Modern state-of-the-art optocouplers are available for high-speed digital data transmission applications (up to 20 Mbit/s), analog current and voltage sensing, and feedback and control electronics. Safe optical isolation using optocouplers or optoisolators is now a well-proven, well-established, and most reliable technology. Most product families are available in various package styles (8 and 16 pin DIP, 16 lead Flat Pack, and 20 terminal LCC) and lead configurations for through-hole and surface mount applications. To satisfy many types of end applications, these high reliability hermetic optocouplers are available as commercial grade, Class H (high reliability) and Class K (highest reliability). Also available are hermetic power MOSFET optocouplers (Avago Technologies’ HSSR-7111) for switching applications. Hermetic optocouplers are now available for high speed digital data transmission applications, analog optocouplers for sensing voltages and current, Intelligent Power Module (IPM) drivers for motor control applications, and AC/DC threshold voltage detectors for various high power detection purposes. The latest advances in the design and processing of transmitter and receiver technologies have enabled greater functionality, integration, and sophistication of hermetic optocouplers for various electronic design and application purposes. Optically isolated (optocoupler/ optoisolator) technology to provide noise-free data transmission and safe galvanic isolation has been around for over twenty years. The risks associated with using plastic electronic components in harsh and rugged environments, where components may be subjected to extremes of temperature, humidity, radiation, and shock/ acceleration are just too great.

Sensitive and high reliability electronic applications in areas such as space, aeronautics, military, and naval environments will continue to rely on high reliability hermetic components.

This article also gives us an overview of the wide portfolio of highly reliable hermetic optocouplers from Avago Technologies. The use of hermetic optocouplers provide a highly reliable result compared to its plastic counterpart when used in harsh and rugged environments. This white paper discusses the use of hermetic optocouplers in military and space electronics applications.

Optocoupler applications