PVI1050

The PVI1050 Photovoltaic Isolator generates an electrically isolated DC voltage upon receipt of a DC input signal. The input of the PVI1050 is a light-emitting diode (LED) which is optically coupled to, but electrically isolated from, the output. A GaAIAs LED is used for high output and maximum stability. The infrared emission from the LED energizes, by photovoltaic action, a series connection of silicon PN junctions. A unique alloyed junction stack which is edge-illuminated is used to form the output photovoltaic generators. This novel structure produces extremely high operating efficiency. Units are available with a single 5-volt output or dual 5-volt outputs which can be series connected to produce 10 volts.

A PVI1050 can serve as an isolator, a coupler and as an isolated voltage source. As an isolator, the PVI can serve as the key component in a solid state relay circuits. The PVI is ideally suited for driving power MOSFETs and IGBTs or sensitive gate SCRs to form solid state relays.

As a coupler, the PVI1050 can sense a low-level DC signal and transmit a voltage signal to an electrically  remote circuit. As a voltage source, the PVI1050 can function as a 'DC transformer' by providing an isolated, low-current DC source for biasing or supplying power to low quiescent current electronic devices.

Conventional optocouplers merely modulate the resistance of an output device such as a transistor, diode or resistor. Such optocouplers require a separate voltage source to detect the presence of an input signal. In contrast, a PVI1050 actually transmits (and transforms) energy across the isolation barrier and directly generates an output voltage. This DC voltage, available at a 2500VAC isolation level, gives circuit designers a new and uniquely useful electronic component.