Linear optocoupler offers faster allows fast data transfer for vehicle safety

Vishay Intertechnology has released the industry's first AEC-Q102 qualified linear optocoupler. Providing industry-high isolation voltage of 5300Vrms, the Vishay Semiconductors VOA300 supplies a response time that is five times faster than competing devices whilst offering increased transfer gain stability of ±0.005%/C typical and a single-ended output for design flexibility.

The automotive-grade device comprises an AIGaAs IRLED irradiating an isolated feedback diode and an output PIN photodiode in a bifurcated arrangement. The device's feedback photodiode captures a percentage of the LED's flux and produces a control signal that is utilised to servo the LED drive current, while the output PIN photodiode delivers an output signal that is linearly related to the servo optical flux created by the LED. The time and temperature stability of the input-output coupler is assured by employing matched PIN photodiodes that accurately track the output flux of the LED.

The device's single-ended output can be directly connected to an amplifier stage or an ADC. The optocoupler is created for galvanically isolated current and voltage measurement in EVs, including traction inverters, OBC, and DC-DC converters. The device offers reliable and fast data transfers at the rate of 1.4MHz for these applications, while its fast response time supplies quick detection of voltage and current ripples for battery cut-off mechanisms (eFuses) that protect passengers and vehicles.

The linear optocoupler provides a low input-output capacitance of 1pF typical, high gain linearity of ±0.25%, and low power consumption of <15mW. Also, the device offers an operating temperature range of up to +125C, making it ideal for applications in harsh industrial environments. The optocoupler is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.