If you're wondering how o find the power power supply, check out this guide to help make your decision simple!

Why is power so important for medical devices. Join us as we explore what makes power supplies, batteries and chargers so important for medical devices.

Join us for a deep dive into the pros and cons of Direct Current (DC) connectors. have a project that requires a DC connector? Find your perfect match here!

Introduction

INDEPENDENT POWER SUPPLY FOR MEDICAL EXOSKELETONS A FRIWO systems solution in practice Finally being able to walk again. ExoAtlet, the renowned medical technology company, wants to grant that exact wish to its patients with physical disabilities. The specially designed and built exoskeleton allows people who have been confined to a wheelchair to stand freely, and without assistance, for the first time since their disability – and not only stand, but walk! The “ExoAtlet II” skeleton allows the wearer to move at different speeds as well as across different types of terrain without being hindered by stairs or other obstacles.

Selection and operation of a battery charger

Switchmode Power Supplies vs Linear Power Supplies The vast majority of low voltage external power supplies sold globally these days are switching (switchmode) units, as opposed to the original Linear technology, which is only considered appropriate for certain niche markets due to it’s inability to meet required efficiency standards. In this article we will explore just some of the technical aspects & features and benefits of Switchmode topology vs Linear.

The micro USB connector has been the most common connector for plug top devices for the last few years, but as with everything the times are changing. This is where the Type-C USB has started to step in, with more and more pieces of tech coming with a Type-C charger rather than the old favourite. So the question is why? If the old micro USB isn’t broken then why ‘fix’ it? 

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that will be used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.

What is MDR? Medical Device Regulation MDR is a new regulation issued by the European Parliament and the council of medical devices. It is replacing previous medical device directives 90/385/EEC and 93/42/EEC. The requirements of the new regulation are more complex than previously and are different per product. The vast majority of products are subject to new labelling and documentation requirements, such as; • Requirements for a unique device identification number (UDI) • Traceability of products The new requirements specified by the MDR cover each role played by differing companies on the supply chain, meaning at each step there are new responsibilities to be aware of. When does the MDR come into play? The MDR was initially due to begin the transition in May of this year but due to the global pandemic it is has been postponed to 26th May 2021. This transition deadline has to be met by all companies and suppliers by the date. What does MDR mean for power supplies?

From December 20, 2020, the IEC 62368-1 is set to take over from the IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065 for the new standard for ICT and AV equipment. It brings together two separate standards linking terminologies and key engineering tenets, this new standard will become law and be used throughout Europe and USA. In Europe, the transition will be rapid and the expectation for all equipment to meet these new standards will be expected. Whereas, in the USA the transition will be slower starting with new submissions matching the standards and some existing products not having to be re-reviewed. Why the change? The IEC 62368-1 is a unified and smoother set of standards to follow internationally. It is here to revolutionise the approach for basic hazard safety, as new types of affordable products have emerged for use both leisurely and for business. Due to the constant changing state and technological advances blurs the lines between AV and ICT are blurred meaning the standards should begin to overlap

In a best effort to reduce our carbon footprint within the UK we are aiming to ban the sale and production of diesel, petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars. Due to this, consumers will only be able to buy vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen. Just under 1/3 of our carbon emissions in the UK come from transport, whether that be personal or public. By removing the public’s access to cars that can produce emissions the government can control the public transport and how energy efficient that is. There are already several electric bus companies including some in our own area. The Law Since 2009 the previous government started to get the wheels turning on electric vehicles becoming the norm. However, the real impact came from the announcement of a legal ban on all non-electric or hydrogen cars being created from 2035, which had been moved forward from 2040. This does not mean you will have to get rid of your petrol car, but it does mean that any car you wish to purchase from this point will be electric

Apart from the top printing, structurally from the outside they are identical, however the internal architecture is significantly different!

The sale and production of power supplies depends on the range of relevant safety standards in each individual region. These standards are in place to protect each user from risks of fire, injury and electric shock. Each and every power supply must meet the standards based in the area, and there are a high volume of standards, markings and agencies to understand. 

IEC60601-1 4th edition is concerned with the intended use of a product, and it’s safe operation in the intended environment – so while it is correct that a very large amount of clinical equipment used in a hospital must fulfill the requirements for IEC60601-1 medical approval, the application itself is the determining factor, the extent of patient contact and where it is to be used.  IEC60601-1 defines the environment as either professional or home healthcare, dependent upon a number of factors such as whether trained clinicians are constantly present, and whether anyone lives on the premises. Thus it is quite clear that any and all medically certified devices, irrespective or where they might be plugged in need to meet the latest medical power supply approval standards. In fact the EMC requirements for home use are more stringent than within the monitored environment, the thinking being that at home a medical power supply could be plugged in adjacent to a very ‘noisy’ appliance such as a microwave oven,