To measure up to applications in the signal path of a high resolution medical imaging board, a relay needs to achieve exceptional standards of performance - as well as compact and low profile.
Barco, internationally-recognised experts in signal processing, engineered its new PIRUSA board as a multifunctional, single-slot PCI board. It combines standard imaging functionality with frame grabbing and graphics overlay for use in modality image measurement and image-guided interventions. One of its top selling points is that the image quality of the combined signal shows no degradation in comparison with the original modality image.
Whilst normally used for PC image overlay, the board features a 'relay mode' where the modality signal is fed through direct to the display to allow monitoring to continue if the PC is not powered up. Relays are used to connect the video input to the video output when the PC is powered down.
Every component in the signal path is a potential source of degradation: and the quality of the resulting signal is limited by the performance of the poorest component. Each device, therefore, needs to measure up to their particularly exacting standards, and when it came to the signal relays, Barco's choice was Omron's G6K.
Barco engineers specified based on the frequency behaviour (return loss, isolation and insertion loss) up to 100 MHz. The G6K's return loss of up to 30 dB, insertion loss of around 0,18 dB maximum and isolation of 47 dB were more than adequate in this application (see Figure). A further consideration was space and power: with seven relays on the board, the real estate swallowed up by these devices, and the power used (and hence heat generated), were real considerations. A surface mount relay for auto-placement and soldering was clearly essential.
The exceptionally small size of the relays (6,5 mm x 10 mm), low power (100 mW coil, using 70% of the power of alternatives) and low height of 5,2 mm all counted in the G6K's favour.
Medical imaging is a particularly exacting application, requiring exceptional standards of reliability and performance. Omron's newest generation of relays have been designed with exactly this level of application in mind.
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