Back to News & Events In medical electronics, where patient safety, equipment uptime, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable, designing power architectures for complex systems is no simple task. From diagnostic imaging and surgical devices to patient monitoring and therapeutic equipment, each application has unique power demands often requiring multiple output voltages, strict isolation, minimal electromagnetic interference (EMI), and absolute reliability under mission-critical conditions.
Historically, engineers have had two options: use multiple off-the-shelf power supplies and cobble them together – or invest in a fully custom solution. Both approaches come with trade-offs in terms of cost, time, certification complexity, and long-term scalability. That’s why modular power architectures have rapidly become the preferred choice for many medical device OEMs.
This article explores why modular power supplies especially those designed with medical-grade compliance like IEC 60601-1 offer a compelling alternative to custom builds, and how Horizon Electronics supports healthcare innovators with pre-certified, high-performance solutions from trusted brands.
Understanding Modular Power: Core Concepts for Medical Design
A modular power supply is a configurable platform that allows engineers to select from a library of pre-designed output modules and install them into a chassis or base unit. Instead of reengineering a power system from scratch for every product, engineers can mix and match output voltages and current ranges using plug-in modules.
This approach offers significant technical and operational benefits:
- Customizable without Custom Design: Engineers achieve a near-custom solution without lengthy development or NPI cycles.
- Pre-Compliance with Medical Standards: Leading platforms meet IEC 60601-1, EMC, creepage/clearance, and leakage current limits.
- Faster Time to Market: Standardized modules reduce engineering time and eliminate the need for extensive safety testing.
- Multi-Output Flexibility: Ideal for devices requiring multiple isolated voltage rails (e.g., ±12V for sensors, 24V for actuators, 5V for logic).
- Field Upgradeability: Enables quick adaptation of platforms across product lines or clinical use cases.
- Reliability and Redundancy: Many systems offer redundancy options and high MTBF, ensuring uptime in critical healthcare settings.
In short, modular power systems bridge the gap between off-the-shelf speed and custom performance especially when designed with the medical sector’s unique constraints in mind.
Powering Healthcare Innovation: Modular Applications in Medical Devices
Today’s medical equipment demands high performance and strict adherence to electrical safety standards. Here’s how modular power meets the challenge across key segments:
Laboratory & Diagnostic Instruments
Clinical diagnostics platforms such as blood analyzers, centrifuges, and spectrometry devices require multi-channel power with ultra-low noise and high precision. Modular solutions offer:
- Configurable voltage channels
- Stable power under continuous load
- Easy integration into rack systems
Imaging & Radiology Systems
CT scanners, X-ray machines, and ultrasound systems require high-voltage, multi-output, and regulated supplies with strong EMI suppression. Modular supplies support:
- High peak loads during imaging bursts
- Smooth, noise-free operation of signal processing units
- Compliance with medical EMI shielding requirements
Patient Monitoring & Surgical Equipment
Applications such as ECG, infusion pumps, or surgical lasers demand:
- Fanless, low-leakage designs for patient proximity
- Isolation barriers to avoid cross-contamination
- Scalability across different usage environments (portable, mobile, bedside)
Portable & Home Healthcare Devices
Growing demand for telehealth and portable diagnostic systems is pushing OEMs to develop smaller, more efficient devices. Modular units in small form factors allow:
- Lightweight, scalable power in confined spaces
- Battery integration or dual-input designs
- Cost-efficient production across multiple device variants
Regulatory Considerations: Why IEC 60601-1 Matters
When it comes to medical device approval, power systems are often the gatekeeper. IEC 60601-1, the international standard for medical electrical equipment safety, defines key requirements related to:
- Creepage and clearance distances
- Dielectrics withstand voltage
- Leakage current
- EMC and EMI behaviour
- Mechanical and environmental resilience
Choosing a modular supply that is already certified to IEC 60601-1 drastically reduces risk during device qualification and allows engineers to focus on core system design. Horizon’s featured solutions, such as CoolX and Ultimod, are designed with these standards as a baseline, not an afterthought.
CoolX & Ultimod: Medical Modular Power Stars
Horizon Electronics proudly distributes two industry-leading modular platforms from Advanced Energy, built specifically for the needs of the medical and life sciences industries.
CoolX Series: Silent, Fanless, Fully Certified
The CoolX platform is the first fanless, convection-cooled modular power supply on the market certified to IEC 60601-1. It delivers up to 1800 W of configurable power and is designed for ultra-reliable operation in noise-sensitive environments like:
- Surgical operating rooms
- Diagnostic labs
- Critical care and ICU equipment
Key Advantages:
- 100% convection cooling – no fans, zero acoustic noise
- Medical-grade isolation and leakage current protection
- Intelligent control and remote monitoring via PMBus™
- Modular slots with hot-swap capability
For patient-centric systems, CoolX ensures quiet operation, robust performance, and compliance with even the strictest medical safety protocols.
Ultimod Series: Compact, Affordable, Flexible
The Ultimod is a high-density modular power supply offering up to 600 W in a cost-effective, configurable package. It’s ideal for compact medical applications needing multiple isolated outputs, such as:
- Clinical analyzers
- Dental diagnostic equipment
- Mobile imaging platforms
Notable Features:
- Up to 12 isolated outputs
- Medical safety approvals (IEC 60601-1, 3rd edition)
- Optional digital control interfaces
- Compact footprint for embedded use
Its design flexibility and price-performance ratio make Ultimod an excellent choice for scaling across multiple medical product lines with minimal design rework.
The Engineering Edge: Strategic Benefits of Going Modular
Choosing a modular architecture isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a strategic move. Medical OEMs adopting modular power gain several competitive advantages:
✅ Faster Time to Market – By using pre-certified modular platforms, teams avoid months of safety certification and compliance testing.
✅ Reduced Design Complexity – Modules offer plug-and-play functionality, reducing layout, wiring, and system integration effort.
✅ Lower Inventory Overhead – One base unit can be configured differently for multiple products, streamlining supply chain logistics.
✅ Design for Longevity – As regulatory standards evolve, modular supplies make it easier to upgrade output modules without full requalification.
✅ Improved Serviceability – Field service teams can replace or reconfigure output modules without specialized tools or system downtime.
Horizon Electronics: The Right Partner for Reliable Medical Power
At Horizon Electronics, we bring more than just product availability—we bring decades of technical expertise, local support, and deep knowledge of compliance standards for mission-critical industries.
We specialize in delivering advanced, modular, and medically certified power solutions, including:
- Personalized guidance for system architects and R&D teams
- Inventory flexibility with local stock and fast delivery
- Integration support for high-reliability applications
As a proud distributor of Advanced Energy’s CoolX and Ultimod, we ensure our customers in Israel and beyond receive top-tier power platforms backed by responsive support and a long-term partnership.
Ready to Power Your Next Medical Innovation?
Whether you’re building the next generation of surgical technology or refining a portable diagnostic system, Horizon Electronics is your reliable power partner.
Visit our Medical grade power solutions or contact us today to explore how modular, medically certified power can simplify your design process and accelerate your go-to-market strategy.
