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Maxim Integrated MAX22445 Reinforced Digital Isolator

Maxim launches digital isolator that provides for more throughput at lower power

Maxim Integrated has launched its 5kVrms Max 22445 Reinforced Digital Isolator, which the company claims provides twice as much throughput at four times lower power, compared to competitor systems.

Maxim says the component can “better protect industrial systems from the dangers of high-voltage signals”.

The digital isolator also enables machine designers to build “reliable communication across the isolation barrier to ensure safe operation of compact industrial, medical and other equipment”. 

In high-voltage equipment, digital isolators provide signal isolation and level-shifting for proper operation of many circuits, while also protecting users from dangers such as electric shock.

Yet, not all of these isolators are alike as many consume a large amount of power, generate significant heat and introduce large propagation delays, limiting system reliability and throughput.

Overcoming the shortcomings of other digital isolators, the Max22445 delivers reinforced, dual insulation barrier isolation for fast digital signals.

The integrated circuit, which mitigates the dangers of high-voltage power, transfers signals of up to 200Mbps with significantly less power than competitive solutions. It is available in a 16-pin wide-body SOIC package with 8mm of creepage and clearance.

The key features, according to Maxim, are:

  • Low power: 0.41mA per channel current consumption and 0.74mW power consumption at 1Mbps with VDD at 1.8V. The IC has 4x lower power consumption compared to competing solutions while also reducing heat generation and enabling reliable and compact designs.
  • High speed: Maximum propagation delay of 10.5ns and maximum data rate of 200Mbps enable fast and accurate data acquisition and high-speed interfaces with wide timing margins. The IC delivers up to 2x greater throughput versus other available solutions.
  • Robust and reliable: Dual barriers of isolation provide 5kVRMS and 10kV surge for reliable performance over a long product lifetime and meet the safety standards required for operator protection.
    Commentary

Jeff DeAngelis, managing director, industrial and healthcare business unit at Maxim Integrated, says: “The Max22445 eliminates the tradeoffs between isolation reliability, dynamic performance and power consumption.

“Engineers can now develop safe, high-throughput, compact factory automation systems.”

The Max22445 is available at Maxim’s website for $3.49 (1000-up, FOB USA); also available from select authorized distributors.

The Max22445FWEVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $32 (FOB USA).

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