Custom Engineered Solutions Archives - Minco

Innovating Medical Devices Through Integrated Component Design

J Lanners — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:10:44 +0000

In the highly regulated medical device industry, performance, reliability, and patient safety depend on more than high-quality individual components. True innovation comes from integrating critical technologies into a single, optimized system.

As medical analyzers evolve from large, floor-standing systems to compact countertop designs, intentional integration has become essential. By combining temperature sensors, flexible heaters, and flex PCBs into coordinated assemblies, manufacturers can reduce device size, improve thermal response, and increase processing speed—without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.

Minco’s integrated thermal solutions apply heat precisely where it’s needed using flexible heater technologies such as Thermofoil and SmartHeat SLT, paired with closely coupled temperature sensors for fast, accurate feedback. Advanced sensor designs, including rotating bolt temperature sensors, further simplify installation and improve long-term reliability in space-constrained medical devices.

Flex PCBs complete the system by replacing bulky wiring and rigid boards, enabling three-dimensional routing, improved signal integrity, and simpler assembly. Together, these integrated technologies allow designers to achieve smaller footprints and more efficient medical systems.

By serving as both component supplier and integration partner, Minco helps medical device manufacturers reduce complexity, streamline supply chains, and accelerate time to market.

Read the full document: “Innovating Medical Devices Through Integrated Component Design”.

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Ready to take the next step and explore powerful design innovation?
Minco engineers are ready. Our thermal, flex circuit and sensing experts can help your team find a better way — minimizing costs, while improving overall system performance

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Minco’s Rotating Bolt Temperature Sensor: Precision Meets Practicality

J Lanners — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:20:26 +0000

When precision and reliability matter most, engineers turn to Minco. Our new rotating bolt temperature sensor redefines bolt-on RTD design by solving one of the most common pain points in sensor installation – leadwire strain and twisting.

Traditional bolt-on sensors can be difficult to install in confined or dynamic spaces, where rotating or repositioning the sensor can twist the leadwire, creating stress points that eventually lead to failure.

Minco’s Rotating Bolt Temperature Sensor eliminates that risk. Its unique independent cable rotation design allows the leadwire assembly to swivel freely within the stainless-steel housing. That means easier installation, less mechanical stress, and greater long-term reliability — even in tight or vibration-prone environments.

Engineered for the Toughest Applications

Built from rugged stainless steel and designed for high-vibration environments, this sensor is ideal for engines, compressors, generators, and industrial machinery — anywhere accurate surface temperature monitoring is essential.

The sensor’s vibration-resistant construction and high insulation resistance (1,000 MΩ at 500 VDC) ensure stable, long-lasting performance. For applications in aerospace, power generation, and medical equipment, reliability is non-negotiable — and Minco’s Rotating Bolt Sensor delivers.

Available with Hazardous Certifications

These certifications allow global OEMs to standardize across multiple markets and applications without redesigning or recertifying sensor configurations: IECEx (Worldwide), SIL2 (Worldwide), ATEX (Europe), CSA (USA/Canada), KCs (Korea), PESO (India), CCC (China).

Designed to Fit Your System

Minco understands that no two systems are alike. That’s why the Rotating Bolt Temperature Sensor is available in multiple configurations to fit your exact needs:

Thread options: 1/4-20 or M6 x 1
Temperature range: –50°C to +260°C (depending on configuration)
Sensing elements: Nickel or Platinum RTDs with multiple tolerance classes
Leadwire options: PTFE, PTFE with stainless-steel braid and/or FEP jacket covering or stainless-steel braid with FEP jacket and elastomer fill.
Custom lead lengths and termination methods available

Optional features like stainless-steel feedthroughs prevent oil seepage when used with pressure seal fittings, making the sensor a smart choice for sealed or fluid-exposed assemblies.

Key Advantages:

Independent cable rotation — prevents wire twisting and simplifies installation
Flexible configuration — choose element type, lead style, and length
Rugged design — stainless-steel case for demanding applications
High insulation resistance — 1,000 MΩ at 500 VDC minimum
Certified for hazardous areas — multiple international standards available
Customizable dimensions and terminations — tailored to your application

Built on Minco’s Legacy of Reliability

For over 65 years, Minco has set the standard for temperature sensing technology — from mission-critical aerospace systems to industrial automation and medical equipment. The Rotating Bolt Temperature Sensor continues that legacy with innovation that simplifies integration, reduces maintenance, and enhances system reliability. For more information see all product specifications in the Rotating Bolt Temperature Sensor

Datasheet or contact Minco at custserv@minco.com.

