|

Fischer Core First Mate Last Break Connectors Ensure Electrical Safety and Mechanical Reliability for Medical Devices

November 29, 2023

Fischer Core First Mate Last Break Connectors Ensure Electrical Safety and Mechanical Reliability for Medical Devices
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.

The Fischer Core FMLB connectors and associated cable assemblies are extremely robust and durable, not only mechanically but also in terms of design

Fischer Connectors has released new First Mate Last Break connectors in its low-voltage multipole Fischer Core Series, to offer outstanding levels of electrical safety, mechanical reliability and ease of use for operators of medical devices in compliance with IEC 60601-1.

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.”

Alexandra Monchatre, Markets and Products Manager at Fischer Connectors

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”.

MicroAire’s design engineer
Fischer Core First Mate Last Break connectors ensure electrical safety and mechanical reliability for medical devices
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.

More Information

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

Related Product

Fischer Connectors Enhances IIoT Connectivity with Ultra-Rugged Solutions Using Single Pair Ethernet and USB 3.2 Protocols

Fischer Connectors, a Swiss-based global leader in high-performance connectivity, releases ultra-robust Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity solutions to meet the specific requirements of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications in rugged environments.

With the increase in sensor density, actuators and controllers in Industry 4.0 and IIoT operational settings, high power levels and massive amounts of data must be securely and efficiently managed through ultra-fast transmission lines with cables running over long distances.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Building the Future of Smart Tool Manufacturing – Together

    Why now Is the time to join the AIMS ecosystem August 27, 2025 By Samuel Kirkpatrick, ANCA Senior Product Manager – AIMS The manufacturing industry is undergoing its most transformative shift in over a century. As smart automation, AI-driven production systems, and advanced robotics redefine what’s possible, manufacturers are seeking ways to scale efficiently, adapt… Read More…

  • Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

    August 19, 2025 The choice between maxon’s EC-i and ECX motor series depends on whether the application prioritizes torque or speed, rugged durability or quick responsiveness, and high load-handling capability or low-inertia performance. Both maxon product lines use brushless DC motor technology but are engineered with distinct rotor architectures and performance envelopes. This comparison outlines… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Emergent Vision Technologies Announces All EROS 10GigE Camera Models Now Shipping

    August 27, 2025 Emergent Vision Technologies is announcing that all models of the groundbreaking EROS 10GigE camera series are now officially shipping. Originally launched in December 2024, Emergent Vision Technologies says EROS is the smallest, lowest power10GigE camera in the world. “Thirty-nine new cameras across color, mono, SWIR, polarized, and UV sensors are now available… Read More…

  • Remote Display Unit Type EXCRDU2 from Lovato Electric

    August 26, 2025 LOVATO Electric expands its range of accessories for soft starters and variable speed drives with the new EXCRDU2 remote display unit. It is compatible with LOVATO Electric soft starters ADXL series and ADXNP type, as well as variable speed drives VLB series, equipped with an optional RS485 port. Up to 32 devices can be connected to the same unit, even… Read More…