Coupler Bridges Performance Gaps

With an eye on industrial communications and motor control applications, the PS8703 miniature, high-isolation optocoupler is said to close the performance gap between single transistor-type couplers and more costly high-speed devices. Its narrow, 200-kHz bandwidth provides an alternative to full bandwidth couplers in moderate speed applications. Housed in a 5-pin SSOP, the optocoupler combines a GaAlAs LED on the input side with a PIN photo diode and high-speed amplifier transistor on the output side. Operation is from a 15V supply and isolation is up to 2.5 kV. Other features include a typical propagation delay time of 2 µs, saturation voltage of 0.1V, and CMOS compatibility. The PS8703 costs $0.75 each in production quantities. CALIFORNIA EASTERN LABORATORIES, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 588-2208.