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Home > News > Optocouplers 101: A Simple Guide to Types, Schematics, and Applications

Optocouplers 101: A Simple Guide to Types, Schematics, and Applications

Aug 30, 2024 214

What is a photocoupler?

The principle of a photocoupler can be simply understood as a photoelectric switch, which consists of a light-emitting diode (emitting light signals) and a receiving diode (receiving light signals).

First, since it transmits optical signals, its primary function is electrical isolation. This type of optocoupler is known as the transistor output optocoupler. It is widely used in:

Ground loop elimination
Interface between logic circuits
Level conversion
Regulation feedback circuits in switching mode power supplies (SMPS)
And more

Typical Circuit Diagram:

Transistor output optocoupler

Most Widely Used Models:

Model Brand Encapsulation Typical parameters
4N25 Vishay, Lite-On, Fairchild DIP-6 CTR: 20% - 50%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
PC817 Sharp, Everlight, Vishay DIP-4 CTR: 50% - 600%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +100°C
TLP521 Toshiba, Vishay DIP-4 CTR: 50% - 600%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +100°C
H11A1 Fairchild, ON Semiconductor DIP-6 CTR: 20% - 200%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
CNY17 Vishay, Lite-On DIP-6 CTR: 40% - 320%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
H11B1 Fairchild, ON Semiconductor DIP-6 CTR: 20% - 300%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,300 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
LTV-817 Lite-On DIP-4 CTR: 50% - 600%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +100°C
SFH6106 Vishay DIP-4 CTR: 40% - 320%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
H11L1 ON Semiconductor DIP-6 CTR: 10% - 30%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,300 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C
4N32 Vishay, Lite-On DIP-6 CTR: 20% - 200%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,300 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C

Second, by adding a power transistor to the transmitting diode, we significantly improve the current transfer ratio (CTR). This type of optocoupler is called the Darlington output optocoupler. It is widely used in:

Hybrid substrates requiring high-density installation
Telephones
Copiers
Fax machines
Interfaces with various power circuits and distribution boards

Typical Circuit Diagram:
Darlington Output Optocoupler

Most Widely Used Models:

Model Brand Encapsulation Typical parameters
LTV-352T Lite-On SOP-4 OPTOISO 3.75KV DARLINGTON 4SOP
TLP187 Toshiba SOP-4 X36 PB-F PHOTOCOUPLER ROHS SO6 B
EL452(TA)-G Everlight SOP-6 CTR: 1000% - 2000%, Max Isolation Voltage: 5,000 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +100°C
LTV-852 Lite-On DIP-4 OPTOISOLTR 5KV DARLINGTON 4-DIP
TIL113M ON Semiconductor DIP-6 OPTOISO 4.17KV DARL W/BASE 6DIP
PS2502-1 Renesas DIP-4 OPTOISOLATOR 5KV DARL 4DIP
LTV-852 Lite-On DIP-4 OPTOISOLTR 5KV DARLINGTON 4-DIP
TLP127 Toshiba SOP-4 OPTOISOLTR 2.5KV DARLNG 6-MFSOP
TCMD4000 Vishay DIP-6 OPTOISO 3.75KV 4CH DARLNG 16-SOP
KPC452 COSMO DIP-6 CTR: 1000% , Max Isolation Voltage: 5,300 VRMS, Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +100°C


Third, by replacing the receiving diode with a thyristor or bidirectional thyristor, we can directly drive high-current loads and handle AC signals. This type of optocoupler is the thyristor output photocoupler. It is widely used in:

AC motor drivers
AC motor starters
Electromagnetic contactors
Lighting control
Solenoid valve/valve control
Solid-state relays
Static power switches
Temperature control
Typical Circuit Diagram:
thyristor output photocoupler

Most Commonly Used Model:

