The new interconnect solution enables single-vendor sourcing and satisfies custom requirements for minimally-invasive electronic probe applications such as electro-physiology catheters, endoscopes and intravascular ultrasound – from the disposable probe to the system generator. This reduces development time and simplifies the design of new disposable electronic probes.

"By applying this high-reliability Hypertronics interconnect to the electronic probe system, Hypertronics facilitates the medical trends toward less invasive procedures, disposable probes, embedded electronics, high cycle life and sterilization," said Tom Kannally, Industry Manager – Medical Invasive Probes, Hypertronics.

From the disposable electronic probe, the Hypertronics interconnect includes a single-use connector linked to a sterilizable cable which is designed for multiple mating cycles. Hypertronics can also incorporate embedded electronics into the disposable connector or cable to meet customer requirements.

On the system generator end, the high-reliable connector can withstand up to 100,000 mating cycles. The connectors incorporate the unique Hypertac® contact system, with its very low contact resistance (<8 milliohms for small signal contacts), ideal for high-reliability medical applications. The widely acclaimed Hypertac contact technology uniquely offers a contact sleeve that is formed by wires strung at an angle to the socket's axis. When the pins are inserted into the sleeve, the wires stretch around it, providing numerous linear contact paths. The pin-into-hyperboloid-basket design delivers such advantages as low contact forces, low contact resistance, and exceptionally high mating cycles.

Higher current carrying capability, low insertion force, shock and vibration immunity, and excellent wiping action fulfill the medical requirements for hospital operating room environments. The Hypertronics interconnect conforms to the medical trends of more disposability, embedded electronics, high reliability and sterilization. The resulting reliability for the entire system assures the medical community that disposable electronic probes can be accurately and reliably used, in sterile hospital environments, with the latest electronic controls.