where reliability and durability are critical.
Unlike traditional connectors, these elements use compression to create consistent electrical contact without mechanical wear, making them well-suited for high-cycle medical applications.
Why Z-Axis Connectors in Medical Applications
Sealed Contact Interface
The compressed elastomer creates a natural seal at the contact interface, helping protect against fluids and contamination that can compromise electrical performance.
Redundant Contact Paths
Each pad is contacted by multiple fine wire elements, improving connection stability and reducing the risk of intermittent failures.
Low Wear, High Cycle Life
With no pins or mating cycles, elastomeric connectors maintain consistent performance over extended use in test environments.
Custom Mechanical Integration
Connector elements can be designed with integrated retaining features to improve alignment and mechanical stability within assemblies.
SURGICAL DEVICE CONNECTOR
EXPLODED VIEW
GENERIC PACEMAKER
LCD CONNECTOR WITH Z-WRAP CENTER
Custom Connector Uses in Common Medical Devices
A pacemaker manufacturer uses a Z-Wrap custom connector to contact the shell of the device for final testing. The soft gold wires make an electrical connection without scratching the case and the multiple wire paths allow for long life in the fixture.
A glucose monitoring device was demonstrated using a hybrid connector that allowed for connections to LCD glass and I/O probes for a power recorder. The LCD glass connections are made with traditional carbon LCD connector materials while the data contacts were made with gold plated wire. Relatively expensive gold wire is only used where needed, and the application illustrates the ability to share power and data contacts on the same connector