The patented design is intended to reduce maintenance by supporting over 100,000 mating cycles and minimizing contamination sensitivity.
Nortech Systems, a provider of digital connectivity solutions and data management engineering, announced it has been granted a patent for its non-magnetic expanded beam fiber optic cables, intended to deliver reliable performance in high magnetic-field environments such as MRI systems.
According to the company, the patented solution integrates optical and electrical elements in a hybrid cabling design. Instead of using traditional physical contact connectors, the cables utilize advanced lenses to expand, collimate, and refocus light beams. Nortech states this results in reduced contamination impact, enhanced reliability, and improved insertion loss performance.
Built with non-magnetic materials including aluminum, titanium, and silver, Nortech says the cables support over 100,000 mating cycles. The fiber optic cables are designed for use in several sectors, including medical imaging to support interference-free data transmission in MRI systems and other advanced imaging environments.
“Our non-magnetic expanded beam fiber optic patent redefines innovation in connectivity,” says Jay D. Miller, president and CEO, in a release.
Key features of the design, according to the company, include:
- Hybrid Cabling Solution – Simultaneously delivers electro-optical signals, control, data, and timing.
- Non-Magnetic Components – Ensures performance in environments with high magnetic interference.
- Extended Mating Cycle Reliability – Rated for more than 100,000 cycles.
- Resilient Performance – Optical design minimizes the impact of dust, contaminants, and vibration.
Nortech says the patent represents a step toward sustainability by reducing maintenance needs and improving durability and performance. The company also highlights the solution’s lighter weight and faster performance compared to copper-interconnect systems.
In the announcement, Nortech noted that tariffs may impact contract manufacturers with facilities in China and Mexico. “While the company continues to invest in new technologies, such as non-magnetic expanded beam technology, we are closely monitoring any potential changes that could affect our operations and the operations of our customers,” says Miller in a release. “Much of our production work globally takes a near-shoring approach to build products in-country, for-country. This allows Nortech to better serve customers with reduced shipping costs and time, while limiting the adverse impact of tariffs.”
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