Optoelectronic components, of course, are not limited to LED diodes alone – semiconductor manufacturers specialized in this field often also offer more complex elements, such as optoisolation amplifiers. Such advanced solutions are also available in the Broadcom brand offer.
We present a comprehensive range of Broadcom in terms of optoisolators and LED diodes. These components are designed for use in driver circuits and control panels – from mobile and consumer devices, to automotive and industrial applications. The following compilation includes groups deserving special mention – but we invite everyone to explore the entire assortment.
In this article, we cover topics such as:
- Broadcom’s optoisolator offerings
- Optically isolated amplifiers and modulators
- Safe control of IGBT transistor gates
- Overview of the compact and universal ChipLED series diodes
Optoisolators
Broadcom’s optoisolator offering includes over a thousand products. These are circuits with various types of outputs, such as gate (Schmitt trigger), Darlington configuration, open collector – and for various purposes (more on that in a moment). It is worth noting that this offer includes compact multi-channel devices and those with high isolation voltage.
Isolated Amplifiers
Amplifiers based on optoisolators allow galvanic separation of control circuits from lines under high voltage carrying high current. They are used, for example, to monitor the operation of motors or inverters in renewable energy systems. Among others, such applications are intended for Broadcom amplifiers. They are characterized by linearity and low temperature coefficient, which allows for optimal precision in voltage and current measurement. They offer isolation levels from 2.5kV to 7.5kV.
The amplifier range also includes Sigma-Delta modulators, which are devices that convert analog amplitude into a square wave, i.e., a digital signal. This is an alternative method of measuring large currents and voltages – here, too, galvanic separation based on optoelectronic structures is present.
The table above presents a basic division of amplifiers based on their mounting technology and the number of outputs. Most models in this product group are placed in SMD housings, but THT versions are also available. The range includes versions with 1, 2, or 4 outputs, allowing for even more effective miniaturization of control circuits.
Gate Drivers
An important part of Broadcom’s offering are IGBT gate drivers based on optoisolators. Thanks to these devices, the control circuit based on a microprocessor or microcontroller remains isolated from the transistor structure and circuits where large loads occur. The TME assortment includes 1- and 2-channel models with varying current performance (e.g., 12A). These components include a number of practical functions, such as under-voltage lockout (UVLO), fault status indication, saturation detection, and a Miller Clamp limiter, which minimizes the impact of the transistor’s parasitic capacitance on the operation of the control circuit. Moreover, selected models have integrated DC/DC converters, which make their outputs independent from external voltage fluctuations.
LED Diodes
The second extensive part of Broadcom’s optoelectronics range is the portfolio of LED diodes. These are primarily SMD components in very small formats (e.g., 0402 or 0603), adapted to modern assembly methods, such as infrared reflow soldering (IR reflow soldering). Our offer includes hundreds of Broadcom solutions – in various variants and adapted to all typical applications.
Above all, it should be noted that Broadcom provides both colored and white diodes, often combined in larger circuits and used for illumination. A single element can have a power up to 120mW (current 5…30mA) and brightness up to 2125mcd. Customers can choose components with warm, neutral, and cold color temperatures.
In the group of light-emitting colored elements, the choice is very wide, including yellow, red, green, blue, orange, green, amber LEDs, and there are also two-color and RGB types. In terms of other parameters, the offer is equally diverse: the angle of illumination ranges from 11° to 175°, lenses have a transparent or diffusive surface, with flat or convex fronts. Available formats range from 0303 to 3216. Thus, one can find an element perfectly matched to the needs of a given project.
An interesting proposal are the SMD LED diodes with angular orientation provided by Broadcom (light emission parallel to the PCB surface.
Typical applications for Broadcom diodes (collected in the ChipLED family) include interior and indicator lighting (including automotive), backlighting LCD displays, household appliances/AV equipment, industrial measurement and control systems. Since the components are characterised by relatively low power consumption, they are also suitable for portable devices, such as laptops.
