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

The IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 is a technical report published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that focuses on wearable electronic devices and technologies, specifically addressing electronic textiles (e-textiles) and their connection with detachable electronic devices via conductive snap fastener connectors. This document provides a comprehensive review of how these snap fasteners are used as electrical connectors in e-textile products currently in the market, alongside guidance for future standardization efforts.

Conductive snap fasteners represent a practical and widely accepted solution in the wearable technology sector for establishing electrical connectivity between textiles and detachable devices used to measure biological signals such as electrocardiograms (ECG), electromyograms (EMG), and other health monitoring metrics. However, the absence of established international standards for these connectors highlights the need for uniform guidance and specifications.

Key Topics

  • Snap Fastener Connectors: The report classifies connectors into two main types based on the connector part (stud or socket) mounted on either the e-textile or the detachable device.

    • Stud: The male component of the snap fastener which engages with the socket.
    • Socket: The female component that receives the stud to form an electrical connection.
  • Connector Configurations:

    • Devices with two electrodes using sockets to connect with studs on e-textiles.
    • Devices with two electrodes having studs connect with sockets on e-textiles.
    • Devices with more than two electrodes employing snap fasteners for multi-electrode configurations.
  • Size and Spacing:

    • Typical stud diameters vary, with many under 4 mm for studs on e-textiles and larger sizes (over 4 mm) for studs on devices.
    • Electrode distance standards are not yet established but commonly observed measurements include approximately 20 mm spacing for devices with sockets and 45 mm for devices with studs.
  • Use Cases in Wearable Health Tech:

    • Monitoring devices for ECG, heart rate, and EMS (electronic muscle stimulation), showing a variety of connector implementations based on the application.
  • Future Standardization Needs:

    • There is a clear demand for internationally recognized standards addressing stud/socket dimensions, mounting methods, electrode spacing, waterproofing, and durability to enhance interoperability and reliability across manufacturers.

Applications

This standardization report is highly relevant to several practical applications in wearable electronics and healthcare technology:

  • Wearable Medical Devices: Facilitating the secure and reliable connection of detachable sensors to e-textiles for continuous monitoring of vital signs without discomfort.

  • Sports and Fitness Electronics: Snap fasteners provide waterproof and durable interfaces for heart rate monitors, muscle stimulation devices, and other performance tracking technologies embedded within garments.

  • Consumer Electronics: Enhancing ease of use and maintenance of wearable devices by enabling detachable electronic modules through standardized connectors.

  • Research and Development: Supporting innovators and product developers in designing next-generation e-textiles with consistent connectivity solutions.

By understanding the current landscape of snap fastener connectors and their usage, manufacturers and standards bodies can work toward harmonizing specifications that improve product compatibility and user experience.

Related Standards

While IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021 focuses exclusively on snap fastener connectors between e-textiles and detachable devices, it is part of a broader series on wearable electronic devices and technologies (IEC 63203 series). Related standards and technical reports may cover:

  • Electrical and mechanical performance specifications of wearable sensors
  • Safety and interoperability standards for biomedical monitoring devices
  • Textile materials and conductive fibers used in e-textiles
  • General guidelines on connector interfaces and durability testing

For detailed terminology and electrotechnical vocabulary, users are encouraged to consult:

  • IEC Electropedia for standardized terms in electrotechnology
  • ISO Online Browsing Platform for terminological resources related to textiles and electronics

These standards collectively assist in creating a unified approach to the development, production, and certification of wearable electronic technologies.


By adhering to the guidance in IEC TR 63203-250-1:2021, stakeholders in wearable electronics can drive innovation while ensuring compliance with emerging global standards, thereby enhancing device interoperability, user comfort, and data reliability in the rapidly evolving field of electronic textiles.

Technical report

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

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
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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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