Medical Grade Isolation Transformers & More

Medical-grade isolation transformers are power supplies with electrical connections isolated from the ground and other system circuits. The purpose of a medical transformer is to isolate medical equipment from power sources and to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) or equipment failure. These devices are essential for maintaining functionality for sensitive medical devices and preventing electrical shocks that could harm patients, operators, and other equipment.

Isolation transformers are highly versatile and come in several types to ensure operational continuity in diverse medical electrical systems. At MPS Industries, we design our medical-grade isolation transformers to comply with applicable safety standards as required, such as IEC 60601-1.

Here, we’ll discuss how isolation transformers are used in the medical field, the main types of medical transformers, and our product offerings.

The Purpose of Isolation Transformers in Medicine

In medical applications, isolation transformers serve as a safe and reliable power supply for an extensive range of medical devices and other health industry equipment. While isolation transformers are common in many fields, in the medical industry they perform life-saving functions, protecting patients and staff from electrical hazards, minimizing the risk of electric shock, and keeping sensitive medical equipment functioning properly.

Medical-grade isolation transformers are built to function reliably throughout a device’s entire lifespan. Some of the most common devices that require this technology include:

Telemetry devices

Vitreoretinal surgery systems

Endoscopy and other visualization systems

Surgical robots

Defibrillators

How Do Medical-Grade Isolation Transformers Work?

Medical industry transformers protect healthcare staff, patients, and equipment using one of two main mechanisms. They can achieve electrical isolation through safety grounding or double-reinforced insulation.

Safety Ground

Safety ground designs are the conventional approach for medical isolation transformers. These designs feature a thick shield positioned between the primary and secondary coils. The shield prevents electricity from jumping from one coil to another. In the rare event of failure, the transformers also feature a safety ground for added protection. The safety ground is a predetermined pathway that reroutes electricity safety to another surface, like the ground.

Double-Reinforced Insulation

Another option for medical transformers is a double-reinforced insulation design. These configurations do not feature a safety shield or safety ground but instead have a much thicker configuration of reinforced insulation materials. These layers are all thick enough to withstand high voltages so that if one layer fails, the second layer will still be able to handle the load.

Many electrical configurations use a Faraday shield to reduce leakage current to under 100 microamps. They might also use internal low-impedance isolation transformers to isolate the input line from downstream components.

Benefits of Medic Transformers

Any electrical device used in a medical setting can benefit from a medical-grade transformer. This technology makes both non-medical and medical devices more reliable and less likely to cause accidents. For medical equipment manufacturers, the benefits of implementing this essential technology include:

Versatility

Medical-grade isolation transformers can be used in virtually any type of electrical system. In addition to critical interventions and life-saving devices, they are also suitable for IT equipment, video networks, monitoring systems, and other types of technology used in medical environments.

Protects sensitive equipment

When combined with high-performance outlets and plugs, medical isolating transformers protect all types of sensitive equipment in patient settings.

Suitable for tight spaces

Since they minimize EMI and other unwanted magnetic fields, these transformers enable electrical configurations to be located near monitors.

Regulatory compliance

Our medical transformers fully comply with industry standards and safety regulations.

Design flexibility

Medical-grade isolation transformers are compact and lightweight, with few demands for safety testing in new prototypes.

Types of Medical Transformers Available

Here’s an overview of the five main types of medical transformers available to choose from depending on your medical application’s unique requirements.

Also referred to as CVTs, constant voltage transformers are a type of isolation transformer that maintains a steady voltage output when exposed to varying current levels and input voltages. These devices use an autotransformer and feedback circuit to quickly detect changes in output voltage and then make necessary adjustments. As a result, any electrical devices that are connected to the transformer receive a constant voltage.

Compared to standard isolation transformers, ultra-isolation transformers offer a higher level of electrical isolation. These devices are built using special construction techniques and advanced materials to deliver a drastic reduction in electric current transfer between input and output coils. Thus, grounding problems and unwanted electrical noise do not compromise the performance of the connected equipment. Ultra-isolation transformers are commonly used in research settings or with sensitive electronics to ensure the highest possible level of accuracy.

Drive isolation transformers are intended to power electric motors. These transformers are manufactured using unique winding techniques and specialized insulation materials to minimize the transfer of electrical noise between input and output coils. This safeguards electric motors and ensures they receive clean, consistent power without any voltage fluctuations or EMI.

Galvanic isolation transformers are a type of transformer designed to create an isolated circuit between two systems, establishing electrical isolation. They are manufactured using special winding techniques that prevent electrical current from passing through the primary and secondary coils. Galvanic isolation transformers are an effective method of protecting against electrical noise and power surges. They are a common solution for medical equipment due to their safety and reliability.

Dry isolation transformers use dry air as an insulator between two circuits or systems. These transformers achieve complete electrical isolation, preventing any current from passing through the primary and secondary coils. They are used throughout a range of medical applications, as well as industrial, telecom, and other uses.

Common Features of Medical-Grade Isolation Transformers

While transformers are used throughout numerous fields, medical-grade isolation transformers have special characteristics. Due to the critical nature of medical industry applications, medical transformers must exhibit extremely low levels of current leakage.

In addition, their construction and design must adhere to certain creepage and clearance requirements. If the transformer has a static shield for noise reduction purposes, the shield is not a safety ground but instead works as a functional earth. When grounded, the shield attenuates common mode noise and can reduce the current leakage from the primary to the secondary winding.

Medical-grade isolation transformers must also accommodate limited temperature increases. Electrical losses can increase the temperature of the electrical equipment. However, medical-grade transformers are designed not to allow temperatures to increase above a predetermined level.

Quality Medical-Grade Isolation Transformers & More by MPS

MPS Industries designs and manufactures reliable medical-grade isolation transformers for an extensive range of medical devices. Our products are designed to work safely and effectively throughout the entire length of your equipment’s lifespan. Two examples of our specialty medical transformers include:

M6210 Series RS-485: This transformer complies with medical industry isolation requirements and RoHS regulations. Upon request, we also provide UL60601 and VDE-compliant designs.

M6212 Series RS-485: This transformer complies with medical industry isolation requirements and is also available in UL6061 and VDE-compliant designs.

Our magnetic solutions can be customized according to your specifications, meeting all performance and regulatory requirements. Request a quote today to get started.