Present for the first time at COMPAMED in 2009, NICOMATIC specializes in the development and manufacture of interconnect solutions and metal dome switching technology for all types of man/machine interfaces.

NICOMATIC connectors are produced using materials that meet the highest test standards in the industry and are constructed using military-grade materials (MIL-DTL-83513: microminiature connectors & MIL-DTL-55302F: connectors (plugs and receptacles) for printed circuit subassembly) - such as beryllium copper, special PPS Polyphenylene sulphide fibreglass filled thermoplastic and various other - to guarantee that the medical industry's quality and reliability demands are met. Pins and sockets are made of beryllium copper and tails and contact area of copper alloy that is plated with nickel and gold. Insulators are moulded using a fibreglass-filled thermoplastic that exceeds most temperature and chemical requirements in the industry, that has no humidity absorption, shows high radiation resistance and is oxygen free. Specific application testing and certification for performance is all that remains to ensure that the final design meets medical application requirements.

The challenges manufacturers and designers face in the rapidly evolving landscape of the electromedical devices are numerous. As devices get smaller, tighter and more compact there tend to be increasing issues about safety too. System designers are looking for connector companies that can deliver the best interconnection system moving into new miniaturized, highly dense, portable systems but also into medical instrumentation that needs more functions in smaller space and higher security level.

NICOMATIC is focused towards innovation and yearly invests 15% of its turnover in R&D & new production equipment. In the sole year 2009, the company launched no less than 9 new products and deposited patents and trademarks. Almost all reply to the electronic miniaturization problematic and also to high level requirements for interconnect systems that withstand the most demanding use conditions. Here are a few examples. Generally speaking, NICOMATIC connectors - whether flexible or rigid - can save design time and minimize costs in medical applications.

The newly launched Micro-D Mix connector series DMM is a ruggedized connector system with high density, mixed-layout & metal shield for extremely harsh use. It offers a higher density and lower profile than Micro-D, high modularity, anti-shock function, EMI protection by built-in shielding or grounding, and high resistance to exterior factors.

The existing CMM micro-connectors have built-in screwjacks for extreme vibration resistance and encompass a range of other options including polarisation, PCB fixing hardware and 94 UL VO rated plastic backshells for applications ranging from wire-to-wire and wire-to-equipment through to surface mount or press-fit on PCBs. Male screened straight and right angled, and female screened crimp connectors are available. Screen continuity is assured by the use of spring finger contacts. Resistance to radiation has to be pointed out.

The NICOMATIC housing material is durable, and able to withstand temperatures of up to 260�C.

The Microflex harness solution is a new flex to card standard launched by Nicomatic. It ensures a high mechanical link & electrical continuity between CMM micro-connectors and flat cable CRIMPFLEX technology mastered by the connector company. Some of the advantages are a lower weight (gain up to -30% compared to bulky cables), smaller space-factor (2mm pitch), flat & thin solution vs. discrete wire, high reliability, and superior assembly process too (a press release for each of the mentioned products is available - contact us).

The new 4D floating connector allows 4D tolerance absorption in blind mating connections for racks, in flex links in card to card modules and in chassis mount.

At the same time components for MMI applications such as SWITCH'AIR metal domes, dome arrays, SMT domes, tactile & pinching switches (P-SWITCH and T-SWITCH are applicable to a growing number of medical devices comprising a man/machine interface. These components, all manufactured by Nicomatic, are thin, resistant reliable and long lasting over time.