An optocoupler supports battery systems up to 1000 V. It provides signal isolation for electric vehicles, battery systems, chargers, converters, and industrial systems.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has introduced the VOLA617A, an Automotive Grade phototransistor optocoupler designed for signal transmission with high galvanic isolation in electric vehicles (EVs), including emerging 800 V battery systems, as well as industrial automation equipment. Developed by Vishay Semiconductors, the device provides an isolation voltage of 5000 VRMS, a repetitive peak isolation voltage (VIORM) of 1414 Vpeak, and a transient isolation voltage (VIOTM) of 8000 Vpeak. It is housed in a 4-pin low-profile LSOP package.
The optocoupler is intended for use in grid-connected on-board chargers (OBCs), DC/DC converters, battery management systems (BMS), isolated wake-up circuits, and other control systems that require galvanic and noise isolation. Unlike many automotive optocouplers that are limited to battery voltages of up to 500 V and are therefore mainly suited for 400 V EV platforms, the VOLA617A can isolate DC voltages of up to 1000 V. This allows it to support next-generation high-voltage EV architectures.
The VOLA617A integrates an infrared-emitting diode with a silicon planar phototransistor detector. Its low-profile package provides creepage and clearance distances of at least 8 mm. The device is available in four current transfer ratio (CTR) ranges and offers a collector-emitter voltage rating of 80 V, giving designers greater flexibility in different applications.
The optocoupler operates across a temperature range of -40 °C to +125 °C, with a maximum junction temperature of +145 °C. It features a coupling capacitance of 0.5 pF and high common-mode transient immunity to help maintain reliable signal transmission in electrically noisy environments. The VOLA617A meets dual AEC-Q102 Automotive Grade qualification standards and is also RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and certified as Vishay Green.
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