Transformers are also differential and provide excellent common-mode transient immunity, as high as 100 kV/µs (optocouplers are typically about 15 kV/µs). Transformer with Thick Polyimide Insulation Where Current Pulses Create Magnetic Fields to Induce Current on the Secondary Coil (left) Capacitor with Thin SiO 2 Insulation Using Low Current Electric Fields to Couple Across Isolation Barrier (right) & amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp lt img src=' ' alt='Figure 1'& amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp gt įigure 1. The current pulses are short, 1 ns, so the average current is low. Transformers pulse current through a coil, as shown in Figure 1, to create a small, localized magnetic field that induces current in another coil. Isolator Structureĭigital isolators use transformers or capacitors to magnetically or capacitively couple data across an isolation barrier, compared to optocouplers that use light from LEDs. Polyimide-based digital isolators use isolation layers as thick as 26 µm. SiO2 thickness, and therefore isolation capability, is limited stress beyond 15 µm may result in cracked wafers during processing or delamination over the life of the isolator. Polyimide has lower stress than SiO2 and can increase in thickness as needed. The inherent stress of each film is also different. SiO2-based isolators provide weaker protection against surges, preventing use in medical and other applications. Polyimide-based digital isolators are similar to optocouplers and exceed lifetime at typical working voltages. Polymer/Polyimide-Based Isolators Yield the Best Isolation Propertiesĭistance Through the Insulation (Insulation Thickness) Polymer/polyimide-based isolators yield the best isolation properties, as shown in Table 1. Some standards also specify shorter duration, higher voltage (e.g., 10 kV peak for 50 µs) as part of certification for reinforced insulation. Safety standards typically specify a 1 minute voltage withstand rating (typically 2.5 kV rms to 5 kV rms) and working voltage (typically 125 V rms to 400 V rms). Polymers have been the basis for many optocouplers, giving them an established history as a high voltage insulator. Both have well known insulating properties and have been used in standard semiconductor processing for years. Common insulating materials include polymers such as polyimide (PI), which can be spun on as a thin film, and silicon dioxide (SiO2). Nonstandard materials complicate production, resulting in poor manufacturability and higher costs. Insulation Materialĭigital isolators use foundry CMOS processes and are limited to materials commonly used in foundries. All three elements must work together to balance design targets, but the one target that cannot be compromised and “balanced” is the ability to meet safety regulations. Structure and data transfer method are chosen to overcome the cited penalties. Insulating material determines inherent isolation capability and is selected to ensure compliance to safety standards. They are defined by the elements noted above. They use CMOS-based circuitry and offer significant cost and power savings while significantly improving data rates. More power efficient and higher speed optocouplers are available but impose a higher cost penalty.ĭigital isolators were introduced over 10 years ago to reduce penalties associated with optocouplers. Optocouplers, a traditional isolator, incur the greatest penalties, consuming high levels of power and limiting data rates to below 1 Mbps. A digital isolator’s goal is to meet safety requirements while minimizing incurred penalties. Yet, isolation imposes constraints such as delays, power consumption, cost, and size. Galvanic isolation ensures data transfer without an electrical connection or leakage path that might create a safety hazard. These elements are insulation material, their structure, and data transfer method.ĭesigners incorporate isolation because of safety regulations or to reduce noise from ground loops, etc. Understanding the nature and interdependence of three key elements of a digital isolator is important in choosing the right digital isolator. Today, digital isolators offer advantages in performance, size, cost, power efficiency, and integration. David Krakauer Download PDF Idea in Briefĭigital isolators offer significant, compelling advantages over optocouplers in terms of size, speed, power consumption, ease of use, and reliability.įor years, designers of industrial, medical, and other isolated systems had limited options when implementing safety isolation: the only reasonable choice was the optocoupler.
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