Vishay Intertechnology announced the launch of two new Automotive Grade optocouplers with phototransistor output designed for electric vehicles and solar inverter applications. The new Vishay Semiconductors VOWA617A and VOWA618A devices feature a widebody SMD-8 package with a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600 and are engineered to provide high galvanic isolation for demanding high voltage applications.
The company said the optocouplers deliver VIORM of 1500 Vpeak, VIOWM of 1060 VRMS, and external creepage and clearance distances of at least 11 mm. Vishay noted the devices provide the highest creepage distance in their class, offering at least a 38% higher safety margin than typical 8 mm solutions. The products are intended for use in grid-connected on-board chargers, DC/DC converters, and battery management system isolation stages in EVs and solar systems.
According to Vishay, the AEC-Q102 qualified devices exceed reinforced insulation requirements for high voltage applications. The optocouplers also feature an isolation voltage of 5300 VRMS and VIOTM of 8000 Vpeak, representing increases over competing products. The company added that the devices include an infrared emitting diode optically coupled to a silicon planar phototransistor detector.
Vishay highlighted that the products carry a Material Group 1 insulation rating due to their CTI of 600, compared to standard solutions that typically offer a CTI of 175. The devices also feature an 80 V collector-emitter voltage rating, providing greater design flexibility.
The company said the optocouplers support operating temperatures from -40 °C to +125 °C, with junction temperature capability up to +145 °C. Vishay added that the products are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green certified. The devices also offer a current transfer ratio range from 50% to 600% at low input currents.
Samples and production quantities are currently available, with lead times of approximately eight weeks.
KEY QUOTES:
“Offering the highest creepage distance in their class, the AEC-Q102 qualified devices released today provide a ≥ 38 % higher safety margin than typical 8 mm solutions, making them ideal for grid-connected on-board chargers (OBC), DC/DC converters, and battery management system (BMS) isolation stages.”
Vishay Intertechnology
“Compared to consumer-grade solutions that typically feature operating temperatures to +85 °C, the optocouplers operate over a wider -40 °C to +125 °C temperature range, with a junction temperature capability up to +145 °C.”
Vishay Intertechnology