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New Q&A Document: SmartHeat™ SLT Heaters for Aerospace Applications

J Lanners — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:15:52 +0000

In aerospace engineering, thermal management is always a balancing act—designing systems that maintain precise temperature control while keeping the architecture as simple, reliable, and efficient as possible. That challenge becomes even greater in the harsh conditions of space, where vacuum environments, extreme cold, and high fault tolerance demands leave little room for error.

That’s why Minco’s engineering team created a Q&A document specifically focused on SmartHeat SLT Heaters and their use in aerospace applications. This guide answers the most common questions from engineers and program managers about how SmartHeat works, why it’s different from traditional heating solutions, and how it can improve thermal design for spacecraft systems.

What’s Inside the Q&A?

This document covers a range of key topics, including:

How SmartHeat self-regulates temperature using Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) technology—no external sensors or controllers required.
Why SmartHeat is ideal for space environments, including its inherent fault tolerance and simplicity.
Performance insights for vacuum conditions, cold starts, and radiation-prone environments.
Customization options for integrating SmartHeat into spacecraft components like batteries, optics, and valves.
Comparison to traditional PID-controlled heaters, highlighting SmartHeat’s advantages in reliability and design efficiency.
Testing and qualification processes to ensure SmartHeat meets rigorous aerospace requirements.

Why This Matters for Aerospace Programs

As space missions become more complex and ambitious, the need for thermal solutions that reduce risk, save weight, and simplify design is more critical than ever. SmartHeat heaters help achieve these goals by eliminating unnecessary components and providing an inherently safe, self-regulating heating solution that performs consistently in even the most unforgiving environments.

For unmanned systems, deep space probes, or any mission where intervention isn’t an option, SmartHeat offers a robust alternative to traditional PID-controlled heaters—delivering reliable performance with fewer potential failure points.

Whether you’re in the early stages of spacecraft design or preparing for flight qualification, this Q&A document will provide valuable insights to help you make informed thermal design decisions.

Download the SmartHeat SLT Heaters Aerospace Q&A Document

Have more questions? Our engineering team is always here to support your mission.

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PT100 vs PT1000 RTDs: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

J Lanners — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:27:47 +0000

When it comes to industrial temperature measurement, RTD temperature sensors (Resistance Temperature Detectors) are a go-to choice for engineers and designers seeking accuracy, stability, and reliability. Among the most common RTDs are the Platinum RTDs. Within this family, the PT100 and PT1000 are the most common resistance values. Both are known for their precision and long-term stability. But what’s the real difference between them? And when should you choose one over the other?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a PT100 and PT1000 RTD?

Both PT100 and PT1000 RTDs use platinum as the sensing element, known for their consistent temperature-resistance relationship. Both have Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) values of 0.00385 Ω/Ω/°C. The key electrical difference lies in their nominal resistance at 0°C:

PT100 RTD: 100 ohms at 0°C

PT1000 RTD: 1000 ohms at 0°C

This factor influences how the sensor behaves in terms of sensitivity, power, wiring, and electrical noise.

Key Differences: PT100 RTD vs PT1000 RTD

Feature	PT100	PT1000
Resistance at 0°C	100 ohms	1000 ohms
Resistance Sensitivity	Resistance Change: 0.39 ohms/°C	Higher resistance output for same temp change, 10x the PT100 (3.9 ohms/°C)
Voltage Sensitivity	Nominal change in voltage for a given measuring current and temperature delta	10x voltage change with the same current and temperatures
Power Consumption	Nominal Power Consumption	Requires less current for given voltage change, thus lower power consumption
Wiring Effects	More susceptible to lead wire resistance errors, especially with 2-wire circuit configurations.	Less susceptible, better suited for 2–wire circuits. See further comments below.
Electrical Noise Effects	Larger induced noise signals and greater amplification of the induced noise	Picks up less of the noise signal, and amplification effect 1/10th that of PT100
Cost	Nominal	Slightly to significantly higher, depending on element construction

Wiring and Signal Accuracy

In 2-wire configurations, PT100 sensors can suffer from lead wire resistance, which can skew the reading. That’s why 3-wire or 4-wire PT100 RTDs are common in high-precision applications—they help compensate for lead wire effects.

