Optically isolated photovoltaic driver for isolated switching applications

Littelfuse, Inc. has launched the FDA117 Optically Isolated Photovoltaic Driver. This innovative product generates a floating power source, making it an exceptional choice for isolated switching applications in various industries.

The FDA117 is designed to control discrete standard power MOSFETs and IGBTs using a floating voltage source, ensuring isolation between the low-voltage drive input side and the high-voltage load output side. With an input control current range of 5mA to 50mA, an integrated fast turn-off circuitry, and 5kVRMS reinforced isolation, the device delivers sufficient voltage and current to drive discrete power MOSFETs and IGBTs effectively.

One of the key differentiators of the device is its ability to generate a floating power source with up to 15.3V voltage and 60µA current, making it ideal for driving standard MOSFET devices and IGBTs. This feature permits greater flexibility in application designs, allowing the direct driving of standard MOSFET/IGBT devices and securely turning off external power semiconductors in less than 0.5ms.

Whether it is used in custom solid-state relay designs, controlling electrical power and loads, or industrial process control, the FDA117 provides the necessary isolation barrier to protect equipment and individuals from electrical hazards.

“To give our customers more flexibility in their application designs, we developed the FDA117 to add a single-channel version to our existing portfolio of photovoltaic drivers,” said Mark P. Smith, director, Product Management, Integrated Circuits and MCU. “High open circuit voltage and short circuit current, combined with 5kVRMS reinforced isolation voltage, extend the design flexibility.”

The device is offered in four-pin DIP through-hole and surface mount packages, supplying pinout compatibility with other Photovoltaic Drivers available on the market. This compatibility ensures ease of integration into existing designs with no major modifications.

Product designs that can profit from the device include power semiconductor applications in industrial, energy, building automation, and smart home markets.