Simplifying Selection And Improving Reliability Of Medical Device Passive Components

By Patrick Gormally

Passive components are produced on automated equipment in large-scale manufacturing facilities with good process controls to reduce lot to lot variability. Passive components used in medical devices require higher levels of reliability and performance in small sizes than the industry average. The purpose of this article is to provide fundamental concepts that can be used to select passive components for medical device applications with proven reliability based on established military (MIL) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) test requirements and specifications.