Fischer Connectors’ new First Mate Last Break connectors are available in two sizes (‘size 104’ with a 15 mm diameter plug, and ‘size 1031’ with a 13 mm diameter plug) and three mixed low-voltage configurations (one with 12 contacts, two with 14 contacts). The longer ‘FMLB’ contact for ground is shown in red.

As its name denotes, First Mate Last Break (FMLB) ensures the permanent ground presence of an electrical system through a longer pin in the plug that “mates first and breaks last” with the system’s receptacle to avoid risky electrical safety conditions. For example, it protects from electrostatic discharge (ESD), allowing any stray voltage to be routed to a safe ground so as to prevent harm to the operator and the voltage-sensitive equipment.

The new Fischer Core FMLB connectors are available in two sizes (‘size 104’ with a 15 mm diameter plug, and ‘size 1031’ with a 13 mm diameter plug), and three mixed low-voltage configurations. Fischer Core 104 A 130 and Fischer Core 1031 A 105 feature 14 pins: 3x 0.9 mm power contacts for a maximum current of 9.5 A for size 104 / 8.1 A for size 1031, and 11x 0.5 mm data contacts (incl. a longer FMLB contact for ground) for 5 Gbit/s Ethernet. As for the Fischer Core 104 A 131 connector, it features 12x power and data contacts of 0.5 mm (incl. the ground/FMLB longer contact) for 4.2 A and 5 Gbit/s Ethernet.

The Fischer Core FMLB connectors and associated cable assemblies are extremely robust and durable, not only mechanically but also in terms of design. They are IP68 sealed, resist autoclave sterilization and corrosion (1,000 hours of salt mist, 5% salt solution, 35 °C), offer long lasting lifecycles with 10,000 mating cycles, and their rugged keying and locking systems ensure safe connections at all times.

“In addition to its robustness, our flagship Fischer Core Series is well-known for its versatility”, explains Alexandra Monchatre, Markets and Products Manager at Fischer Connectors. “Not only in terms of contact configurations, body sizes and materials, but also in terms of locking systems, i.e., push-pull, tamperproof, quick-release and friction fit. This facilitates design engineers’ lives, particularly when it comes to addressing the various needs of medical device users. A single device may use two different types of locking mechanisms depending on whether a connector is used to connect a handpiece or a control console.”

This is precisely the case of the Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) System from MicroAire Surgical Instruments, which uses four Fischer Core First Mate Last Break connectors and a 12-feet silicone overmolded cable assembly resisting autoclave. The system’s handpiece uses a connector with a push-pull locking mechanism, whereas the console uses a connector with a friction fit on the same cable assembly to accommodate its end-users’ various needs. In the dedicated case study available on Fischer Connectors’ website, MicroAire’s design engineer explains why they opted for FMLB connectivity: “We want the ground of the cable to be always on, to mate first, so the system is within a ground presence all the time, and to break last, for signal integrity and electrical safety reasons. Without the presence of ground, we have floating signals which, from a signal integrity point of view, might cause numerous electrical artifacts that are impossible to predict (crosstalk, capacitive coupling, EMI problems, etc.), in addition to risky electrical safety conditions”.


The console of MicroAire’s PAL System features two Fischer Core 104 A 130 receptacles mating first and breaking last with the handpiece cable plug’s longer pin. The Fischer Core A 131 FMLB receptacle of the pedal is installed between the two instrument receptacles.

• Full case study: MicroAire Surgical Instruments: Fischer Core First Mate Last Break connectors ensure electrical safety, signal integrity and mechanical reliability

Fischer Connectors’ press release and images (© Conextivity Group 2023) can be downloaded in the press kit here (Dropbox).

www.fischerconnectors.com



Fischer Connectors is part of Conextivity Group.

Fischer Connectors produces solutions for ecosystems requiring local transfer and management of data, signals and power. Its electronic solutions, connectors and cable assemblies are trusted globally for their reliability, durability and precision in demanding environments such as the medical, defense and security, instrumentation, robotics and industrial sectors.
www.fischerconnectors.com

Conextivity Group is a global technology group offering high-performance connectivity solutions that manage power and data flows seamlessly from sensors and devices to the cloud and AI, enabling the emergence of new transverse and scalable ecosystems. With nearly 700 people worldwide, one Group R&D center located in Switzerland and supported by regional hubs, and six manufacturing sites, the Swiss-headquartered group is a full-service connectivity partner comprising two business activities: Fischer Connectors and Wearin’. Wearin’ creates IoT wearable solutions that enhance safety and efficiency by improving situational awareness and coordination of connected humans including lone workers, firefighters and first responders.
www.conextivity.com




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