Model Brand Encapsulation Typical parameters
MOC3021 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-6 Non-zero crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 15mA.Withstand voltage: 400V.
MOC3022
Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-4 Non-zero crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 10mA.Withstand voltage: 400V.
MOC3023 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-4 Non-zero crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 5mA.Withstand voltage: 400V.
MOC3020 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-6 Non-zero crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 30mA.Withstand voltage: 400V.
MOC3063 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-6 Zero-crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 5mA and a withstand voltage of 600V.
MOC3052 Fairchild, ON Semiconductor DIP-6 Non-zero crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 10mA.Withstand voltage: 600V.
MOC3083 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-4 Zero-crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 5mA and a withstand voltage of 800V.
MOC3043 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-4 Zero-crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 5mA and a withstand voltage of 400V.
MOC3061 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-6 Zero-crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 15mA and a withstand voltage of 600V.
MOC3062 Lite-On,Vishay,ON Semiconductor.Everlight DIP-6 Zero-crossing optocoupler with a maximum on-state current of 10mA and a withstand voltage of 600V.

Fourth, by using a high-speed response photosensitive element instead of the receiving diode, we achieve fast and frequent switching, making it suitable for high-speed digital signal transmission. This type of optocoupler is the high-speed optocoupler. It is widely used in:

High-voltage isolation
Isolation of line receivers
Ground loop elimination
Feedback elements in switching power supplies
Typical Circuit Diagram:
high-speed optocoupler

Most Commonly Used Model:

Model Brand Encapsulation Typical parameters
6N135 Vishay, Lite-On, Fairchild, Everlight DIP-8 HIGH SPEED 1Mbit/s TRANSISTOR,Minimum CTR: 7%
6N136 Vishay, Lite-On, Fairchild, Everlight DIP-8 HIGH SPEED 1Mbit/s TRANSISTOR,Minimum CTR: 19%
6N137 Vishay, Lite-On, Fairchild, Everlight DIP-8 HIGH SPEED 10Mbit/s TRANSISTOR,Minimum CTR: 7%
6N138 Vishay, Lite-On, Fairchild, Everlight DIP-8 HIGH SPEED 100 kBd TRANSISTOR,Minimum CTR: 400%
6N139 Vishay, Lite-On, Fairchild, Everlight DIP-8 HIGH SPEED 100 kBd TRANSISTOR,Minimum CTR: 500%
HCPL2630 Broadcom,AVAGO,Onsemi DIP-8 Dual Channel,HIGH SPEED 10Mbit/s TRANSISTOR
HCPL2631 Broadcom,AVAGO,Onsemi DIP-8 Dual Channel,HIGH SPEED 10Mbit/s TRANSISTOR
TLP152 TOSHIBA DIP-4 OPTOISO 3.75KV GATE DRIVER 6SO-5
TLP109 TOSHIBA SOP-5 OPTOISO 3.75KV GATE DRIVER 6SO-5
HCPL0601 Broadcom,AVAGO,Onsemi SOP-8 Single Channel,HIGH SPEED 10Mbit/s TRANSISTOR,Small size


Fifth, by integrating additional components into the receiving diode to provide functions such as undervoltage lockout and short-circuit protection, we obtain the IGBT drive optocoupler. It is widely used in:

IGBT/MOSFET gate drive
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Industrial inverters
Motor drives
Induction cookers
Typical Circuit Diagram:
 IGBT drive optocoupler.
Most Commonly Used Model:

