First galvanic-isolation high-side switch with pure RF comm

STMicroelectronics has launched its new ISO8200B, an innovative isolated power switch that enables smaller, more robust and energy-efficient controllers for industrial automation equipment. A wide variety of industrial-automation equipment, as well as general programmable logic controller (PLC) applications, will benefit from the enhanced space savings, user safety, noise immunity, reliability and energy efficiency offered by this new device. Industrial switches require physical separation, or galvanic isolation, to protect the logic-controlled circuitry from disturbances on the power side, and to ensure user safety. Conventional, discrete optical isolators (opto-couplers) used for this purpose occupy additional pc-board space and are subject to aging and temperature-related degradation driving up ownership costs. “The ISO8200B isolated high-side switch is the first integrated device from ST to combine galvanically isolated power and logic circuitry in the same package, allowing smaller controllers and lower cost of ownership,” said Matteo Lo Presti, Group Vice President and General Manager, Industrial and Power Conversion Division, STMicroelectronics. “Moreover, as the industry’s first such device to utilize a pure RF link enabling communication through the isolation layer, the ISO8200B provides superior noise immunity for ultra-robust and reliable operation.” Insi...