Modern hospitals are more reliant than ever on electronic devices for delivering healthcare. This doesn’t just include larger equipment like diagnostic machines or surgery tools but also smaller devices like mini PCs, printers, barcode scanners, and more. All of these devices require power to function – the question is, where do they get it? 

For smaller devices attached to a medical cart, the best option is often a DC power solution delivered by a medical-grade monitor. While this solution might not be the first that most people consider, there are certain advantages to DC power sourced from a monitor compared to other options. 

AC vs DC And Why It Matters

To understand the challenge behind powering smaller medical devices, we must first understand the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). 

Direct Current

In direct current, power always flows in a constant and unchanging direction. There are no advances or delays in the circuit, and the flow of power is relatively steady. For this reason, DC power is the current of choice when it comes to small electronic devices. This includes everything from consumer products like smartphones and TVs to medical equipment and accessories. Aditionally, all batteries deliver DC power. 

Alternating Current

In alternating current, the flow of electrical charge changes direction back and forth. AC is most frequently used to deliver power to homes and businesses, including healthcare centers, as it is easier to increase or decrease the voltage of AC and loses less power during transmission. However, AC requires more precautions and is riskier to implement due to its higher peak voltage and chances of an electrical shock (and one of the major reasons hospitals ensure their computers and medical devices are medical-grade). 

For these reasons, DC is the current of choice when it comes to smaller electronic devices. 

The Challenge for Smaller Devices

However, this is where we run into an issue: smaller devices like mini PCs, printers, and scanners require DC power, but the electricity that comes out of an outlet is AC. So, how do we get from one to the other? 

Most devices use an AC adapter, which typically consists of a plastic brick containing the necessary equipment near or in the electrical plug itself. However, these adapters have two issues for healthcare. First, they’re heavy and cumbersome, which is a bane for healthcare providers who are typically on the move during their shifts. Secondly, they have to be plugged in and unplugged constantly throughout the shift as providers move, which slows down their workflow. 

While batteries for each device are an option, this has its own issues. First, batteries are expensive and heavy, which brings us back to the issue with AC adapters. Second, it’s highly unlikely that all of your devices will use the same battery model, which introduces a whole new set of logistical issues. 

The Solution: DC Power From the Monitor

An elegant solution for this issue is using DC power outlets from a battery-powered monitor. A medical-grade monitor that uses batteries is already on DC power and can share this power with other devices. 

A proper medical-grade monitor will feature a wide range of I/O sockets, making it easy to support multiple pieces of equipment and eliminating the need for multiple power cables. Additionally, the monitor’s hot-swappable batteries can be exchanged as needed and replaced with fully charged units. 

Combined with all the other benefits of a battery-powered monitor (less expensive, lighter weight, etc.), it’s easy to see why more healthcare providers are embracing this kind of solution. 

Power Your Equipment With Cybernet Monitors

With providers increasingly reliant on peripheral devices and computers to deliver effective care, the question of how to power these devices is increasingly critical. Finding efficient ways to provide this power can make the difference between a slow, wasteful shift and a streamlined workflow. 

If your hospital is looking for efficient ways to power its mini PCs and peripheral devices, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. Our line of battery-powered medical computers and monitors can power a full suite of equipment while still delivering reliable performance in a range of medical settings. 

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