- EV Tech Insider
- Posts
- New portfolio of isolation devices from TI extends the lifetime of high-voltage applications to 40-plus years
New portfolio of isolation devices from TI extends the lifetime of high-voltage applications to 40-plus years
– Texas Instruments (TI) has launched a new opto-emulator portfolio of signal isolation semiconductors aimed at enhancing signal integrity, reducing power consumption, and prolonging the lifespan of high-voltage applications.– The opto-emulators are compatible with common optocouplers, utilizing silicon dioxide (SiO2)-based isolation technology to eliminate LED aging effects and provide high isolation protection.
Texas Instruments has unveiled its new range of opto-emulator signal isolation semiconductors. These are designed to improve signal integrity, use less power and extend the life of high-voltage industrial and automotive applications. TI’s opto-emulators are interchangeable with the industry’s most widely used optocouplers. This allows for smooth integration into existing designs while capitalizing on the unique advantages of silicon dioxide (SiO2)-based isolation technology.
“Today’s push for electrification, coupled with the intricacies of designing high-voltage systems, presents a need for engineers to increase the performance and lifetime of their products while ensuring the right level of isolation,” said Tsedeniya Abraham, general manager of interface products at Texas Instruments. “Our new portfolio of opto-emulators not only addresses the growing need for reliable and affordable isolation, but also exemplifies our commitment to investing in high-voltage technologies.”
Optocouplers have been a popular choice among engineers as they use an LED to isolate the signal. However, they often require upfront overdesign to offset the inevitable aging effects of LEDs. TI’s opto-emulators remove this need by using SiO2 as the isolation barrier, thereby eliminating LED aging effects completely. The SiO2 isolation barrier has a high dielectric strength of 500 VRMS/µm and enables these devices to protect end-product designs for more than 40 years. They also offer isolation protection as high as 3,750 VRMS and can reduce power consumption by up to 80%.
The new portfolio can endure wide operating temperature ranges from -55°C to 125°C and provides common-mode transient immunity up to 10 times higher than optocouplers. Preproduction quantities of opto-emulator products are now available. Automotive versions of opto-emulator products are expected to be available in 2024.
This advancement in isolation technology will extend the life of high-voltage applications and improve their performance, significantly impacting the electric vehicle industry.