Further devices are added to photocoupler family

Sharp Microelectronics is expanding its family of photocouplers by adding some components for specific models with transfer rates of 1Mbit, 10Mbit or 25 Mbit per second.

Sharp Microelectronics is expanding its family of photocouplers by adding some components for specific models with transfer rates of 1Mbit, 10Mbit or 25 Mbit per second.

Whereas all high-speed photocouplers function within an ambient temperature range of -40 to +85C, the 1 Mbit high-speed photocoupler goes beyond this - it is designed to work in an expanded temperature range of -55 to +100C.

Depending on the type of photocoupler, the components provide voltage isolation of 3.75kV or 5.0kV.

This high degree of electric breakdown strength, good temperature and moisture stability are made possible by the 'double-transfer mould technology'.

In a two-stage moulding process, the photo-elements are coated with a transparent resin and then covered with a non-transparent resin, both of which are high-temperature-resistant epoxy resins.

This technology enables the components to withstand peak temperatures of 260C during reflow and dip soldering.

The high switching speed (25Mbit/s) of the optoelectronic components is achieved by using high-speed LEDs (GaAIAs) with Sharp driver CMOS ICs and the OPIC method.

This technology, which was also developed by Sharp, integrates the photodiode and the IC signal processor on one chip.

Sharp's high-speed photocouplers provide reliable serial transfers and can be used in a large number of premium applications.

In the factory automation sector, these include fieldbus applications, such as DeviceNet, Profibus and Interbus.

In the area of computer networking, the high-speed products are used in interfaces such as RS422 or RS485.

Today, the components are already free of hazardous substances and thus compliant with the RoHS Guidelines that will come into force in July of 2006 (restrictions on the use of hazardous substances), as well as global safety standards such as UL or VDE.

Depending on the design, Sharp offers its high-speed photocouplers in both SOP 8 and DIP 8 housings.

The high-speed photocoupler design series is already in series production and can be obtained through Sharp's sales offices and distribution partners worldwide.

In November 2005, the eight-pin SOP models PC457S0NIP0F (1 Mbit/s), PC410S0NIP0F (10 Mbit/s) and PC4D10SNIP0F (10 Mbit/s) will go into series production.

Samples are available.

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