Isolators

An isolator is an electrical component designed to achieve electrical isolation between circuits while ensuring that signals can be transmitted from one circuit to another. This component uses a variety of techniques, such as optocouplers, transformers, or capacitive coupling, to achieve physical isolation between input and output. Through such physical isolation, isolators can effectively prevent high voltage or current surges from crossing from one part of the circuit to another, thereby protecting sensitive electronic equipment from damage while allowing necessary information or signals to be transmitted.

Optocouplers (also known as opto-isolators) use optical signals to transfer information between circuits, taking advantage of the optical isolation between the LED and the photosensitive receiver, thereby avoiding the need for electrical connections. Transformer isolators pass signals between circuits through magnetic coupling, allowing the transmission of AC signals but blocking DC current while providing voltage-level conversion. Capacitive coupling isolators use capacitance to transmit signals while blocking the DC path, providing an isolation method for high-frequency signal transmission.

Isolators are widely used. They not only play an important role in protecting equipment safety, but also play an irreplaceable role in improving system stability, preventing ground loops, and eliminating electrical interference. For example, in medical equipment, industrial automation, communications systems, and power systems, isolators are critical components that ensure operational safety and equipment performance. Choosing the appropriate isolation technology and isolator type can effectively solve the isolation needs in specific applications and ensure the reliable operation of the system.