Avago Technologies Debuts Isolated Voltage/Current Detectors

Avago Technologies, a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, has reportedly introduced two new miniature voltage/current threshold detection optocouplers, ACPL-K370 and ACPL-K376, for use in a wide range of industrial control applications.

According to a press release, the newly released ACPL-K370/K376 optocouplers can detect AC/DC sources and convert the voltage to a logic interface across an optical coupling barrier to provide safe isolation in electronically noisy environments found in industrial applications.

It uses threshold sensing input buffer ICs which permit control of threshold levels over a wide range of input voltages up to 1140 Vpeak, with a single external resistor and operates at temperature range of -40 to +105 degrees C.

These versatile voltage/current sensing optocouplers are best suited for companies using applications such as limit switch sensors, low voltage detectors, relay contact monitors, relay coil voltage monitors, and current sensors, says the company.

Additionally, the new ACPL-K370/K376 optocouplers comes with a smaller stretched SO-8 (SSO-8) package that offers 8mm clearance and creepage requirements, and requires 30 percent less printed circuit board space compared to dual-inline packages (DIP-8).

The input buffer of these optocouplers claims to offer several key features to improve threshold sensing such as hysteresis for extra noise and switching immunity, a diode bridge for easy use with AC input signals, and internal clamping diodes to protect the buffer and light emitting diode (LED) from a wide range of over-voltage and over-current transients, according to the company.

ACPL-K370/K376 optocoplers, which are currently available in the market, are priced at $1.80 and $3.25 each for the ACPL-K370 and ACPL-K376, respectively in minimum quantities of 10,000. Samples and production quantities are available now through Avago’s direct sales channel and worldwide distribution partners.

The company is also offering SSO-8 package option in addition to existing DIP packages to provide customers with more optocoupler options for higher voltage industrial applications.