Innovative Neuro-Diagnostic Solution Leverages Icron ExtremeUSB® for USB Extension and System Power
BURNABY, B.C.November 10, 2008 – Icron (TSX Venture: IT), the leading providers of UBS extension solutions, today announced Nihon Kohden, manufacturers of comprehensive and innovative neuro-diagnostic and monitoring instrumentation, has deployed Icron’s Ranger 110 product to bolster the capabilities and effectiveness of its Neurofax EEG-1100A instruments.
Nihon Kohden’s engineers designed the Neurofax EEG for reliability and exacting accuracy in measuring brain activity, however, they faced challenges when trying to use the computer in a different room from the power amplifier due to the 16-foot (5 meters) distance limitation imposed by the standard USB connection. The product design team recognized they needed an extended USB connection capable of connecting the Neurofax EEG to a computer in another room in order to provide medical staff with complete flexibility in locating the machine.
“There are inexpensive USB extenders out there, but we wanted a product that worked flawlessly with our extremely precise equipment and one that was easily customizable to deliver the power requirements we needed,” said Bryan Kehoe, Nihon Kohden America Business Unit Manager.
The Neurofax EEG-1100A instruments required a robust USB extension solution coupled with higher output power for their power hungry amplifiers. Nihon Kohden tested several USB extenders in the market, but rejected them due to reliability issues and lack of ability to boost the output power of the USB ports to support the amplifier’s substantial power requirements. Nihon Kohden then tested Icron’s Ranger 110 product with their EEG machines, which proved to be the most reliable USB extension product on the market.
Icron was able to modify the Ranger 110 to increase the USB output power to meet the Neurofax’s power requirements. A second modification to the Ranger 110, a small change to grounding circuitry, ensured there was no interference with the sensitive EEG machines. Icron’s Ranger 110 extended the maximum USB distance from 16 feet (5 meters) to 328 feet (100 meters) and was able to seamlessly power the EEG amplifiers. Icron’s ExtremeUSB® extension technology proved to be a critical component in the success of Nihon Kohden’s breakthrough EEG product line.
“Just like the Ranger 110 product, working with Icron has been seamless and straightforward,” added Kehoe. “USB extension is an integral component of our EEG systems and Icron has really helped ensure that our customers have maximum flexibility in the location of the PC and amplifiers.”
“Nihon Kohden’s advanced EEGs are being used to conduct life-saving research and are an excellent application of Icron’s ExtremeUSB technology in diagnosing, monitoring and collecting advanced research data,” said Brian Donnelly, VP Marketing and Business Development of Icron Technologies. “We are very pleased that our solutions have assisted Nihon Kohden in their continued development of breakthrough medical tools and we look forward to further supporting their needs in the future.”
About Icron Technologies Corp.
Icron Technologies is a visionary leader in high performance USB bridging and extension solutions for commercial and industrial markets worldwide. Icron’s USB extension and bridging products are deployed in a wide range of applications including: digital home connectivity, industrial automation, medical imaging, aerospace, and KVM extension. Icron’s patented ExtremeUSB® technology extends the range of USB 1.1 / 2.0 over Cat 5e, Wireless, Fibre, Powerline, Coax and Phone lines, at distances of up to 40km. ExtremeUSB technology is available in a variety of formats including technology licenses, OEM modules, developer kits, as well as branded and private-label products.
Icron is a publicly traded corporation and trades under the symbol “IT” on the TSX Venture Exchange. For more information on the company and its products, please visit www.icron.com.
Contact Information
| Icron Editorial Contact | |
| Michael Kelly michael@nadelphelan.com |
Phone: +1 831-440-2403 |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Except for statements of historical fact, all statements in this news release — including, without limitation, statements regarding financial estimates and future plans and objectives of Icron — are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.