VDE, Nordic, UL, BSI approvals for isolators

A low current, optically-coupled isolator with guaranteed 5000V isolation between its input and output sides is available from Isocom Components.

A low current, optically-coupled isolator with guaranteed 5000V isolation between its input and output sides is available from Isocom Components.

To ensure that it fully complies with its isolation rating, the IS204X has been tested and approved to the latest VDE0884 safety standards.

It has a drive current requirement that can be as low as 0.5mA to obtain effective and consistent operation.

The device is designed to saturate at 0.4V instead of the less practical 10V, normally associated with such components.

These optically coupled isolators are used to maintain isolation between system components in computer terminals, industrial controllers and measuring instruments.

The low input current requirements of IS204X can make a significant contribution to minimising the power needs of the overall system, particularly when a number of isolators are involved.

Compliance with the VDE standard makes the device ideal for incorporation into power supplies, CE marked products and systems where secure, high-voltage isolation is essential.

The IS204X comprises of an infra-red diode and an NPN silicon photo-transistor mounted in a space efficient dual-in-line plastic package with a six-pin European standard pin-out, including a base connection for gain control.

Three versions are offered, suffixed '3', '2' and '1', characterised by their minimum current transfer ratios (CTR's) The IS204X3 produces a CTR of 70% for an input current as low as 0.5mA, or 100% at 1.0mA, while the -X2 and -X1 types both provide a minimum 50% CTR for respective drive currents of 0.5mA and 1.0mA.

In addition to these standard variants, Isocom Components can supply units with improved characteristics through its special selection service.

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