Basics of Harsh-Environment Membrane Switches Aid Medical Devices

Electronic devices and circuits are important tools for healthcare and for a wide range of medical applications. Medical electronics can help improve the quality of life in addition to extending life itself. Membrane switches are widely used in medical equipment for applications such as hospital bed controls, ultrasound systems, x-ray systems, patient monitoring, dialysis equipment, thermometers, scales, lighting systems, pharmaceutical delivery devices, and portable/wearable devices.

In this guide we’ll review some of the special medical electronics requirements and show how they match up with membrane switches in those applications.