Surface-Mount Optocouplers Meet Hi-Rel Requirements

TT electronics OPTEK Technology has developed a series of optically coupled isolators that are surface-mountable on ceramic or printed circuit board. Designated the HCC240 and HCC242 Series, the isolators are suitable for designs where board space and device weight are critical considerations. These high-reliability optocouplers have electrical performance similar to JEDEC-registered 4N22A and 4N24A isolators.

“We developed these optically-coupled isolators in response to military design engineers’ requirements for a miniature high-reliability, hermetically sealed device that was surface-mountable,” said Steve Coble, product line manager for OPTEK Technology. “We also have the capability to screen these devices to MIL-PRF-195000 TX, TXV and ESA5000 equivalent levels, in addition to COTS-level screening.”

The optically-coupled isolator consists of a GaAlAs LED and a silicon phototransistor mounted in a hermetically sealed leadless chip carrier. They are compatible with the high-temperature (260°C) soldering process.

The HCC240 and HCC242 provide input-to-output isolation voltage of ±1 kVdc. The input diode is rated for 40-mA dc forward current, a forward voltage ranging from 0.70 V to 1.7 V (temperature dependant), and 100 mA of reverse current. Power dissipation is rated at 60 mW.

The output phototransistor is rated for a continuous collector current of 50 mA, a collector-emitter voltage of 30 V (a 55-V version also is available) and an emitter-collector voltage of 5 V (a 7-V version also is available). Power dissipation is rated at 300 mW.

When coupled, the HCC240 exhibits an on-state collector current of 6 mA (typical), while the HCC242 is 15 mA (typical). Both devices feature collector-emitter saturation voltage of 0.30 V (max). In addition, the devices are rated for operation from –55°C to +125°C. Typical pricing for the isolators is $12.72 each in quantities of 1000. For more information, see www.optekinc.com.