Digital isolators for data and power
17 September 2008
Circuit & System Protection
Analog Devices is expanding its family of digital isolation products with a series of four-channel devices that isolate both data and power. Each device integrates the company’s iCoupler digital isolation technology and proprietary isoPower DC-to-DC converter, providing both isolated power and isolated signal channels within a single package.
The ADuM540x isolators are a good choice compared to discrete solutions, such as optocouplers with external DC-to-DC converters, because their small 10 × 10 mm surface mount packages can reduce board space by up to 70%. In addition, they come with safety pre-approvals, allowing designers to realise faster design times as compared to discrete-based solutions, which require time-consuming safety approvals that can delay time-to-market.
iCoupler technology is based on chipscale transformers, rather than on the LEDs and photodiodes found in optocouplers. Transformers can support higher data rates and lower power consumption, and are more stable over life as compared to LEDs and photodiodes. By fabricating the transformers directly on-chip using wafer-level processing, iCoupler channels can be integrated with each other and other semiconductor functions at low cost.
iCoupler transformers are planar structures formed from CMOS and gold metal layers. A high breakdown polyamide layer underneath the gold layer insulates the top transformer coil from the bottom. CMOS circuits connected to the top coil and bottom coil provide the interface between each transformer and its external signals.
The isoPower DC-to-DC converter uses the same chipscale transformer technology, but instead of transmitting data, isoPower employs switches, rectifiers, and regulators to generate power that is isolated to the same degree as the data channels. The on-board isoPower isolated DC-to-DC converter provides up to 500 mW of regulated, isolated power and can operate at either 5,0 V or 3,3 V.
Further reading:
Clearing the Static: Key principles of ESD control in electronics manufacturing
Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Effectively managing electrostatic discharge is essential in electronics manufacturing to ensure not only product reliability, but also worker safety.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: Three steps for a dry ESD packaging system
Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
For optimal storage, it’s essential to complete the dry-packaging system by adding Desiccant Packs and Humidity Indicator Cards.
Read more...
Ensuring safety with earth leakage protection
NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
Earth leakage protection helps mitigate the risks of electric shocks, fires, and equipment damage by swiftly identifying faults and disconnecting the power supply, thus safeguarding both human lives and machinery.
Read more...
Suppressing EMI with filters
Vepac Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
EMI/RFI filters play an important role in reducing the high-frequency noise that is generated by various electrical and electronic devices.
Read more...
Patch attenuates like a shielding cabinet
Würth Elektronik eiSos
Circuit & System Protection
Würth Elektronik has launched its hybrid WE-EMIP EMI absorber sheet, a convenient solution for reducing electromagnetic interference by up to 40 dB.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: Ionisation equipment
Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) ionisation equipment is designed to neutralise static charges that accumulate on surfaces in environments where ESD-sensitive components or materials are handled. These
...
Read more...
Motor and feeder protection for LV and MV environments
NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
This relay from NewElec is a micro-controller-based precision instrument with ANSI protection elements, advanced control features, and switchgear controller logic integrating motor and feeder control functions.
Read more...
Clearing the Static: How to protect PCBs from electrostatic discharge and moisture
Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components in most electronic devices. They are sensitive to environmental factors like electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture, which can cause significant
...
Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD chairs: Essential tools in controlled protected areas
Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Static poses a significant risk in various industries, particularly those involving sensitive electronic components and equipment. To mitigate these risks, electrostatic discharge (ESD) chairs play
...
Read more...
Clearing the Static: ESD dissipative floor mats
Actum Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Dissipative floor mats are specialised mats designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment and components from electrostatic discharge (ESD), by quickly drawing the static electricity off workers before they touch such items.
Read more...
printer friendly version