OC1D Spotlight: 1 V Output Photovoltaic Optocoupler

OC1D provides unprecedented power transfer efficiency in a very small footprint. The devices employ Polaris Semiconductor’s patented monolithic GaAs-based optocoupler technology, achieving optical isolation with high current transfer ratio and power transfer efficiency over a wide range of drive currents. Using Polaris Semiconductor’s patented hybrid optoelectronic circuit technology, they can additionally be coupled with a low-dropout linear voltage regulator for low-noise and high-efficiency buck and boost DC voltage conversion over wide voltage steps.

OC1D contains a single LED element operating at forward voltages of 1.2V-1.7V and drive currents of 0.5 mA to 600 mA. OC1D also contains a single photovoltaic element with VOC ranging from 1.0V-1.2V. The unique architecture enables very high current transfer ratios between the LED and PV, delivering efficient power-transfer. This is valuable for DC voltage conversion applications and for supplying high currents in transistor gate-drive applications. Junction isolation between the LED and PV elements enables current blocking for typical logic level voltages, allowing devices to be combined in various series/parallel combinations. OC1D is available in a 4 mm × 4 mm QFN-16 package. We also build custom parts with several optocouplers in one package, or with junctions sized for other LED current ranges.