Date: 17/10/2011

Optocouplers for onboard chargers and other HV systems in hybrid and electric vehicles

Avago Technologies has announced three new ACPL-K4xT digital optocouplers for use in onboard chargers and other high-voltage systems in hybrid and electric vehicles. The new ACPL-K4xT optocouplers are qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 stress test requirements for automotive applications.

The ACPL-K4xT devices are belong to Avago R2Coupler family of optocouplers with reinforced insulation for reliable signal isolation over a operating temperature range from -40 to +125° C, which are essential for ondoard chargers for plug-in electric vehicles, other automotive and industrial applications and small surface-mount package meets the 8mm creepage and clearance distance required for high-voltage safety regulations, as explained by Avago.

The low power consumption of the ACPL-K4xT optocouplers helps prevent battery management systems from draining vehicle batteries. Also, the current consumption of both their LED and detector IC can be minimized as low as 1.5mA/channel for low-speed switching operation.

"Our new R2Coupler devices mark another industry-first for Avago and extend our leading automotive-grade solutions for higher-voltage systems in the hybrid and electric vehicle market," said Cheng-Dee Lee, Business and Applications Development Director for Isolation Products at Avago. "We continue to grow the list of manufacturers and tier one suppliers using R2Coupler isolation products, as we now address high-voltage battery modules and onboard quick chargers, as well as bus and trucks systems."

The ACPL-K4xT optocouplers are compliant to multiple safety standards, including UL 1577 at 5kVRMS/1 minute, IEC 60747-5-5 with an 8kVpeak transient rating for up to 1140V working voltage, EN/DIN EN 60747-5-2 and CSA. The single-channel ACPL-K43T device and dual-channel ACPL-K44T device each operate at 1 MBd, while the single-channel ACPL-K49T device operates at 20 kBd.

Additional features of ACPL-K4xT product includes:
30 kV/µs (typical) common mode rejection (CMR) at VCM = 1500V
Stretched 8-lead small outline (SO-8) package compatible with standard surface mount processes
Lead (Pb)-free and RoHS 6 fully-compliant
LED current input scalable to variety of logic voltage levels
Large supply voltage range up to 20V
Zero Off state current

U.S. Pricing and Availability: The ACPL-K43T digital optocouplers are priced at $2.23 each in 1,000 piece quantities, the ACPL-K44T devices are priced at $2.97 each in 1,000 piece quantities, and the ACPL-K49T devices are priced at $1.55 each in 1,000 piece quantities.

For more information visit: www.avagotech.com