OPTOCOUPLERS OR OPTOISOLATORS are devices that enable efficient transmission of DC signal and other data across two circuit stages, and also simultaneously maintain an excellent level of electrical isolation between them.
Optocouplers become specifically useful where an electrical signal is required to be sent across two circuit stages, but with an extreme degree of electrical isolation across the stages.
Optocoupling devices work as logic level changeovers between two circuits, It has the ability to block noise transfer across the integrated circuits, for isolating logic levels from high voltage AC line, and for eliminating ground loops.
Optocouplers become an effective replacement for relays, and for transformers for interfacing digital circuits stages.
Additionally, Optocoupler frequency response prove to be incomparable in analog circuits.
Optocoupler Internal Construction
Internally an optocoupler contains an infrared or IR emitter LED (normally built using gallium arsenide). This IR LED is optically coupled to an adjacent silicon photo-detector device which is generally a photo-transistor, a photodiode or any similar photosensitive element). These two complementary devices are hermetically embedded in an opaque light proof package.
The above figure shows a dissected view of a typical six pin dual-in-line (DIP) optocoupler chip. When the terminals connected with the IR LED is supplied with an appropriate forward biased voltage it internally emits an infrared radiation in the wavelength of 900 to 940 nanometer range.
This IR signal falls on the adjacent photodetector which is normally an NPN phototransistor (having a sensitivity set in the identical wavelength), and it instantly conducts, creating a continuity across its collector/emitter terminals.
As can be seen in the image the IR LED and the phototransistor are mounted on adjacent arms of a lead-frame.
The lead-frame is in the form of stamping carved out from fine conductive sheet metal having several branch like finishing. The isolated substrates which is included to reinforce the device are created with the aid of the inner branches. The respective pinout of the DIP are correspondingly developed from the outer branches.
Once the conductive connections are established between the die case and the appropriate lead-frame pins, the space surrounding the IR LED and the phototransistor is sealed within an transparent IR supported resin which behaves like a "light pipe" or optical wave-guide between the two IR devices.
The complete assembly is finally molded in a light proof epoxy resin forming the DIP package. At the finish, the lead-frame pin terminals are neatly bent downward.
Optocoupler Pinout
The diagram above shows the pinout diagram of the typical optocoupler in DIP package. The device is also known as opto-isolator since no current is involved between the two chips, rather only light signals, and also because the IR emitter and IR detector feature a 100% electrically insulation and isolation.
The other popular names associated with this device are photocoupler or photoncoupled isolators.
We can see that the base of the internal IR transistor is terminated at pin 6 of the IC. This base is normally left unconnected since the main purpose of the devices is to couple the two circuits through an isolated internal IR light signal.
Likewise the pin 3 is an open or an unconnected pinout and is not relevant. It is possible to transform the internal IR phototransistor into a photodiode simply by shorting and connecting the base pin 6 with the emitter pin 4.
However, the above feature may not be accessible in a 4-pin optocoupler or multi channel optocouplers.
Optocoupler Characteristics
Optocoupler exhibit one very useful characteristic and that is its light coupling efficiency termed as current transfer ratio, or the CTR.
This ratio is enhanced with an ideally matching IR LED signal spectrum with its adjacent phototransistor detection spectrum.
CTR is thus defined as the ratio of output current to input current, at a rated bias level of a specific optocoupler device. It is represented by a percent:
CTR = Iced / If x 100%
When the specification suggests a CTR of 100% it refers to an output current transfer of 1 mA for each mA of current to the IR LED. Minimum values for the CTR may show variations between 20 to 100 % for different optocouplers.
The factors that may vary the CTR depends on the instantaneous specifications of input and output supply voltage and current to the device.
The figure above shows the characteristic plot of an optocoupler internal phototransistor's output current (ICB) vs. input current (IF) when a VCB of 10 V is applied across its collector/base pins.
Important OptoCoupler Specifications
A few of the essential optocoupler specification parameters can be studied from the below given data:
Isolation voltage (Viso): It is defined as the absolute maximum AC voltage that can exist across the input and output circuit stages of the optocoupler, without causing any harm to the device. The standard values for this parameter may fall between 500 V to 5 kV RMS.
VCE: it may be understood as the maximum DC voltage that could be applied across the device's phototransistor pinouts. Typically this may range between 30 to 70 volts.
If: It is the maximum continuous DC forward current that may flow in the IR LED or the IRED. It is the standard values of current handling capacity specified to a phototransistor output of the optocoupler, which may range between 40 to 100 mA.
Rise/fall time: This parameter defines the logical speed of the optocoupler response across the internal IR LED and the phototransistor. This may be typically from 2 to 5 microseconds for both rise and fall. This also tells us about the bandwidth of the optocoupler device.
Optocoupler Basic Configuration
The figure above shows a basic optocoupler circuit. The amount of current that may pass through the phototransistor is determined by the applied forward bias current of the IR LED or the IRED, despite being entirely separated.
While the switch S1 is held open, current flow through the IRED is inhibited, which means no IR energy is available to the phototransistor.
