Electronics

Subscribe to this RSS Feed

A sniffing-based device developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel may enable disabled people to navigate wheelchairs or communicate with loved ones. The system identifies changes in air pressure inside the nostrils and translates these into electrical signals. In the future, researchers predict that this technology may even be used to create a "third hand" to assist healthy surgeons or pilots.
Read More >>

Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain relates to behavior, emotion, and cognition. Clinical neuropsychologists evaluate the behavioral effects of neurological and developmental disorders stemming from brain injury, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Millions of Americans are currently living with these cognitive disorders, including a growing number of veterans returning from Iraq with brain injuries. The disorders often result in cognitive impairments that make it difficult to plan daily activities and stay on task, affecting independence, quality of life, and employment.
Read More >>

TDK-Lambda (San Diego, CA) has introduced the NVM175 series of medically approved AC-DC power supplies. Combining 4.5 kVac reinforced input to output isolation with dual input fusing and an output-to-ground isolation of 1500 Vac, the NVM175 meets UL/EN/IEC60601-1 and is suitable for use in BF (Body Floating) type medical applications (e.g. ultrasound, ECG, patient monitors, etc.) It offers a compact 5" × 3" footprint with less than 1U height (1.02" high component height), and universal AC input. It is rated at 180 W at 50 °C with user supplied air flow. Leakage current is 80 μA maximum with 120 Vac/60Hz input. Available with either 12 or 24 V output voltage (with 12V/0.2A standby), the NVM175 achieves up to 90% efficiency, less than 1 W standby power, and RoHs and REACH compliance. Standard features include a power good signal, remote on/off, remote sense, and protection from over-current, over-voltage, and over-temperature conditions.
Read More >>

This technology monitors input and effort, and instantly adapts the device to real-world conditions.

A computer-controlled, programmable control interface allows safe, intuitive manual control for motorized wheelchairs that operate in variable terrain. The key feature of this technology is its proprietary computer program that enables an operator to manage a load as if it were light and on a smooth level surface, no matter what the real-world load or grade is. Operation is completely intuitive and does not require manipulation of throttle and/or brakes.

Read More >>

Interpower (Oskaloosa, IA) has introduced a medical socket strip with an attached hospital-grade power cord and six NEMA hospital-grade outlets. It features a manual reset circuit breaker, no inlet or outlet covers, and no connector locks. It is rated for a maximum of 15A with service at 125V. The attached power cord can be ordered in lengths up to 25 ft.

Read More >>

The MTB080 Series switch mode power supply from International Components Corporation (Chicago, IL) features a power density of 12.5 watts per cubic inch. It measures 2 × 4 × 1" and is suitable for medical applications with limited space and little to no airflow. The MTB080 series delivers 80 watts of continuous output power with convection cooling which rises to 100 watts with just 5 CFM of forced air. The 80-watt series also delivers a long holdup time for reliable operation at more than 28 ms at any input voltage. It features a leading edge converter efficiency of up to 91% at 230VAC (input to output), and 120% peak power for up to 500 ms.
Read More >>

The need to minimize healthcare costs is creating greater demand for equipment that, among other things, improves and expands patient diagnostics, both inside and outside healthcare facilities. For example, portable medical instruments such as glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, and oxygen meters can be designed with communication capabilities to provide continuous information to caregivers almost anywhere. Smaller handheld devices can also improve various diagnostic procedures in dentistry and medical offices. In addition, these smaller portable devices can improve the quality of life for patients who use them. While such devices hold the promise of improved care at lower cost, they require advanced technologies that allow greater miniaturization to further improve portability and functionality.
Read More >>