Optocoupler ICs: The Next Big Thing in Signal Isolation?
Optocoupler ICs are the next big thing in signal separation. They have cost, size, and speed advantages over classic isolation approaches such as transformers and optocouplers. The isolation technology to be used is determined by the application. Optocouplers are an excellent solution for applications where cost and space are critical, and the signal must be safeguarded from interference. Transformers and magnetic couplers are excellent choices for high-efficiency applications. Digital isolators are an excellent solution for applications where the signal must be separated from high voltages or shielded from electromagnetic interference.
With continual innovations in the automotive sector and favourable government policies and support in the form of subsidies and grants, tax rebates, the electric car market has seen tremendous progress. Major automakers such as General Motors, Toyota, and BMW want to deliver 400 models by 2025, with global sales of 25 million expected. Ford Motor promised to increase its spending in electric vehicles to $30 billion by 2025, up from $22 billion by 2023. Similarly, Volkswagen and Chinese enterprises promised to be investing $17.5 billion in electric vehicles by 2025. Optocouplers are used to insulate high voltages and isolate undesired signals since they are high power converters. Furthermore, it is rapidly being employed in powertrain systems to improve their function and economy. As a result, these expenditures are being scrutinised in order to propel the optocouplers business.
Optocoupler integrated circuits (ICs) are devices that employ light to segregate electrical signals. As a result, they are appropriate for applications involving electrical interference, such as industrial control systems, medical equipment, and automobile electronics. Because of the increased use of high-speed digital transmissions, there has been an increase in demand for optocoupler ICs in recent years. Optocouplers can be used to safeguard delicate electronic components from electrical noise damage, as well as to build secure communication lines between different systems.
Optocouplers Market Demand
Optocouplers are found in laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices because they consist of an LED that emits infrared light and a semiconductor photo-sensitive device that detects the generated infrared beam. Japan has had rapid market expansion in consumer electronics items, making it the third largest industry contributing to the country’s economy. Technological developments in improved computers, cellphones, and other devices for high-definition gaming are expected to stimulate consumer product innovations, prompting major firms in the country to invest in developing smart devices. Such significant improvements are projected to increase market demand for optocouplers. Automotive, electronics, and healthcare are the three key businesses that drive the nation’s economy. This expansion is also being fueled by rising demand for optocouplers in a variety of industries, including industrial automation (motor control, machine vision, and robotics), medical devices (pacemakers, insulin pumps, and MRI machines), and automotive electronics (engine control systems, anti-lock braking systems, and airbags). Aside from the increasing demand for optocouplers in traditional sectors, there is also an increase in demand for optocouplers in new applications such as IoT and 5G.
Optocouplers Types
Aside from a phototransistor, optocouplers may employ various switching elements. Here are some different varieties of optocoupler ICs available on the market. Triac is an optocoupler integrated circuit that uses a triac as the detector in systems that demand a high output voltage/current. They have a slow response time and are best suited for high voltage DC applications requiring large current output. Optocouplers with silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) technology have a high gain, similar to a triac. They are, however, quite slow and are best suited for fairly high voltage/current DC systems. In systems that require quick switching, a photodiode optocoupler using a photodiode as the detector is typical. When the LED is switched with a stream of digital pulses or an AC signal, these components can be used. When compared to a typical phototransistor IC, a photodiode has a very low output-to-input current transfer ratio. Darlington pair phototransistor optocouplers are also useful for their high gain and have one of the highest output-to-input current transfer ratios. Photoresistor are less commonly used because they still conduct in the OFF state. In addition, they have a low output-to-input current transfer ratio.
Companies are investing extensively in R&D to create new optocoupler ICs that will fulfil the needs of the expanding market. In addition, they are broadening their product line to include optocouplers for new applications. The optocoupler IC industry is expected to expand significantly in the future years. Increased demand for optocouplers in a range of industries, as well as the development of novel optocoupler applications, will drive market expansion. Companies that can create unique optocoupler ICs and expand their product portfolios into new areas will do well in this expanding market.
