4-channel NSI8604 (SSOP16 package) and 8-channel NSI8608 (SSOP20) provide input/output isolation when converting voltages in the range of -60V to 60V to logic signals. (The third digit is a capital ‘i’, not a numerical ‘1’).
Data rate is from dc to 2Mbit/s with 380ns propagation delay.
“While compatible with the current input form of optocouplers, the chips provide for simplified system design thanks to a higher degree of system integration and the elimination of a need for a field-side power supply,” according to the company, which also said that they are “pin-compatible with alternative technologies”.
Input current is limited to 2.1mA (typical) and the input side includes some form of rectifier – Inputs are described by the company as “sinking or sourcing” and supporting “bi-directional digital functionality”. Electronics Weekly has asked for clarification: are inputs bi-polar with respect to the input-side common, can multiple inputs can be at different polarities simultaneously, and what is the minimum voltage – so watch this space.
Operation is with a supply over 2.5 to 5.5V, and -40 to 125°C.
Inside, isolation is capacitive across a SiO2 barrier using on-off keying (‘OOK modulation’).
Isolation is up to 3kVrms, and the company said CMTI (common-mode transient immunity) is both 35kV/μs, and 25kV/μs minimum.
“Each IC meets the performance criteria for switch types 1, 2 and 3 in IEC 61131-2, and is compatible with the I/O level of most microcontrollers,” said Novosense, although it also said “compliant to IEC 61131-2 Type 1, 3”.
Chip level ESD is ±4kV HBM (human body model).
UL recognition is 3kVrms (1min per UL1577), CQC certification is to GB4943.1-2011, they have CSA component notice SA approval (IEC60950-1) and DIN VDE V 0884-11:2017-01.
Applications are foreseen in PLCs (programmable logic controllers), servos and inverters.
Novosense is a analog and mixed signal IC company, founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai.
Editor’s note: Do excuse some vagaries above, the data sheet is not yet publically available for EW to fact-check against. Novosense has been contacted for clarification. The NSI860x product page can be found here. As an aside, all-electronic replacements for opto-isolators (and formerly opto-isolated: mosfet gate drivers and relay ICs) are appearing more frequently: Here are some notably innovative ones from TI.