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EdgeStack medical connector

EdgeStack Medical Connectors

Enabling innovative catheter designs, EdgeStack Medical Connectors deliver high-density, modular connectivity that reduces size, cost and development time. These connectors overcome the challenges of ensuring durability and high-density connectivity in compact medical devices by combining a protected contact interface with a modular, small-footprint design. A robust and cost-effective disposable connector solution, EdgeStack connectors are ideal for improving device reliability and patient outcomes.

Current Operating Temperature Durability Contact Resistance
0.5A per contact -25 to +65°C 1,000 cycles < 12 milliohms

Card Edge Connectors

EdgeStack Medical Card Edge Connector.

Connector Housings

EdgeStack Medical Connector Plug Assembly.

Features and Benefits


As devices increasingly require more signals, electrodes and advanced capabilities, engineers seek compact designs that accommodate robust and adaptable connector solutions. Most traditional connectors able to meet increased signal demands are bulky and expensive, leading to less ergonomic catheter designs, high manufacturing costs and long development timelines. Because healthcare markets focus on affordability, engineers must deliver economical solutions for disposable components while maintaining superior quality.

Engineers require compact, modular designs that integrate high-density contacts without increasing the overall size, weight or cost. Additionally, customizable designs are essential to meet the diverse criteria of medical devices. Designers also need durable connectors resistant to damage during handling and operation, which helps reduce failure rates and extend a product’s life cycle.

Leveraging a large contact count in a small footprint, EdgeStack Medical Connectors utilize high-density card edge connector technology to enable advanced catheter functionality. These connectors provide a modular, semi off-the-shelf connector platform that allows rapid platform design and tooling cost reduction. Enabling an ergonomic, compact device design, durable EdgeStack Medical Connectors shorten development timelines, reduce upfront costs and accelerate time to market.

High-Density Card Edge Connector

Traditional connectors for catheters are too bulky or expensive to scale with added functionality. EdgeStack Medical Connectors offer a dense contact configuration that enables significantly more signals in a smaller footprint, a transformative improvement for complex catheters.

EdgeStack card edge modular solutions for various contact configurations.

Modular Semi Off-the-Shelf Design

Unlike fully custom or fully off-the-shelf connectors, EdgeStack Medical Connectors provide a modular approach that balances rapid customization with cost-effective tooling. This reduces long development cycles and tooling expenses, which can often lead to overlooked and costly bottlenecks.

EdgeStack medical connector demonstrates flexibility with multiple card edge configurations.

Durability and Autoclave Compatibility

Most connectors and cable assemblies are single-use or fragile, leading to high recurring costs. EdgeStack Medical Connectors support reusable cables that withstand multiple sterilization cycles, offering sustainability and cost-saving advantages.

EdgeStack medical connector with durable, autoclave-compatible plastic shell.

Provides a modular solution to minimize redesign costs
Modules can be utilized in a customer-specified shell, combined for various total contact configurations or functions, and modified as needed to maximize time savings.

Enables design flexibility to overcome performance constraints
Customizable solutions meet diverse application needs, enhancing design adaptability with multiple card edge configurations, including high-density signal and high-voltage contact designs.

Provides cost savings
A cost-effective, durable plastic shell and PCB mating enable side-mating connectors to quickly adapt to their platforms, reducing tooling costs and shortening development timelines.

Ensures exceptional reliability and durability, avoiding impairment
EdgeStack connectors encapsulate the conductors within the PCB material, protecting the contact from damage or crushing during handling and use

Datasheets and Guides


Applications by Industry


Cardiovascular Catheter Component Technology Design
Diagnostics/Imaging Equipment
Electrophysiology
Endoscopy Equipment
General Medical Equipment 

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are EdgeStack Medical Connectors?

EdgeStack Medical Connectors are compact, modular card edge connectors offering durable cost-effective disposable options, protected contact interfaces and customizable high-density configurations. These connectors help ensure reliable, compliant designs that accelerate development, reduce costs and enhance functionality for advanced medical devices.

Are EdgeStack Medical Connectors customizable?

Yes, EdgeStack Medical Connectors can be customized for specific designs. For example, selective contact loading and different module counts can be considered.

What voltage can this connector handle?

Contacts next to each other on the same side of a board are rated for 150V DC, while those on different sides of the board can support up to 1,500V DC. Contacts in different bays or that are arranged module to module can handle up to 3,500V DC. An evaluation of the electrical specifications is recommended for the best application configuration.​

How many mating cycles can this product support?

EdgeStack Medical Connectors offer two optional mating halves. The first is an FR4 board (or similar) designed for disposable or very low cycle‑count applications. The FR4 side is rated for approximately 10 to 20 mating cycles, while the EdgeStack module side is rated for 1,000 cycles. The second is a stamped paddle card designed for a high mate‑life interface with the card edge connector. Both the stamped paddle card side and the EdgeStack module side are rated for 5,000+ mating cycles.

What is the minimum pin count supported with this product family?

It is best to work with a minimum of 16 contacts for optimal handling.