On the other hand, a PT1000 RTD, with its higher resistance, experiences less relative error from the same lead wire resistance. This makes it ideal for long-distance installations or 2-wire configurations where simplicity and reduced wiring cost are priorities.

Applications and Use Cases

Aerospace and defense: High-reliability temperature sensing in mission-critical systems

Automotive: Engine and battery temperature monitoring

Energy and power generation: Turbines, generators, and motors

HVAC systems: Energy-efficient heating and cooling controls

Industrial automation: High-accuracy machine control

Medical devices: Patient warming and sterilization equipment

Process control: Chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries

So, which RTD is right for your application?

Choose PT100 when you need high accuracy and are using a 3-wire or 4-wire configuration, which helps compensate for lead wire resistance. PT100s are widely supported and ideal for systems where power consumption and wiring length are less of a concern.

At Minco, we specialize in precision RTD temperature sensors tailored to your industry’s toughest challenges—from aerospace and medical to HVAC and renewable energy. Whether you need a custom-engineered PT100 probe or a rugged PT1000 sensor for remote environments, our solutions deliver accuracy, durability, and performance.

Ready to Specify Your RTD?

Minco’s engineering team is here to help you select or design the ideal platinum RTD temperature
sensor for your application. Contact custserv@minco.com or explore our Temperature Sensor Guide to get started.

Other references:

PT100 RTD table: fahrenheit, celsius

PT1000 RTD table: fahrenheit, celsius

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Decades of Experience, Unmatched Expertise: Minco Flexible Heaters for Space Exploration

J Lanners — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:05:15 +0000

For nearly 50 years, Minco has been at the forefront of thermal innovation, delivering solutions that define reliability and precision in space exploration. With a proven track record that spans decades, thousands of products, and countless missions, we are proud to be an industry leader in flexible heaters and complete thermal solutions.

Proven Reliability in Space

When it comes to thermal systems for space, reliability isn’t optional—it’s critical. Minco’s flexible heaters, trusted by global space agencies, have consistently proven their durability and performance. From powering Voyager spacecraft still operating decades later to supporting today’s most ambitious space missions, our heaters are designed to excel in the harshest conditions imaginable.

With over 30,000 space heaters produced and used in more than 80 space programs, Minco has built a legacy of trust. Our heaters and thermal systems are a cornerstone of exploration programs led by NASA, ISRO, JAXA, and other leading organizations across the US, Europe, India, and Japan

Industry Expertise Built on Decades of Innovation

Minco’s expertise is built on decades of commitment to advancing thermal solutions. We’ve shaped industry
standards by initiating and co-authoring the NASA S311 Heater Specification and earning certification for NASA S311-P-079 and S311-P-841 standards. Every product we manufacture adheres to rigorous testing protocols.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges

What sets Minco apart is our ability to design customized thermal solutions for any application. From simple heaters to complete thermal packages integrating sensors, controllers, and heat sinks, we specialize in tailoring our products to meet the exact specifications of individual missions.

Whether your application requires surviving the icy void of deep space or managing heat in high-radiation environments, our engineering team works with you to create solutions that perform precisely as needed.

Leadership in Innovation, Reliability, and Partnership

Our leadership in thermal solutions isn’t just about the products we’ve built—it’s about the partnerships we’ve forged and the expertise we bring to every challenge. As space exploration evolves, so does Minco. From legacy missions like Voyager to the latest interplanetary endeavors, our technology continues to power discovery and innovation.

Your Mission, Our Expertise

When mission success depends on thermal performance, you need a partner with a proven track record, unmatched expertise, and the ability to deliver custom solutions. With Minco, you gain a trusted leader in the
industry—one that’s ready to tackle your most demanding challenges.

Let’s work together to make your mission a success.

