Emerson has adopted the digital isolation technology of Analog Devices for use in a wide variety of electronic systems and sub-systems. Using Analog Devices' patented iCoupler digital isolation technology, Emerson is designing high-temperature isolated data links at a fraction of the incumbent technology's cost without compromising performance.
The traditional method of isolating signals, optocoupler technology, uses beams of light to isolate and protect sensitive circuitry and to provide a safe interface between high- and low-voltage electrical environments. However, the electro-optic elements used in optocouplers do not fare well at high temperatures (typically those exceeding 85 degrees C), suffering from performance and reliability degradation. As a result, high-temperature optocouplers generally come in expensive hermetic packages and are priced from $25 to $100 per unit.
Analog Devices has pioneered a new isolation method based on magnetics that is much more immune to temperature effects than optocouplers. iCoupler devices operating at temperatures up to 125 degrees C exhibit negligible performance and reliability degradation and can therefore be provided in standard plastic packages at low cost. In addition, these components achieve significant improvements over optocouplers in terms of power consumption, performance, and integration. iCoupler technology uses less than one-tenth the power of optocouplers and delivers the most accurate signal and the highest speed available.
"Emerson is a world leader in the design of electronics equipment for high-stress environments, such as those found in high-temperature automotive and industrial applications. Their adoption of the ADuM1100 is a strong testament to the value of the iCoupler technology," said Dick Meaney, vice president of precision converters at Analog Devices.
The ADuM1100UR digital isolator operates at temperatures up to 125 degrees C, supports data rates up to 100 megabits per second and is compatible with supply voltages ranging from 3.0 V to 5.5 V. It is part of a growing family of iCoupler products providing isolation solutions in a variety of channel configurations, performance levels, and price points.
Analog Devices manufactures precision high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications.