Hermetic feedthroughs are critical components in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and industrial systems. They allow electrical, optical, or fluid connections to pass through a sealed barrier while maintaining airtight or vacuum integrity. For engineers, understanding hermetic feedthrough design considerations is essential to ensure reliability, performance, and safety in demanding applications. Leading brands like PAVE Technology provide design solutions tailored for precision and durability.

What is a Hermetic Feedthrough?

A hermetic feedthrough is a sealed interface that allows signals, power, or fluids to pass through a barrier without compromising the integrity of the enclosure. By maintaining environmental isolation, hermetic feedthroughs protect sensitive components from moisture, dust, pressure fluctuations, and other environmental challenges.

PAVE Technology specializes in hermetic feedthroughs engineered for high reliability in electronics, aerospace, and industrial applications.

Key Design Considerations

1. Type of Signal or Media

The type of signal or media passing through the feedthrough determines the design requirements:

  • Electrical signals: Single-pin, multi-pin, or coaxial feedthroughs
  • High-frequency signals: Impedance-matched feedthroughs to prevent signal loss
  • Fluids or gases: Fluidic feedthroughs with pressure-tight seals

PAVE Technology offers feedthroughs tailored to various signal types and media, ensuring performance and reliability.

2. Material Selection

Material choice impacts the hermetic seal, electrical insulation, and durability. Common materials include:

  • Glass: Provides airtight seals and electrical insulation
  • Ceramic: Excellent thermal stability and electrical isolation
  • Metal: Structural support and mechanical strength
  • Alloys/composites: Specialized thermal expansion and environmental resistance

Selecting the right combination ensures long-term performance under harsh conditions. PAVE Technology provides materials engineered for optimal sealing, insulation, and mechanical reliability.

3. Environmental Conditions

Engineers must consider the operating environment when designing a hermetic feedthrough:

  • Temperature extremes (high or low)
  • High or fluctuating pressure
  • Moisture, dust, or chemical exposure
  • Vibration or mechanical stress

PAVE Technology designs feedthroughs to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring stability and protection even in aerospace, industrial, and medical applications.

4. Electrical and Mechanical Specifications

Critical design factors include:

  • Voltage and current ratings
  • Number of pins or channels
  • Impedance and signal integrity
  • Mechanical tolerance and strength

Proper specification ensures both electrical performance and mechanical reliability. PAVE Technology works closely with engineers to match feedthrough specifications to system requirements.

5. Hermetic Seal Integrity

The primary function of a hermetic feedthrough is to maintain an airtight or vacuum-tight seal. Engineers must consider:

  • Sealing method (glass-to-metal, ceramic-to-metal, brazing)
  • Thermal expansion compatibility
  • Long-term reliability under operating conditions

PAVE Technology applies precision manufacturing techniques to guarantee hermetic integrity and performance over the product’s lifespan.

6. Testing and Certification

Engineers should design feedthroughs with testing and certification in mind:

  • Leak testing for vacuum or pressure systems
  • Electrical insulation and continuity testing
  • Thermal and mechanical stress testing

By following testing protocols, engineers can ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. PAVE Technology provides hermetic feedthroughs that meet stringent testing and certification requirements.

Conclusion

Designing a reliable hermetic feedthrough requires careful consideration of signal type, materials, environmental conditions, electrical and mechanical specifications, and sealing methods. Attention to these factors ensures long-term performance, safety, and system reliability.

For engineers seeking high-quality, precision-engineered hermetic feedthroughs, PAVE Technology delivers durable solutions tailored to the most demanding applications in electronics, aerospace, medical, and industrial systems.