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Minco Glass-on-Ceramic Wire-Wound RTD Elements

J Lanners — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:05:26 +0000

Minco’s Glass-on-Ceramic Wire-Wound RTD Elements offer unparalleled performance for a variety of demanding applications – now available with shorter lead times! Here’s why Glass-on-Ceramic is the superior choice:

Exceptional Durability

Glass-on-Ceramic RTD elements are highly robust, outperforming other RTD types in challenging environments.

Every connection is fully encapsulated in glass, preventing movement in high-vibration and extreme shock situations (over 50 g_RMSvibration and 750 g shock).
Lead connections are securely anchored in glass to minimize stress concentrations, reducing the risk of breakage during assembly and operation.

Proven Reliability and Failure Avoidance
Wire-wound sensors are the industry standard in aviation, and Minco’s Glass-on-Ceramic elements are no exception.

Our elements have accumulated millions of hours of operation in both commercial and military aviation.
With over a century of industrial use, wire-wound sensors are a well-understood and dependable technology that helps avoid failures even in the most challenging environments.

Outstanding Stability and Predictability
Engineered for superior electrical performance, Minco’s Glass-on-Ceramic elements offer reliable stability and predictability.

They feature a very low drift rate (inclusive drift ≤ 0.15% per year!) and exceptional thermal shock resistance (less than 0.05% change even under extreme thermal shock).
Our sensors maintain strict adherence to IEC 60751 standards over a wide temperature range (-100 to +550 °C).

High Degree of Customization
Minco provides extensive customization options to meet specific application needs.

Customizable features include size (diameter, length, lead length), resistance ratio (R100/R0 from 1.385 to 1.391), and base resistance (±0.04% at 0°C or other calibration temperatures).
Customized elements available in as few as 6 weeks.

Comparison with Other Sensing Technologies:

Minco’s Glass-on-Ceramic RTD Elements provide superior robustness, stability, and customization, making them an ideal choice for demanding applications.

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New Temperature Sensors for use in Aerospace!

J Lanners — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:39:15 +0000

Aviation is one of the most demanding environments for technology. Aircraft components must perform reliably under extreme conditions, from the high, icy altitudes of flight to the scorching heat generated by engines and equipment. To ensure the reliability and safety of airborne equipment, the RTCA DO-160G standard is used. This comprehensive set of guidelines defines the environmental conditions and test procedures necessary to validate the performance of aerospace components. Minco, a leader in advanced sensor solutions, offers RTCA DO-160G qualified aerospace temperature sensors designed to exceed these stringent requirements.

Understanding RTCA DO-160G

RTCA DO-160G is a critical standard in the aerospace industry. It covers a broad spectrum of environmental factors, including:

Temperature Extremes: Components must endure extreme heat and cold.
Vibration: Sustained exposure to vibration from aircraft engines and atmospheric turbulence.
Humidity: High moisture levels that can cause corrosion and electrical failures.
Water Resistance: Protection against water ingress, whether from rain or operational conditions.
Electromagnetic Interference: Resistance to electromagnetic fields that could disrupt electronic systems.

Compliance with RTCA DO-160G ensures that avionics and other aircraft systems are reliable and safe under operational conditions.

Minco's RTCA DO160G Qualified Aerospace Temperature Sensors

Minco’s aerospace temperature sensors, including the RTD Probe S239610 and the Thermistor Probe TS239620, are engineered to surpass the rigorous requirements of RTCA DO-160G. These sensors are designed for fast and reliable sensing in aircraft environmental systems and fluid temperature sensing applications.

Features of Minco’s RTD Probe S239610 and Thermistor Probe TS239620

Feature	RTD Probe S239610	Thermistor Probe TS239620
Element	IEC60751 Class A, B Platinum	10,000 Ω ± 1% at 25°C
Temperature Range	-55 to 300°C, excursions to 500°C	-55 to 260°C, excursions to 300°C
Material	AISI 304/304L	AISI 304/304L
Environmental Protection	Fully hermetic	Fully hermetic
Response Time	1 s in water (τ0.632 in 1 m/s)	0.95 s in water (τ0.632 in 1 m/s)
Connector	MIL-DTL-38999	MIL-DTL-38999
Additional Features	Robust to extreme conditions, customizable	Robust to extreme conditions, customizable

