Medical devices play a vital role in patient care and hospital operations, and depending on their setting and purpose, need to be able to withstand various conditions and environments while remaining safe for the patient. In this blog, we’ll talk about functionality requirements for medical device power supplies, and what manufacturers should consider when choosing their power supply units (PSUs).
Durability
Hospitals are bustling places, and all components of a medical device need to be durable to withstand the occasional bumps, drops, and potentially even spills. Medical device components, including power supplies, need to have certain safeguards in place to limit the level of risk from incidents that are likely to happen in specified settings.
Portability
Many medical devices need to be brought from room to room or need to be portable via a rolling cart within the room. PSUs need to support easy portability to make the devices more accessible to more patients.
Quiet
Overheating can cause medical devices to malfunction or pose a danger to operators and patients. A medical device power supply should have fans for cooling, but also needs to consider the noise levels of the equipment to remain both safe and comfortable in patient environments.
Performance
Accurate data collection and analysis are essential for modern medical equipment, particularly the wave of AI-enabled medical devices that are likely to hit the market in the coming years. Good medical device power supplies need to be able to provide clean, stable power to devices. Voltage fluctuations can cause disruptions that lead to safety hazards and compromises in data integrity. PSUs also need to accommodate equipment with various power needs through different output options.
Emerging Technology
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other high-performance computing are becoming more popular. Power supplies need to support remote monitoring and diagnostics, wireless connections, and graphic-intensive systems. While commercial power supplies may be able to keep up with some trends, it’s hard to say whether they can do this while remaining compliant with medical-grade requirements.
Choosing a Medical Device Power Supply
Manufacturers can choose a commercial power supply for their medical devices. However, these PSUs often lack important features and compliance that come standard with a medical-grade power supply.
RAM Technologies medical device power supplies have IEC 60601-1 and electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC) compliance, cabling customized to your specifications, and MultiLoop Technology that improves reliability and reduces stress loading – an ideal feature for high-power medical device applications. We provide two means of patient protection (2 x MOPP). We also have a much lower leakage current compared to what’s allowable for commercial power supplies.
By prioritizing safety, reliability, and data connectivity, medical device power supplies play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of medical equipment. Their functionality ultimately provides better patient care.
If you have questions about our medical device power supplies, contact us today.
RAM Technologies’ power supplies are 60601-1 3.2 certified. When you’re designing your medical device and need help with a PSU, contact us for details.
More Resources:
What the FDA Moving to IEC 60601-1 3.2 Means for Manufacturers
Downloadable Guide to IEC 60601-1
EMC Compliance Testing for Medical Devices
