Analog Devices has introduceda packaging technology for digital isolators that achieves a minimum of 8-mm creepage distance required by global industry standards to ensure safe operation in high-voltage medical and industrial applications. Incorporating Analog Devices’ award-winning iCoupler digital isolation technology, the CSA International- (Canadian Standards Association) certified package achieves 8.3-mm creepage and is designed for use in advanced medical diagnostic, measurement and monitoring, and industrial and instrumentation systems that operate up to 220-250 V AC. The new packaging enables designers to replace lower performing optocouplers with ADI’s digital isolators, while meeting the minimum creepage requirements necessary for these applications.
Creepage is the shortest distance over an insulating surface, such as an IC package, over which an arc may travel between two galvanically isolated conductors. To ensure adequate insulation, a 125-V working voltage requires 6 mm of creepage, while a 220-250-V working voltage requires a package with a minimum of 8 mm. The JEDEC standard 16 lead SOIC has 7.6 mm of creepage measured around the end of the package and does not meet the 220-250-V AC requirements to ensure safe operation in high-voltage medical and industrial applications. By increasing the length of the standard JEDEC package by 2.5 mm, ADI is able to enlarge the creepage path to 8.3 mm. The resulting package remains compatible with JEDEC standard footprint with minimal impact on board space.
