New Si80xx Isolators Outperform Optocouplers for Household Appliance Applications Requiring Multi-Channel 1 kV Functional Isolation.
Silicon Labs introduced a family of digital isolators offering the highest channel count, performance, reliability and data rates for cost-sensitive consumer electronics applications requiring functional isolation of up to 1 kV. Based on Silicon Labs’ patented CMOS-based digital isolation technology, the new Si80xx family provides a superior alternative to optocouplers for washers, dryers, food mixers, vacuum cleaners and other household appliances, as well as test and measurement equipment requiring functional isolation.
Used for more than 40 years, optocouplers are inherently limited by an antiquated LED-based technology resulting in significant output variations over input current, temperature and age. These variations reduce the operating performance of optocouplers over their lifetime, causing increased design complexity and reduced product reliability. Silicon Labs’ Si80xx digital isolators overcome these limitations through capacitive isolation based on mainstream CMOS process technology. Higher reliability and longer device lifetimes enable manufacturers to support longer product warranties and reduce costs associated with repair or replacement. Less variability, especially in the input turn-on current, simplifies system design.
Developers no longer need to anticipate aging effects when they switch from using optocouplers to Si80xx digital isolators in their product designs. The operating parameters of the Si80xx digital isolators remain stable across wide temperature ranges and throughout their long service life for ease of system design and highly uniform performance in consumer applications.
The Si80xx family offers a superior functional isolation solution than other digital isolators for applications that require multiple isolated signal channels. Available in a choice of 3- to 6-channel configurations, the Si80xx family is the industry’s widest channel count series of unidirectional isolators supporting up to 1 kV isolation ratings. The Si80xx family’s industry-leading isolation channel count also helps simplify timing and isolation challenges in systems with wide digital buses by enabling developers to minimize the number of separate isolators, thereby reducing bill of materials (BOM) cost and board space.
Silicon Labs
www.silabs.com/isolation