Optically Isolated Photovoltaic Driver Series

IXYS, a Littelfuse Technology's MOSFET drivers couple infrared light-emitting diodes with proprietary photovoltaic integrated circuits. In addition to providing voltage for the turn-on of discrete MOSFETs, these ICs feature a gate-clamping circuit to provide fast turn-off. They offer a significant reduction in drive circuit complexity, board space, and cost over alternate techniques for isolated switching of MOSFETs. Used in conjunction with discrete MOSFETs, these devices are ideal for use in programmable controls, process control, instrumentation, and telecommunications, replacing TRIACs/drivers, mechanical relays, and bipolar components.

When input current is applied to the LED, the emitted light will activate the photodiode array and generate a voltage at the output. The optical coupling provides a high level of input-to-output isolation. These gate drivers are well suited for use in discrete solid-state relay designs and other isolated switching applications.