SiLabs has ‘drop in’ replacement for optocouplers

Based on mainstream cmos technology, the new 'drop in' devices are optimised for superior noise immunity and more robust performance. They are targeted at solar power inverters, switched mode power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies, industrial drives, programmable logic controllers and high voltage medical equipment. The Si87xx family is said to offer immunity against the output variations that plague led based optocouplers. It is based on SiLabs' capacitive isolation technology, with isolation ratings up to 5kV and fully compliant with IEC 60747-5-2 including 10kV surge protection. The series meets the requirements for IEC 60950-1, 61010-1, 60601-1 and provides up to 1200V working voltage with a 60+ year lifetime. Additional advantages include a 50% lower input turn on current and a 10x lower output quiescent current than competing optocouplers, low parasitic capacitance and improved key timing specifications. "The new Si87xx family represents the industry's first major step along the path to drop in optocoupler replacement by providing a perfect package/footprint fit for a number of widely used optocoupler products," said Mark Thompson, vp and general manager of access, power and sensor products at Silicon Labs. "Our new opto replacement solution is the best choice for systems that currently use outmoded optocouplers but need significant improvements in power efficiency, performance, reliability and product lifetime."