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Technical Article: IEC 60601-1-Compliant Digital Isolators with iCoupler Technology

The ADuM220x¹ are 2-channel digital isolators based on Analog Devices, Inc., iCoupler® technology. Combining high speed CMOS and monolithic air core transformer technology, these isolation components provide outstanding performance characteristics that are superior to alternatives such as optocoupler devices.

By avoiding the use of LEDs and photodiodes, iCoupler devices remove the design difficulties commonly associated with opto-couplers. Typical optocoupler concerns regarding uncertain current transfer ratios, nonlinear transfer functions, and temper-ature and lifetime effects are eliminated with the simple iCoupler digital interfaces and stable performance characteristics. The need for external drivers and other discrete components is elimi-nated with these iCoupler products. Furthermore, iCoupler devices run at one-tenth to one-sixth the power of optocouplers at comparable signal data rates.

The ADuM220x isolators provide two independent isolation channels in a variety of channel configurations and data rates (see the Ordering Guide). The ADuM220x models operate with the supply voltage of either side ranging from 3.0 V to 5.5 V, providing compatibility with lower voltage systems as well as enabling voltage translation functionality across the isolation barrier. The ADuM220x isolators have a patented refresh feature that ensures dc correctness in the absence of input logic transi-tions and during power-up/power-down conditions.

Similar to the ADuM320x isolators, the ADuM220x isolators contain various circuit and layout enhancements to provide increased capability relative to system-level IEC 61000-4-x testing (ESD, burst, and surge). The precise capability in these tests for either the ADuM320x or ADuM220x products is strongly determined by the design and layout of the user’s board or module. For more information, see the AN-793 Application Note, ESD/Latch-Up Considerations with iCoupler Isolation Products.

¹Protected by U.S. Patents 5,952,849; 6,873,065; 6,903,578; and 7,075,329. Other patents pending.

Data Sheet, Rev. A, 7/08

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