Electronic Products Word of the Week: Optocoupler

Electronic Products Word of the Week: Optocoupler

What is an optocoupler?

An optocoupler is also referred to as a photocoupler or optical isolator. It transfers electrical signals via light waves so as to provide coupling with electrical isolation between the input and output.

Most electronics — as well as signal and power transmission lines — are subject to voltage surges, switching pulses, and perturbations in power supply. The purpose of an Optocoupler is to prevent high or rapidly changing voltages on one side of the circuit from damaging components or distorting transmissions on the other side. To that extent, many modern-day optocouplers are able to withstand input-to-output voltages up to 10kV, and voltages transients with speeds up to Optocoupler 10kV/μs.

Optocouplers contain their own source of light. Most of the time, this comes in the form of an infrared light-emitting diode that can convert electrical input signal into light. Optocouplers also include a closed optical channel and photosensor to detect incoming light that will either directly generate electric energy or modulate electric current flowing from an external power supply.

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