Nortech Systems Secures Patents for Optical Interconnects Built for MRI and Aerospace Environments

Applications are custom-engineered to each customer's specific requirements.

Rhea-AI Summary

Nortech Systems (NSYS) has secured two U.S. patents covering its active optical cable technology for magnetic-field and electrically sensitive environments. Patent No. 12,717,100, issued August 25, 2026, covers a non-magnetic connector that converts electrical signals to light and back. Patent No. 12,710,485, issued August 18, 2026, covers built-in cable diagnostics, including monitoring that a host system can pause during noise-sensitive operations and then resume.

Potential applications include MRI systems, aerospace and defense electronics, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. These are potential uses, not announced customer orders.

Positive

• Minor pointPatent No. 12,717,100 grants protection for Nortech's non-magnetic optical connector design.
• Minor pointPatent No. 12,710,485 grants protection for built-in cable monitoring with an on-demand diagnostic pause.

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Patents granted: 2 patents

Patents granted

2 patents

Active optical cable technology

Key Terms

active optical cable, blind-mating, opto-electronic connector, ferrule

4 terms

active optical cable technical

"patents covering its active optical cable technology"

An active optical cable (AOC) is a pre-assembled data cable that uses optical fiber and built-in electronics to convert electrical signals to light and back, enabling very fast, long-distance connections between servers, switches, or storage. For investors, AOCs matter because they are key components in high-speed data centers and networking equipment: demand and pricing affect hardware suppliers’ revenues, supply chains, and capital spending trends, similar to how better roads boost traffic flow for a city.

blind-mating technical

"a capability known as blind-mating"

A connector design and assembly process in which a plug or module is inserted and engaged without the installer being able to see the mating faces, relying on alignment features, guide pins, keyed shapes or lead-in geometry so electrical contacts meet correctly. Blind-mating is used where components are installed into tight enclosures, racks or backplanes and requires careful mechanical tolerances, contact wiping or compliance features to ensure reliable electrical connection; improper alignment, damaged guides, or excessive tolerance stack-up can cause intermittent connections or contact damage.

opto-electronic connector technical

"a pluggable opto-electronic connector"

A connector that links optical signals and electronic circuits by providing a physical interface where light-carrying fibers or optics meet electronic components; it may simply align and couple fiber to a transceiver or include built‑in optoelectronic elements (like LEDs, lasers, or photodiodes) that convert between light and electrical signals. It functions by precisely aligning optical paths and, when present, supplying electrical contacts for power or data, and it requires careful alignment and cleanliness because small misalignments or contamination degrade optical performance.

ferrule technical

"the electrical interface and the ferrule"

A ferrule is a small ring, sleeve or cap—often metal or hard plastic—used to join, seal or reinforce the end of a tube, cable or instrument in medical devices and industrial equipment. It matters to investors because this tiny part affects product reliability, manufacturing consistency and regulatory compliance; like the crimp on a garden hose that prevents leaks, a faulty ferrule can cause device failure, recalls, higher costs or supply delays.

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U.S. Patent Nos. 12,717,100 and 12,710,485 protect Nortech's non-magnetic optical connector design and its built-in cable diagnostics, which can pause on command during noise-sensitive operations

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nortech Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ: NSYS) (“Nortech” or “Company”), a leading provider of design and manufacturing solutions for complex electromedical devices and electromechanical systems, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted the Company two patents covering its active optical cable technology. Together, the patents protect technology that brings high-speed fiber optic connectivity into some of the most demanding operating environments, including near powerful magnetic fields and inside electrically sensitive systems.

"These patents solve two fundamental engineering challenges for our medical imaging and aerospace customers: bringing high-speed fiber optics into strong magnetic fields, and monitoring cable health without adding noise to sensitive systems," said Jay D. Miller, President and CEO of Nortech Systems. "They directly reflect our commitment to engineering-led innovation that helps our customers build more reliable products."

A Non-Magnetic Optical Connector

The first patent covers a pluggable opto-electronic connector that converts electrical signals to light and back again to electrical signals. Every key component of the connector, including the housing, the transceiver, the electrical interface and the ferrule, is made from non-magnetic materials. The design fits the industry-standard SFP/SFP+ format and self-aligns when it is slid into an equipment rack, a capability known as blind-mating.

For customers, the result is the high bandwidth, light weight and immunity to electromagnetic interference of optical fiber, in a connector that can go where components with magnetic parts cannot. Potential applications include optical links for cameras, sensors and patient-monitoring equipment in MRI systems, as well as high-speed data connections in avionics equipment racks and defense electronics. Other potential uses include optical camera, motion-control and data interfaces in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, including sensitive metrology and high-field processing systems.

Built-In Diagnostics That Pause on Command

The second patent covers diagnostic monitoring built into the cable itself. The cable tracks key operating conditions in real time, including optical power, current, voltage and temperature, so customers can spot developing problems before they cause a failure. For example, in surgical imaging systems, built-in diagnostics can monitor laser aging and temperature to help identify developing cable issues.

The patent also protects an on-demand pause. Diagnostic electronics can introduce electrical noise, which in imaging equipment can show up as image artifacts. With Nortech's design, the host system can switch the cable's diagnostics off for a set period during noise-sensitive operations, such as an imaging scan, and the diagnostics then resume. Customers no longer have to choose between monitoring their cables and protecting signal quality.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent No. 12,717,100, "Active Optical Cables," on August 25, 2026, and U.S. Patent No. 12,710,485, "Monitoring Technology for Active Optical Components," on August 18, 2026.

Market Applications

The patented technology is designed for applications where signal integrity, weight and reliability are critical, including medical imaging systems such as MRI, aerospace and defense platforms, and industrial equipment. Every application is custom-engineered to meet each customer's specific requirements. Engineering teams interested in applying the technology to their programs can contact Nortech through www.nortechsys.com.

About Nortech Systems Incorporated

Nortech Systems Incorporated ("Nortech") is a leading provider of design and manufacturing solutions for complex electromedical devices, electromechanical systems, assemblies, and components. Nortech primarily serves the medical device, medical imaging, aerospace & defense, and industrial markets. Its design services span concept development to commercial design, and include medical device, software, electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. Its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities are vertically integrated around wire/cable/interconnect assemblies, printed circuit board assemblies, as well as system-level assembly, integration, and final test. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, Nortech currently has six manufacturing locations and design centers across the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. Nortech is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol NSYS. Nortech's website is www.nortechsys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including without limitation statements regarding future performance of Company technologies and demand of customers for such technologies. While this release is based on management's best judgment and current expectations, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

For More Information
Andrew D. C. LaFrence
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance
alafrence@nortechsys.com
952-345-2243

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What do Nortech Systems' two optical cable patents cover?

The patents cover a non-magnetic optical connector and built-in cable diagnostics that can pause during noise-sensitive operations. The connector converts electrical signals to light and back, while the diagnostic design lets the host system temporarily stop monitoring electronics and then resume them.

When were Nortech Systems' optical cable patents issued?

Patent No. 12,717,100, titled “Active Optical Cables,” was issued August 25, 2026. Patent No. 12,710,485, titled “Monitoring Technology for Active Optical Components,” was issued August 18, 2026.