Due to the high-risk nature of medical applications, electronic equipment such as surgical devices, artificial hearts, ventilators, infusion pumps, and MRIs must be held to very high standards of safety and reliability.
For most of the world, including Europe and North America, IEC 60601-1 specifies the safety standards for medical power supplies.
The relevant safety standards for medical equipment depend upon the application, proximity to patients and operators, and the location and environment of the equipment.
The closer the physical contact between the device and the patient, the lower the permissible leakage current, or the unintended and potentially harmful electric current that may pass through the body.
Based on the parts applied to the patient or operator, medical power supplies are rated either B, BF, or CF, from least to most stringent. CF medical devices have conductive contact with the patient’s cardiac system.
To protect patients against electric shock, medical devices that come into physical contact with patients must also feature two separate insulation barriers, called means of patient protection, or MOPP.
Additionally, medical devices handled only by operators must have means of operator protection, or MOOP.
Lastly, medical equipment must be designed to combat the effects of electromagnetic interference, or EMI.
Defibrillators and MRIs are two of the greatest sources of electrical noise in medical settings. They are also highly vulnerable to any external noise.
This makes electromagnetic compatibility compliance and performance a key concern in medical applications.
Well-designed EMI filters are critical in minimizing product malfunctions and reducing potential risks to the patient.
It is critical that medical device OEMs select the correct power supply and EMI filter to comply with these standards.
Astrodyne TDI’s experienced team of engineers can help you find the ideal power solution for your medical application.
