Analog Devices is targeting its iCoupler digital isolation technology at high reliability automotive applications in particular the development of electric-hybrid vehicles.

Compared with the 12V and 24V typically used in automotive systems, hybrid-vehicle batteries can operate at voltages in excess of 600V, which creates a need to isolate system-critical electronics.

The company has qualified three devices in its iCoupler range to AEC-Q100 standard and as a result they carry the –40 to +125 deg C automotive temperature rating.

The two-channel ADuM120xW, three-channel ADuM130xW and four-channel ADuM140xW iCoupler devices use micro-transformer technology and as such are offered as an alternative to commonly used optocouplers.

Supporting data rates up to 25Mbit/s, the CMOS-based parts operate with the supply voltage on either side ranging from 3.0V to 5.5V, providing compatibility with lower voltage systems as well as enabling voltage translation across the isolation barrier.

The digital isolators are available in 8-lead narrow-body or 16-lead wide-body SOIC (small-outline integrated circuit) packages.