Avago unveils intelligent power module optocoupler optimized for renewable energy apps

electronica 2010, MUNICH, GERMANY: Avago Technologies has announced a new optocoupler available in special packages designed for use in renewable energy applications.

The new ACNV4506 optocoupler provides robust electrical signal isolation as an Intelligent Power Module (IPM) interface or Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) gate drive in wind turbines, renewable energy harvesting sites and other industrial control applications.

These applications are increasingly using a 1700V IGBT, which requires higher creepage and clearance – the distance between conductive parts in a design. Industry standards require minimum creepage and clearance distances to ensure user safety in the presence of hazardous voltages.

The ACNV4506 optocoupler is available in a 500 mil 10-pin dual-inline package (DIP) as well as a gull wing lead option for standard surface mount processes, both with 13-mm creepage and clearance that meets the IEC60664-1 standard.

The package improves isolation performance with minimum common-mode rejection (CMR) of 30 kV/μs for superior noise toleration, resulting in smoother control with less torque ripple in motor control applications. The device operates in harsh working environments in the –40 to +105° C extended industrial temperature range, and also targets AC and brushless DC motor drives and industrial inverters.

“Avago offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of IPM interface optocouplers with a variety of packages for different safety standard requirements and application needs,” said Kheng-Jam Lee, marketing manager for plastic optocoupler products at Avago. “Our new ACNV4506 optocoupler not only adds to this IPM portfolio, but also to our gate drive and current sense devices targeting the surging renewable energy market.”

The ACNV4506 optocoupler offers strong electrical specifications for comprehensive safety approvals, with input-output withstand voltage of 7,500 Vrms for 1 minute for UL 1577-compliance and working voltage (Viorm) of 2,262V peak for IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 approval. It is also CSA approved. The high insulating voltages of the device make it suitable for applications with 690V power main voltages.

In addition to high insulation ratings, the device’s packages provide distance through insulation (DTI) of 2 mm, meeting EN50178 regulatory standards. Short maximum propagation delays of 200 ns~400 ns for the device result in short dead time, as well as improved efficiency and precision of motion.