
This link can be either a local bus such as SPI, or an industrial protocol like RS-485 to send the measurement data across long distances to a controller unit.
#HIGH VOLTAGE DIGITAL ISOLATOR SERIAL#
Today, the most accurate, economical, and efficient technique for performing these measurements is to isolate the entire measurement front end, including the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and to implement an isolated serial link to the rest of the system, as shown in Figure 1. Isolation amplifiers were an initial solution to this problem, but have been outdated with the need for measurements with higher bandwidth and resolution. Using an Isolated Front End to Measure the Voltage of a Single Cell in a High Voltage Stack. In this example, the system must measure millivolt signal resolution while rejecting high levels of common-mode 60 Hz noise and protecting operators from any hazardous voltages.įigure 1.

A similar situation occurs when measuring the temperature of a current-carrying conductor with a thermocouple. When determining the voltage of a single cell, we must measure it in the presence of up to several hundred volts of common-mode voltage. In a high voltage fuel cell or battery stack, knowing the individual cell voltages helps ensure the system is operating safely and obtains the longest possible battery life. Figure 1 shows a typical example of such a measurement. An isolated front end protects users against potentially lethal voltages present on measurement systems and allows engineers to make accurate measurements in the presence of high common-mode voltages. Introductionĭesigning isolated measurement instruments is challenging and sometimes frustrating.

Utilizing digital isolators, engineers can optimize isolated system designs for reduced power consumption and guaranteed system performance without resorting to excessive design margin to make up for missing or incomplete device specifications. Digital isolators offer a reliable and easy to use alternative to older technologies such as optocouplers. Measurement devices used in industrial environments often require isolation for user and system safety, and to ensure accurate measurements in the presence of high common-mode voltages. Digital Isolators Simplify Design and Ensure System Reliability
