Two new mid-voltage range devices replace mechanical relays

Toshiba Electronics Europe has launched two new mid-voltage, high current photorelays, the 100V TLP3823 with a 3A drive current, and the 200V TLP3825 with a 1.5A drive current.   The new products will extend the range of large current photorelays to replace mechanical relays, alongside Toshiba’s current 60V, 5A TLP3547. The company is supporting and promoting the accelerated replacement of mechanical relays by applying its latest trench MOSFET structure, eighth generation UMOS, to realize output currents exceeding 1A.   Unlike mechanical relays, photorelays have no physical contacts that incur wear and tear, contributing to significantly increased reliability. Photorelays are much smaller, thereby supporting the development of smaller and thinner products.   The new photorelays will be used in diverse applications including industrial equipment, inverters, HVAC equipment, building automation and semiconductor and other test equipment. In almost all cases they will be replacing mechanical relays.