RTCA DO-160G Qualifications and Testing

Minco’s temperature sensors have undergone extensive testing to meet and exceed the qualifications outlined in RTCA DO-160G. Some of the key qualifications and additional tests include:

Temperature and Altitude: Withstand temperatures up to 300°C and altitudes typically encountered by commercial aircraft.
Vibration and Shock: Tested at levels beyond the standard to ensure robustness under severe conditions.
Waterproofness and Humidity: Fully hermetic designs ensure protection against water and moisture ingress.
Pressure Endurance: Proof and burst pressure tests at extreme conditions to ensure durability.
High and Low-Temperature Endurance: Sustained performance at both high and low temperatures.

Beyond RTCA DO-160G, these sensors have been tested for durability and longevity by additional, rigorous testing. Minco’s aerospace sensors have been subjected to highly accelerated life testing (HALT), aggravated thermal cycling, and thousand of hours of high-temperature exposure that will ensure long-term reliability and performance.

Customizable Solutions for Aerospace Applications

Minco offers these temperature sensors with various element configurations and two physical configurations that are commonly used in commercial aircraft. Whether you need commercial off-the-shelf products or customized solutions tailored to specific requirements, Minco provides robust and reliable sensing solutions.

For more information, please find Minco’s Aerospace Temperature Sensors Datasheet.

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New Products Added to Our Popular Thermal Ribbon Product Offering!

J Lanners — Wed, 29 May 2024 19:48:21 +0000

In our ongoing commitment to advancing temperature sensing technology, Minco is proud to introduce four new Thermal Tabs to our existing product offering. These new products offer a simple yet impactful change to our existing product line, aimed at improving durability and versatility in rugged applications.

The key enhancement lies in the integration of all lead wires directly into the body of the sensor. Laminating the third and fourth lead wires into the sensor body creates an even more robust connection that can withstand mechanical stress, vibration, and harsh environmental conditions.

Whether it’s automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, or any other rugged application, our Thermal Tab Sensor Solutions are engineered to meet the challenge.

At Minco, we remain dedicated to delivering reliable and innovative solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. Our team of experts is committed to collaborating with customers to ensure that our products meet their unique requirements and challenges.

See our Temperature Sensor and Instrument Design Guide for more information.

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The Complexity of Sensor Selection

Dakota R — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:26:32 +0000

Of all the environmental parameters, temperature is the most commonly measured. But choosing the right type of temperature sensor for your application isn’t as simple as you might think.

Temperature sensors need to accurately sense and measure temperature across a wide range of applications. The sensor you choose needs to also be reliable, cost effective and repeatable—and there are many factors to consider when making a sensor selection.

Our new whitepaper explains it all:

Whitepaper Download: Selecting a Superior Sensing Solution

In this free whitepaper, we share:

How to measure temperature with contact and non-contact thermometers
The difference between the four most common types of sensors—RTDs, thermistors, thermocouples and IC sensors
Other forms of non-electronic thermometers
Additional considerations such as packaging constructions and agency specifications

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The Power of Collaboration & Integrated Thinking

Dakota R — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 21:54:57 +0000

By Minco Staff

We’re proud to announce the release of our new ebook, The Power of Collaboration & Integrated Thinking, a piece that explores how companies benefit from collaborating with Minco by embracing the unique benefits we bring to the table: our ability to integrate heaters, sensors, and flex circuits into a single assembly and our uniquely collaborative engineer-to-engineer (E2E) program both help customers achieve total-cost-of-ownership advantages and speed time to market.

The ebook demonstrates these benefits through three case studies: a medical device manufacturer who needed a compact but highly reliable wound cauterizer; an airport security explosives sniffer that had to be very compact and light; and a control device for a military project requiring a six-layer rigid flex circuit. These companies benefited by involving Minco early in the design process.

To learn more about Minco’s unique advantages, refer to the following resources:

Download the ebook, The Power of Collaboration & Integrated Thinking (PDF)
Engineered Solutions: Your starting point for collaborating with Minco
The Power of Integrated Thinking brief (PDF)
Blog post: Integrated Solutions Make Flex Circuits Even Better

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