Nortech Systems Announces New Patent for Active Optical Xtreme for Sophisticated Magnetic Environments

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Nortech Systems Incorporated, a leading provider of engineering and manufacturing solutions for complex electromedical and electromechanical products serving the medical, aerospace & defense and industrial markets, announced the issuance of a new patent for their groundbreaking Active Optical Xtreme (AOX) technology platform. This innovative technology, which integrates cutting-edge transceivers, receivers, and optical fiber within a non-magnetic cable or connector assembly designed to operate in magnetically sensitive environments, is set to transform data transmission capabilities across a range of sectors, including medical imaging, avionics, wireless communications, scientific instrumentation and industrial applications.

Nortech last week announced the consolidation of all wire and cable production for Aerospace and Defense customers to its Bemidji facility. This move follows four years of strategic investments in research and development, significantly upgrading the fiber optic manufacturing capabilities at the Bemidji location. By centralizing production, Nortech aims to grow the fiber optic business, enhance operational efficiency, bolster product quality, and reinforce its commitment to innovation and sustainability within the industry.

Nortech's AOX technology is a significant leap forward in the realm of data connectivity and management, providing a hybrid design that far exceeds the data transmission capabilities of traditional copper cables while offering power and signal delivery. By incorporating fiber optics and minimizing magnetic content, the highly ruggedized AOX enhances performance and does so in an environmentally sustainable manner. This aligns with Nortech Systems' commitment to innovation and sustainability, reflecting the Company's broader ethos of pushing the boundaries of what's possible in digital connectivity and manufacturing technologies.

The incorporation of fiber optics allows AOX cables to offer a litany of benefits over traditional data transfer methods, including substantially increased data transfer speeds, EMI immunity, managed voltage drop, with flexibility and durability across longer distances. This makes AOX uniquely suitable for high-performance data communications that cannot impact magnetically sensitive applications.

"Nortech Systems is proud to announce the patent of our Active Optical Xtreme technology that works in sophisticated magnetic environments, a testament to our team's dedication to innovation, hard work and excellence in the field of digital connectivity solutions," said Jay D. Miller, CEO of Nortech Systems. "AOX represents not only a significant advancement in our product offerings but also underscores our commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients to deliver products that offer lighter weight, lower cost, and durable solutions in a sustainable manner."

The AOX platform is expected to see increased adoption as industries seek more efficient and reliable methods to manage and transmit data in applications where sophisticated magnetic performance is required. The patent and subsequent implementation of AOX technologies are poised to set a new standard of digital data transfer in magnetically sensitive environments, reinforcing Nortech Systems' position as a leader in the global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market. AOX for Non-Magnetic Applications is the Company's second patent in its technology portfolio. AOX adoption will ramp up through 2024 and will not have a material impact on Nortech's 2024 or 2025 financial results.