New device delivers high-speed communications capability

Toshiba Electronics Europe has announced the launch of a new analogue output IC photocoupler that allows high-speed communications in automotive applications – especially EV and HEV. The new TLX9309 consists of a high-output GaAlAs LED that is optically coupled to a high-speed detector. The detector is made up of a photodiode and a transistor integrated onto a single chip. A Faraday shield has been combined onto the photodetector chip to offer enhanced levels of common-mode transient immunity – typically up to 15kV/µ, which is an important parameter in electrically noisy automotive environments. By parting the photodiode and amplification transistor, the collector capacitance is decreased, lessening propagation delays and making the open-collector faster than transistor output devices. The propagation delay times are assured to be between 0.1µs and 1.0µs, with the difference between high to low and low to high transition (|tpLH-tpHL|) being no more than 0.7µs, which makes the device ideal for high-speed communications including inverter control or as an interface to IPM. Electrically, the device provides 3750Vrms of isolation with 5mm of creepage and clearance for safety isolation. It runs from a supply in the range -0.5VDC to 30VDC and can drive up to 25mA at output voltages up to 20V. The current transfer ratio is in the range 15-300%. The device is packaged in a 3.7mm x 7mm x 2.2mm RoHS compliant 5-pin SO6 package and operates over the temperature range -40C to +125C. The device is AEC-Q101 qualified for use in automotive applications.