Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 250-1: Electronic textile - Snap fastener connectors between e-textiles and detachable electronic devices

IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021(E) reviews the use cases of conductive snap fasteners applied as electrical connectors for e-textile products available on the market and provides guidance on future standardization works.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
21-Jun-2021
Drafting Committee
WG 2 - TC 124/WG 2
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
22-Jun-2021
Completion Date
01-Jul-2021

Overview

IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 is a technical report developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that addresses the use of conductive snap fasteners as electrical connectors between electronic textiles (e-textiles) and detachable electronic devices. As wearable technology and e-textiles become increasingly prevalent in healthcare and sports applications, reliable and standardized connection methods are critical. This report reviews current market practices, explores different connector configurations, and identifies areas requiring further standardization.

Key Topics

  • Snap Fastener Connectors in E-Textiles
    Snap fasteners, comprising a stud (male part) and a socket (female part), are widely used in e-textile applications to connect detachable electronic devices. These connectors are valued for their familiarity, ease of use, and suitability for textiles.

  • Connector Types and Device Classifications
    The report classifies snap fastener connectors based on:

    • Devices using sockets to connect with e-textiles (common in healthcare, such as ECG and heart rate sensors)
    • Devices using studs to connect (prevalent in sports and waterproof applications)
    • Devices with more than two electrodes, offering enhanced measurement capabilities
  • Key Design Considerations

    • Stud and Socket Dimensions: There is significant variance in stud diameter, height, and spacing between electrodes due to a lack of universal standards.
    • Mechanical Performance: Connector strength, especially shear strength, is highlighted as an important parameter, given different body application areas (e.g., chest vs. limbs).
    • Safety in Device Compatibility: Ensuring compatible connections is vital to prevent unintended risks, such as electrical stimulation in medical contexts.
  • Standardization Needs
    The review identifies the absence of existing standards for snap fastener connectors used as electrical contacts in e-textiles. Apparel industry fastener standards do not guarantee reliable electrical contact, underscoring the need for specific, unified guidelines.

Applications

The guidance and insights from IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 are valuable for:

  • Medical and Health Monitoring
    E-textiles using snap fastener connectors are effective for measuring biosignals such as ECG, electromyograms, and respiratory rates, enabling continuous monitoring in daily life with minimal discomfort.

  • Wearable Fitness and Sports Devices
    Fitness trackers and sport wearables frequently utilize snap fastener connectors for integrating heart rate sensors and EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) devices, benefiting from the design flexibility and waterproof properties of studs.

  • Development and Manufacturing of E-Textile Products
    Product engineers, designers, and manufacturers can use this report to understand typical market configurations, inform component specifications, and anticipate future standardization requirements.

  • Risk Mitigation in Product Design
    The report emphasizes the necessity of incorporating safety mechanisms to avoid incompatibility issues that could lead to electrical hazards, especially in applications where device misconnection could affect the user's health.

Related Standards

Manufacturers, designers, and industry stakeholders may also consider the following when working with e-textiles and wearable electronics:

  • IEC 63203 Series
    This series addresses a range of topics related to wearable electronic devices and technologies, providing a broader context for the implementation of connectors and interfaces.

  • Apparel Snap Fastener Standards
    While not specific to electrical applications, standards from the apparel sector related to mechanical fasteners may serve as a reference point, though their applicability is limited for e-textile electrical contacts.

  • Medical Device Standards
    For medical and health-related wearables, referencing applicable medical device safety and performance standards remains essential.

The findings of IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 highlight the importance of harmonizing connector specifications to support reliable, safe, and interoperable wearable electronic device ecosystems. As use cases expand, future standardization work will be essential to ensure cross-industry compatibility and user safety.

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IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 - Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 250-1: Electronic textile - Snap fastener connectors between e-textiles and detachable electronic devices Released:6/22/2021

ISBN:978-2-8322-9891-6
English language (11 pages)
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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 is a technical report published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Wearable electronic devices and technologies - Part 250-1: Electronic textile - Snap fastener connectors between e-textiles and detachable electronic devices". This standard covers: IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021(E) reviews the use cases of conductive snap fasteners applied as electrical connectors for e-textile products available on the market and provides guidance on future standardization works.

IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021(E) reviews the use cases of conductive snap fasteners applied as electrical connectors for e-textile products available on the market and provides guidance on future standardization works.

IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.080.80 - Smart textiles. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC TR 63203-250-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-06
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
Wearable electronic devices and technologies –
Part 250-1: Electronic textile – Snap fastener connectors between e-textiles and
detachable electronic devices
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IEC TR 63203-250-1 ®
Edition 1.0 2021-06
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
Wearable electronic devices and technologies –

Part 250-1: Electronic textile – Snap fastener connectors between e-textiles and

detachable electronic devices
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 59.080.80 ISBN 978-2-8322-9891-6

– 2 – IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Classification of devices by connector type . 6
4.1 General . 6
4.2 Devices having two electrodes and using sockets of snap fasteners to
connect with the e-textile . 7
4.2.1 Size of the stud on the e-textile . 7
4.2.2 Distance between electrodes on the e-textile . 7
4.3 Devices with two electrodes using snap fastener studs to connect . 9
4.3.1 Size of the stud on the device . 9
4.3.2 Distance between the electrodes on the device . 9
4.4 Devices using snap fasteners to connect the e-textile, but having more than
two electrodes . 9
5 Summary . 11
5.1 Overview. 11
5.2 Standardization needs . 11

Figure 1 – a pair of typical snap fastener stud and socket . 7

Table 1 – Examples of devices using sockets as connector . 8
Table 2 – Examples of devices using two studs as connectors . 9
Table 3 – Examples of devices having many electrodes . 10

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES –

Part 250-1: Electronic textile – Snap fastener connectors
between e-textiles and detachable electronic devices

FOREWORD
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IEC TR 63203-250-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 124: Wearable electronic
devices and technologies. It is a Technical Report.
The text of this Technical Report is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
124/119/DTR 124/143/RVDTR
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this Technical Report is English.

– 4 – IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 © IEC 2021
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electronic devices and technologies, can be found on the IEC website.
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INTRODUCTION
E-textiles are suitable for measuring biological signals such as electrocardiograms,
electromyograms and respiratory rates in everyday life without discomfort. The e-textile is
interwoven or coated with an electric material for sensing the body surface potential in order
...

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