IXYS-Clare expands new family of optically isolated I2C bus repeaters with CPC5903

BEVERLY, USA & BIEL, SWITZERLAND: IXYS-Clare, a division of IXYS Corp., announced the immediate availability of the CPC5903, an Optically Isolated I2C Bus Repeater and new addition to the enhanced-communications IC family.

Similar to the recently released CPC5902, the CPC5903 is a dual, optically isolated, logic-bus repeater which isolates two open-drain logic signals while providing 3750Vrms of galvanic isolation. The CPC5903 device enables an isolated bidirectional I2C data signal and a unidirectional clock signal whereas the CPC5902 features bidirectional repeaters for both the I2C data and clock signals. The CPC5903 supports both Standard-mode and Fast-mode I2C data rates.

Previous designs for I2C bidirectional data and unidirectional clocking required an I2C driver IC and three optocouplers. The CPC5903 provides an integrated single package solution that minimizes PC board space and reduces part count. Unlike competitive magnetically isolated digital isolator ICs, transformer or capacitive isolators, Clare's optical solution requires no internal clocking (a primary source of EMI/RFI emissions in designs) and supports direct static-state buffering without refresh clocks.

In addition, the unique design of the CPC5903 offers glitch-free operation as well as excellent reliability and very long operational life. Whereas most competitive devices work to a minimum supply range of 3.0V, the CPC5903 offers more design flexibility with a guaranteed operation as low as 2.7V. Hence, CPC5903 can also function as a logic level translator for levels as low as 2.7V or as high as 5.5V when either side of the isolation barrier is powered by different supply voltages.

The CPC5903 Optically Coupled I2C Bus Repeater is ideal for Power-over-Ethernet (‘PoE’) applications, providing buffering and isolation of the clock and data signals between the host controller and the Power Supply Equipment (PSE) controller. Additional applications include integrated signal monitoring and control, power supply high side interface, and I2C bus length extender and I2C logic level translation. The CPC5903 is certified to UL 1577 and EN/IEC 60950.

"The CPC5903 demonstrates our proven optical isolation technology and ongoing commitment to expand our communications IC family. This product provides enhanced isolation solutions for power management applications, especially for the growing use of 'PoE',” said Mark Heisig, president of IXYS-Clare. "It provides the ability to monitor and communicate for the distributed power as provided by servers and PC through the USB port or the network."