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Medical devices must meet high quality standards. Renowned manufacturers have therefore long used Hengstler encoders, counters, and relays in their applications. The radiation-resistant components operate with high precision and require very little installation space.

Because medical devices and systems are used directly on humans, they are subject to the Medical Devices Act (MPG) and must undergo extensive testing. The approval process includes, among other things, checking whether the respective device's mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic product safety is guaranteed. The measurement accuracy – e.g., of sensors – is also subject to testing.

Encoders are radiation-resistant

Hengstler absolute encoders meet these requirements: They have a high resolution of up to 34 bits (as multiturn encoders) and are insensitive to radiation. Encoders are therefore frequently found in diagnostic systems such as CTs, MRIs, mammography machines, and proton beam therapy systems: They record the position of the imaging unit, allowing it to be precisely aligned to the body part being examined. Rotary encoders are also installed in patient beds and enable adjustment of the bed surface to within a tenth of a millimeter.

Precise Positioning of Surgical Instruments

Another application for absolute encoders is the operating room: Here, the encoders record the position of surgical instruments on surgical robots so precisely that they can even perform delicate brain surgeries without any problems. Manufacturers of surgical robots incorporate Hengstler AD35 and AD36 rotary encoders into their ACUROs, as they operate with a positioning accuracy of ±35 arc seconds and a repeatability of ±7 arc seconds. This enables the finest incisions, which are gentle on the patient and create optimal conditions for a rapid healing process. Safe Handling of Defibrillators

Hengstler counters ensure that operating time is accurately recorded in dialysis machines. This allows for optimal maintenance intervals and allows old systems to be replaced with new ones in good time before they reach their wear limit. The functional reliability of the devices is thus guaranteed at all times. Hengstler counters are also used in laboratories. The extremely compact components are installed in pipettes and display the amount of fluid aspirated. This allows samples to be precisely dosed to obtain valid test results.

Hengstler mains isolating relays are also found in medical applications. In defibrillators, for example, the relays ensure that the voltage emitted by the device cannot endanger the user or the patient. The relays comply with the EC 61810-1 and UL 508 standards and feature a 3 mm contact opening for full shutdown.