Fast opto-coupler for automotive

Toshiba is targeting automotive applications with a high-speed analogue-output optocoupler. Comms in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles is the main target.

Toshiba-TLX9309

TLX9309 is AEC-Q101 qualified and consists of a GaAlAs LED optically-coupled to a photo-diode backed by an amplifying transistor.

By separating the photo-diode and amplification transistor, said the firm, collector capacitance is reduced, cutting  propagation delay – times are guaranteed to be between 0.1μs and 1.0μs, with the difference between high to low and low to high transition (|tpLH-tpHL|) being no more than 0.7μs, “making the device suitable for high-speed communications such as inverter control or as an interface to intelligent power modules.”


An integrated Faraday shield enhances common-mode transient immunity, typically up to 15kV/μs, said the firm – an important parameter in electrically noisy automotive environments.


The device offers 3.75kVrms of isolation with 5.0mm of creepage and clearance for safety isolation – packaging is a 3.7 x 7.0 x 2.2mm RoH-compliant 5pin SO6.

It operates across -0.5 to 30V and -40°C to +125°C, and can drive up to 25mA at outputs up to 20V.

Current transfer ratio ranges across 15-300%.

Steve Bush

Steve Bush is the long-standing technology editor for Electronics Weekly, covering electronics developments for more than 25 years. He has a particular interest in the Power and Embedded areas of the industry. He also writes for the Engineer In Wonderland blog, covering 3D printing, CNC machines and miscellaneous other engineering matters.

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