Feedthru

Feedthru

A feedthru (also spelled feedthrough) is an electrical component used to pass a signal or power line through a barrier, such as a bulkhead, chassis, or printed circuit board (PCB), while maintaining the integrity of the barrier. Feedthrus are essential in various applications, including electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace.

Types of Feedthrus

Feedthrus come in several types, each designed for specific applications:

• DC Feedthru: Used for direct current (DC) applications, providing a path for DC signals or power.
• RF Feedthru: Designed for radio frequency (RF) applications, ensuring minimal signal loss and maintaining impedance matching.
• Optical Feedthru: Used for passing optical signals through a barrier, often involving fiber optics.
• Hermetic Feedthru: Provides a sealed passage to prevent the ingress of gases or liquids, commonly used in vacuum or high-pressure environments.

Applications

Feedthrus are used in various industries and applications, including:

• Telecommunications: To pass signals through enclosures while maintaining signal integrity.
• Aerospace: For passing electrical connections through the walls of aircraft and spacecraft.
• Medical devices: In implants and other devices where electrical connections must pass through a sealed barrier.
• Industrial equipment: To maintain the integrity of enclosures while allowing electrical connections.

Design Considerations

When designing or selecting a feedthru, several factors must be considered:

• Impedance Matching: Ensuring the feedthru matches the impedance of the connected circuits to minimize signal reflection.
• Frequency Range: The feedthru must support the frequency range of the application, especially for RF applications.
• Sealing Requirements: For hermetic feedthrus, the sealing must be adequate to prevent leaks.
• Material Compatibility: The materials used in the feedthru must be compatible with the environment and the signals being passed.

Related Pages

• Bulkhead
• Chassis
• Printed circuit board
• Radio frequency
• Fiber optics
• Vacuum
• High-pressure
• Telecommunications
• Aerospace
• Medical devices
• Industrial equipment