SYGNUS is the world’s first integrated seal and electrical contact system for medical active implantable devices. It’s a plug-and-play solution for the critical lead/connector interface, engineered to help you accelerate development and stay focused on what’s important to your business. The SYGNUS system combines reliable Bal Conn® electrical contact technology with implantable-grade silicone isolation seals, to create a connector “stack” that’s both compact and scalable. SYGNUS lets you confidently integrate proven interconnect technology and satisfy demand for smaller, more powerful devices – while eliminating the need for dual sourcing or internal component development.
Sygnus Construction
The SYGNUS system’s core technology is the ultra-reliable Bal Conn® electrical contact. Consisting of a housing made from medical-grade MP35N® nickel alloy and a platinum-iridium or MP35N® Bal Spring canted coil spring, the contact offers low insertion force and ultra-low electrical impedance (<100 mΩ). It provides multi-point conductivity, and compensates for both misalignment and mating surface irregularities.
Bal Conn housings are typically cylindrical, but their geometry can be customized to incorporate features that aid in retention and simplify assembly processes. The Bal Conn is also available in a form factor that combines Bal Spring technology with a thinner housing configuration to lower electrical impedance, further reduce axial pitch, and conserve valuable header space.
Between the SYGNUS system’s contacts, precision-engineered silicone seals provide superior fluid and dielectric isolation, preventing leakage and current transfer that could cause device malfunction or failure.
SYGNUS is engineered to minimize axial pitch, allowing for greater connector density in less space. Pitch distance, housing diameter, spring diameter and housing geometry are completely customizable. The SYGNUS system’s contact designs are subjected to comprehensive force testing, and its sealing components are packaged to critical clean standards.
Sygnus Sizes
The SYGNUS implantable contact system plays a big role in the consistent, reliable operation of active medical implantables. But it keeps a very low profile, managing more power in less space than any other leading interconnect technology. With our advanced manufacturing processes, we can produce these systems with inside diameters ranging from 0.028 in (.7mm) to .197 in (5mm).
Sygnus Functions
In devices used to deliver cardiac rhythm management and neuromodulation therapies, the SYGNUS implantable contact system enables the transmission of power from the device battery and electronics to the lead. The highly conductive Bal Spring® canted coil spring in each contact aligns with electrodes on the lead, reliably and consistently managing electrical pulses. The system’s silicone seals help prevent fluid ingress, and ensure that channels with different functions don’t interfere with one another. While the SYGNUS system is typically incorporated into the device header, it’s also an ideal solution for inline connections that allow for faster, safer lead replacement.
Sygnus Materials
The springs and housings in our SYGNUS system are available in a range of implantable-grade, biocompatible materials.
Housing Materials Include:
- MP35N®
- MEDICAL GRADE TITANIUM
- STAINLESS STEEL (302, 316, 316L)
- PLATINUM IRIDIUM
Spring Materials Include:
- MP35N®
- PLATINUM IRIDIUM
Seal Materials Include:
- IMPLANTABLE-GRADE SILICONE
Sygnus Configurations
Since every SYGNUS system is designed to meet the unique requirements of your application, we don’t stock a “standard” size and type. But we do maintain a database of designs that meet current standards for IS-4, DF-4, and VAD, as well as common neuromodulation requirements. These can serve as a baseline for accelerated customization. The individual contact can accommodate lead diameters as small as 0.7 mm, and its housing geometry can be adjusted to incorporate retention features.
Sygnus for Neuromodulation
Service type: Bi-directional
Lead diameter (mm): 1.30
Breakout force max (N): 0.70 to 1.20
Running force (N): 0.07 to 0.40
Housing materials: MP35N®, 316L, medical grade titanium, platinum iridium
Spring material: Platinum iridium
Static dry contact resistance (mΩ): 40 to 600 (nominal), +/- 15 to +/- 200 (tolerance)
Feature: Compact size
Benefit: Allows for increased number of connections in series
Sygnus for IS-4/DF-4/VAD Cardiac Applications
Service type: Bi-directional
Lead diameter (mm): 3.20
Breakout force max (N): 2.70
Running force (N): 0.25 to 0.75
Housing materials: MP35N®, platinum iridium
Spring material: MP35N®, platinum iridium
Static dry contact resistance (mΩ): 30 to 80 (nominal), +/- 20 to +/- 50 (tolerance)
Feature: More points of contact
Benefit: Reduced contact resistance
Sygnus for IS-4/DF-4
Service type: Uni-directional
Lead diameter (mm): 3.20
Breakout force max (N): 2.70
Running force (N): 0.50 to 1.00
Housing materials: MP35N®
Spring material: MP35N®
Static dry contact resistance (mΩ): 80 (nominal), +/- 50 (tolerance)
Feature: Axial spring design
Benefit: Low contact resistance
This data is presented for comparative purposes only, and it represents the performance of our contact under specific design parameters. Results may vary depending on application requirements and other factors.
Sygnus Spring Force
At the heart of the SYGNUS system is our proven Bal Spring® canted coil spring technology. Our spring exerts a near-constant force across the working deflection range, and its forces remain consistent. The spring resists compression set, and its individual coils compensate for misalignment, tolerance variations, and mating surface irregularities. Its multiple coils also provide contact redundancy.
Sygnus Applications
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