Analog Devices is extending its family of iCoupler digital isolators with products that provide both data and power isolation in a single package. The products incorporate ADI's proprietary isoPower technology that integrates a micro-power supply with independent signal channels.

The ADuM5240, ADuM5241 and ADuM5242 are dual-channel isolators incorporating isoPower technology. These products, provided in 8-lead SOIC (small-outline integrated circuit) packaging, integrate an isolated power supply with two digital signal channels to create a complete isolation solution for low-power applications found in factory automation equipment, instrumentation and secondary control power supplies. The ADuM524x products incorporate the isoPower technology, which integrates an isolated DC/DC converter with two channels of digital signal isolation in an 8-lead SOIC. Intended for low-power applications, the integrated DC/DC converter provides up to 50 mW of isolated, regulated power at 5 V. The ADuM524x devices operate with a supply voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 5.5 V with the internal DC/DC converter enabled at supply voltages above 4.5 V.

The signal channels have timing specifications with propagation delay less than 55 nanoseconds and channel-to-channel matching better than three nanoseconds. All three ADuM24x products carry a 2.5 KV isolation rating. Each product varies by the directionality of each channel. The ADuM5240 has two signal outputs on the same side as the power output. The ADuM5241, with signal channels in each direction, is ideal for bi-directional communications, such as an RS-232 transceiver, that require isolated power for interface electronics. The ADuM5242, with the two signal outputs on the same side as the power input, is ideal for power supply applications that employ secondary side control and require isolated power to initiate start-up.

Coupler Digital Isolators

Isolation devices are used in a wide range of applications to protect people and equipment from unsafe voltage levels and disruptive noise sources. Analog Devices' iCoupler isolation technology employs chip-scale, micro-transformers in contrast to the LEDs and photodiodes used in optocouplers. Compared to optocouplers, iCoupler products consume less power, achieve higher data rates and provide more precise timing, yet still provide isolation ratings of up to 5 kV. Because the micro-transformer structures are integrated on semiconductor substrates, iCoupler products can achieve high levels of integration enabling greater functionality, smaller size and lower cost. Underscoring the scalability and flexibility of the iCoupler technology, isoPower is the latest development in ADI's digital isolation product portfolio.

Pricing and Availability

The ADuM524x digital isolators are sampling to lead customers now with samples to the open market scheduled for July 2006. Each of the three devices is available in Pb-free 8-lead SOIC packaging and is priced at $2.95 per unit in 1,000-piece quantities.