Optocouplers enable ultra low-power isolators

Avago Technologies reveals its new family of ultra low-power optocouplers that will pave the way for a new generation of optical isolators. The company says the devices can operate on about 90 per cent less power than standard optocouplers. Its IC design and thick insulation material enable the ACPL-M61L/061L/064L/W61L/K64L optocouplers to offer a significant reduction in power requirements without compromising isolation and insulation performance. These digital optocouplers provide high voltage performance over the lifetime of the product while meeting the requirements of safe insulation for reinforced applications. The family targets communication interfaces (RS485, CANBus, and I²C), microprocessor system interfaces, and digital isolation for A/D, D/A conversion applications. Avago is a leading supplier of analogue interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications.

Avago's ultra low power 10MBd digital optocouplers combine a high-efficiency LED and an integrated high gain photo detector which results in 1.6mA forward drive current that enable the optocoupler input to interface directly from the microcontroller output. This cuts the use of buffers to drive the LED. Also, the use of the LED input with a faraday shielded photo detector circuit enables application level common mode noise immunity of 35kV/µs typical. This optocoupler family supports both 3.3V and 5V supply voltages, and provide reliable system performance in industrial temperatures ranging from -40°C to +105°C.

The ACPL-M61L/061L/064L/W61L/K64L family integrates a feature similar to 'under voltage lock-out' that prevents output disruption during a power supply loss or system recovery. Additionally, the output of these optocouplers is designed with a slew-rate controlled feature to allow the voltage rise and fall times to be controlled over a wide range of load capacitances.

The key features of the family include low power consumption of 1.3mA/channel maximum IDD2 current; low input drive current capability of 1.6mA; high dynamic and static CMR performance (35kV/µs typ.); wide supply voltage range: 2.7V to 5.5V; high speed of 10Mbd; availability in a variety of packages including multi-channel small outline; and safety approvals for reinforced insulation pending: IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747/UL 1577/CSA.

The single channel APCL-M61L optocoupler comes in an SO-5 package and is available now. Pricing starts at Rs.48.61($1) in minimum quantities of 2,500. The ACPL-061L/064L (SO-8 package), ACPL-W61L (stretched SO-6 package) and ACPL-K64L (stretched SO-8 package) will be available by the end of March 2010. Samples and production quantities are available now through Avago's direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.