Vishay VOWA617A and VOWA618A optocouplers

Vishay’s VOWA617A and VOWA618A automotive-grade optocouplers feature phototransistor output in a widebody package with a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600. Designed to deliver signal transmission with high galvanic isolation for electric vehicles and solar inverters, the optocouplers provide VIORM of 1500 V_peak, VIOWM of 1060 V_RMS, and external creepage and clearance distances of ≥ 11 mm.

The optocouplers each consist of an infrared-emitting diode, which is optically coupled to a silicon planar phototransistor detector in a widebody SMD-8 package. While standard solutions typically offer a CTI of 175, the 600 CTI of the VOWA617A and VOWA618A gives them a Material Group 1 rating, the highest insulation group. In addition, their 80 V collector-emitter voltage rating allows more design flexibility.

Compared to consumer-grade solutions that typically feature operating temperatures to +85°C, the optocouplers operate over a wider -40 to +125°C temperature range, with a junction temperature capability up to +145°C. RoHS-compliant, halogen-free and Vishay Green (the company’s sustainability rating), the devices feature a wide current transfer ratio (CTR) range from 50% to 600% at low input currents of 5 mA for the VOWA617A and 1 mA for the VOWA618A.

The optocouplers are available in Australia from Mouser Electronics.