Products
Revolutionising medical device design: the role of advanced thermal solutions
Direct Insight announces lowest price SoM with STM32MP1 performance and wide range of connectivity options
Direct Insight, the UK-based technical systems integrator and reseller of system-on-module (SoM) and other embedded systems can now deliver tiny, low-cost QSMP-13 solder-down
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly seeking out sophisticated thermal solutions to improve the performance of medical devices. With over 2 million different medical devices across the global market, according to WHO, the design of these critical devices must be perfect. In this article, Andy Selvy, chief systems designer at industrial heating technology manufacturer Watlow, delves into the transition from traditional heaters to advanced, layered heater technologies in medical device design.
The critical role of thermal management in medical devices Thermal management within medical devices, clinical diagnostics instruments and analytical instruments involves the sophisticated control of temperatures to prevent overheating and ensure devices operate within their optimal performance range. Proper thermal regulation is vital because even the slightest of deviations can lead to device failure, diminished treatment effectiveness, or serious risks to user safety.
Effective thermal management is crucial for devices that generate significant heat during operation or that use heat as part of therapeutic treatments. Examples include maintaining body-temperature fluids in dialysis machines and regulating the temperature of surgical tools to avoid tissue damage. This precise temperature control is essential for the success of treatments and the safety of patients.
Addressing the challenges
The introduction of sophisticated heating technologies into medical devices brings a set of complex challenges that must be carefully managed. Advanced heating solutions must not only provide effective temperature control but also ensure safety, requiring rigorous testing and adherence to international safety standards such as IEC 60601-1-11. This regulatory standard outlines specific safety requirements for medical electrical equipment.
Achieving high thermal efficiency is essential to prevent overheating, enhance energy efficiency and minimise operational costs. This involves optimising heat transfer capabilities, improving insulation and selecting materials that exhibit excellent thermal properties. Each of these factors plays a critical role in the development of safe and effective medical devices.
Furthermore, the development of cutting-edge thermal solutions can be both complex and costly. Manufacturers must balance these factors with the need to produce affordable medical devices. This balance is crucial to ensure that advanced medical technologies remain accessible to healthcare providers and patients alike. Balancing cost and complexity requires innovative design strategies, efficient manufacturing processes and careful material selection to ensure the final product is both effective and economically viable for the market.
www.watlow.com 48 September 2024
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
QFN-style System-on-Module SoMs featuring the STMicro STM32MP135C. Commented David Pashley, CEO of Direct Insight: “The QSMP-13 is our lowest-cost module, with a volume price of close to £20. Despite that, it’s got a good range of interfaces and is available as a solder down module which makes it very easy to design in: developers can even create a simple 2-layer baseboard.” Manufactured by Direct Insight’s long-standing partner, Ka-Ro Electronics, the QSMP module family’s STM32MP1 processors deliver both high performance via the QSMP- 15’s STM32MP157A with dual 650MHz ARM Cortex-A7 core and GPU, and very low cost thanks to the STM32MP135C single core version – the QSMP-13. Also included are RAM, Flash memory and power management. All modules offer an extended temperature spec of -25°C to +85°C, single 3.3-5V supply and production-ready Linux BSP within a Yocto package.
www.directinsight.co.uk
Panasonic Energy presents new nickel metal hydride battery system for railway vehicles at Innotrans fair
At InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, from September 24 to 27, Panasonic Energy will present, for the first time, its new nickel-metal hydride battery system for railway vehicles at Hall 15.1, Booth No. 180. The new modular Ni-MH battery system is engineered to provide an auxiliary power supply for railway vehicles, offering a range of features that sets it apart from traditional systems. Key features of the Ni-MH battery system include its compact and scalable design, allowing for flexible mounting on vehicles. This not only saves space but also contributes to improved efficiency and performance. Additionally, the system boasts a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing downtime. Maintenance-free and equipped with a remote monitoring function, the Ni-MH battery system enables easy diagnosis and monitoring, enhancing operational reliability and safety. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for electrolyte refilling, offering a hassle-free solution for railway operators. If desired, the system can also replace an existing battery system running on Nickel Cadmium batteries.
https://industry.panasonic.eu/company/newsroom/new-nickel- metal-hydride-battery-system-for-railway-vehicles
NeoMesh wireless sensor networks enable easy monitoring of remote Australian farm assets
NeoCortec, the experts on wireless connectivity and providers of ultra-low-power bi-directional wireless mesh network hardware and software solutions, is working together with Australian company farmIT to enable easy monitoring of remote Australian farm assets like livestock water troughs, boundary gates, water tanks, diesel tanks, rainfall, etc. Neocortec’s ultra-low power, scalable and easy-to-install wireless mesh network technology simplifies installation and reduces operational costs for Australian farmers dramatically. "The labor- intensive process of manually checking livestock water
supplies and other farm assets can be prohibitively expensive. NeoMesh presents a low-power, cost-effective solution perfect for the scale of Australian farms," says Luke Mitchell, CEO of farmIT. farmIT’s system uses NeoCortec's long-range radio modules integrated with sensors on each watering point, efficiently channelling data to a central hub. This data is then transmitted to the cloud via an existing internet connection, completely eliminating the need for any costly communication network.
www.neocortec.com
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