When it comes to single and multi-pin electrical connectors on medical devices, designers want them to be easily inserted and removed, resist shocks and vibrations, have low contact resistance, and maintain reliable electrical contact. Engineers at Hypertronics, Hudson, Mass., (hypertronics.com) have developed the Hypertac contact system that is said to meet all these needs. It looks like a Chinese finger trap made up of at least five wires. More wires can be used if the anticipated current load will be high. It lines the female portion of the connection and will handle more than 100,000 insertion/removal cycles without degrading. The wires are permanently deflected to ensure good electrical contact, and the use of several wires increases the total contact area. Low contact resistance reduces the voltage drop across the connector which in turn reduces power consumption and heat generation. The low mass and inertia of the wires lets them conform to the pin, thus maintaining contact, regardless of shocks and vibrations.