Model Brand Encapsulation Typical parameters
TLP350 Toshiba DIP-8 Buffer logic, ±2.5A output current, ±15 kV/μs immunity.
FOD3180 Fairchild, ON Semiconductor DIP-8 2A output, 200ns delay, 5000Vrms isolation, 15kV/μs anti-interference
ACPL-330J Toshiba SOP-16 1.5A output, 250ns delay, 50kV/μs anti-interference, UVLO protection.
FOD8316 Fairchild, ON Semiconductor SOP-16 35kV/μs anti-interference, 2.5A output, 250ns delay, UVLO protection, 15-30V voltage range.
ACPL-W341 Broadcom/AVAGO
SOP-6 3A output, 200ns delay, 35kV/μs anti-interference, UVLO protection, 15-30V voltage range
ACPL-K33T Broadcom/AVAGO
SOP-8 2A output, 120ns delay, 50kV/μs anti-interference, -40°C to +125°C temperature range, UVLO protection
TLP5702 Toshiba SOP-6 ±2.5A output, 200ns delay, ±30kV/μs anti-interference, -40 to 110°C temperature range
ACPL-32JT Broadcom/AVAGO
SOP-16 2.5A output, 250ns delay, 20V regulation voltage, -40 to +125°C temperature range, 30kV/μs anti-interference
ACPL-339J Broadcom/AVAGO
SOP-16 1A output, 300ns delay, 25kV/μs anti-interference, -40 to 105°C temperature range, UVLO protection
HCPL-7710 Broadcom/AVAGO
DIP-8 +5V CMOS compatible, 40ns delay, 12 Mbd speed, 10kV/μs glitch immunity, -40°C to 100°C temperature range


Sixth, by combining the Darlington optocoupler with the thyristor optocoupler, we achieve an optocoupler relay that features a fast, high-gain input and an output capable of driving large current loads. This optocoupler relay structure includes an LED, a photosensitive component (such as a phototransistor, photosensitive SCR, or photosensitive Triac), and a power output switch (such as a MOSFET or Triac). It is widely used in:

AC motor drives and starters
Electromagnetic contactors
Solenoid valve/valve control
Solid-state relays
Static power switches
Temperature control
Typical Circuit Diagram:

Optocoupler relay

Most Commonly Used Model:

Model Brand Encapsulation Typical parameters
AQY210 Panasonic DIP-4,SMD4,SOP4 1 Form A, AC/DC dual use, 350V, 120MA low level analog signal control, maximum leakage current 1μA
AQY212 Panasonic DIP-4,SMD4,SOP4 1 Form A, AC/DC dual use, 60V, 500MA low level analog signal control, maximum leakage current 1μA
AQY214 Panasonic DIP-4,SMD4,SOP4 1 Form A, AC/DC dual use, 400V, 100MA low level analog signal control, maximum leakage current 1μA
AQY216 Panasonic DIP-4,SMD4,SOP4 1 Form A, AC/DC dual use, 600V, 120MA low level analog signal control, maximum leakage current 1μA
AQY414 Panasonic DIP-4,SMD4,SOP4 1 Form B, 400V, 120MA, low on-resistance, low leakage current, maximum control of 0.55A load current.
AQY410 Panasonic DIP-4,SMD4,SOP4 1 Form B, 350V, 130MA, low on-resistance, low leakage current, maximum control of 0.55A load current.
AQY412 Panasonic DIP-4,SMD4,SOP4 1 Form B, 60V, 550MA, low on-resistance, low leakage current, maximum control of 0.55A load current.
AQW610 Panasonic DIP-8,SMD8,SOP8 1 Form A & 1 Form B, 350 V, 100 mA, 0.45A high capacity, low on-resistance (typically 12Ω), control low-level analog signals, maximum leakage current 1μA
AQW612 Panasonic DIP-8,SMD8,SOP8 1 Form A & 1 Form B, 60 V, 450 mA, 0.45A high capacity, low on-resistance (typically 12Ω), control low-level analog signals, maximum leakage current 1μA
AQW614 Panasonic DIP-8,SMD8,SOP8 1 Form A & 1 Form B, 400 V, 130 mA, 0.45A high capacity, low on-resistance (typically 12Ω), control low-level analog signals, maximum leakage current 1μA


The above is the principle and function of each detailed classification of the current optocoupler.

HI, have you found that each classification is like a building block, by changing something, you can get a product with another purpose.

Knowledge is so rich and simple.

Yes, ECsimple talks about the key points. This is our original intention: knowledge is simple and easy to understand.

The essence of optocoupler is the transmission of optical signals. By replacing the input and output ends or adding input and output ends, many types or functions of optocouplers can be derived.

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