This renders the device completely inactive causing zero voltage to develop across output resistor R2.
When S1 is closed, current is allowed to flow through the IRED and R1.
This activates the IR LED which begins emitting IR signals on the phototransistor enabling it to switch ON, and this in turn causes an output voltage to develop across R2.
This basic optocoupler circuit will specifically respond well to ON/OFF switching input signals.
However, if required the circuit can be modified to work with analog input signals and generate corresponding analog output signals.
Types of Optocouplers
The phototransistor of any optocoupler may come with many different output output gain and working specifications. The schematic explained below depicts six other forms of optocouplers variants which have their own specific combinations of IRED and output photodetector.
The first variant above indicates a bidirectional input and phototransistor output optocoupler schematic featuring a couple of back-to-back connected gallium-arsenide IRED's for coupling input AC signals, and also to safeguard against reverse polarity input.
Commonly this variant may exhibit a minimum CTR of 20%.
The next type above illustrates an opto-coupler whose output is enhanced with a silicon based photo-darlington amplifier. This allows it to produce higher output current compared to the other normal opto-coupler.
Due to the Darlington element at the output this type of optocouplers are able to produce a minimum of 500% CTR when the collector-to-emitter voltage is around 30 to 35 volts. This magnitude appears to be about ten times higher than a normal optocoupler.
However, these may not be as fast as the other normal devices and this may be a significant tradeoff while working with a photodarlington coupler.
Also, it may have a decreased amount of the effective bandwith by about a factor of ten. Industry standard versions of photoDarlington optocouplers are 4N29 to 4N33 and 6N138 and 6N139.
You can also get them as Dual and quad channel photodarlington couplers.
The third schematic above shows an optocoupler having an IRED and a MOSFET photosensor featuring bi-directional linear output. The isolation voltage range of this variant can be as high as 2500 volts RMS. The breakdown voltage range can be within 15 to 30 volts, while the rise and fall times is around 15 microseconds each.
The next variant above demonstrates a basic SCR or thyristor based opto photosensor. Here the output is controlled through an SCR. The isolation voltage of OptoSCR type of couplers is typically around 1000 to 4000 volts RMS. It features a minimum blocking voltages of 200 to 400 V. The highest turn ON currents (Ivr) can be around 10 mA.
The image above displays an optocoupler having a phototriac-output. These kind of Thyristor based output couplers generally feature a forward blocking voltages (VDRM) of 400 V.
Optocouplers featuring Schmitt trigger property are also available. This type of optocoupler is displayed above that includes a IC based optosensor having a Schmitt trigger IC that will convert a sine wave or any form of pulsed input signal into rectangular output voltage.
These IC photodetectors based devices are actually designed to work like a multivibrator circuit. Isolation voltages may range between 2500 to 4000 volts.
Turn-on current is usually specified between 1 to 10 mA. The minimum and maximum working supply levels are between 3 to 26 volts, and the maximum speed of data rate (NRZ) is 1 MHz.
Application Circuits
The internal functioning of optocouplers is exactly similar to the working of an discretely set up IR transmitter and receiver assembly.
Input Current Control
Just like any other LED, the IR LED of an optocoupler also needs a resistor to control the input current to safe limits. This resistor can be connected in two basic ways with the optocoupler LED, as demonstrated below:
The resistor can be added in series either with the anode terminal (a) or cathode terminal (b) of the IRED.
AC Optocoupler
In our earlier discussions we learned that for AC input, the AC optocouplers is recommended. However, any standard optocoupler can be also safely configured with an AC input by adding an external diode to IRED input pins as proven in the following diagram.
This design also ensures safety for the device against accidental reverse input voltage conditions.
Digital or Analogue Conversion
In order to get a digital or analogue conversion at the output of the optocoupler, a resistor can be added in series with the optotransistor collector pin or the emitter pin respectively, a shown below:
Converting to Photo-Transistor or Photo-Diode
As indicated below, an regular 6-pin DIP optocoupler's output photo-transistor can be converted to a photo-diode output by connecting the transistor's base pin 6 of its photo-transistor with ground, and by keeping the emitter unconnected or shorting it with pin6.
This configuration causes a significant increase in the rise time of the input signal, but also results in a drastic reduction in the CTR value down to 0.2%.
Optocoupler Digital Interfacing
Optocouplers can be excellent when it comes to digital signal interfacing, operated at various supply levels.
Optocouplers can be used for interfacing digital IC's across identical TTL, ECL or CMOS family, and likewise across these chip families.
Optocouplers are also the favorites when it comes to interfacing personal computers or microcontrollers with other mainframe computers, or loads like motors, relays, solenoid, lamps etc. The below shown diagram illustrates the interfacing diagram of an opto-coupler with TTL circuits.
Interfacing TTL IC with Optocoupler
Here we can see that IRED of the optocoupler is connected across the +5V and the TTL gate output, instead of the usual way which is between the TTL output and ground.
This is because the TTL gates are rated to produce very low output currents (around 400 uA), but are specified to sink current at a fairly high rate (16 mA). Therefore the above connection allows optimal activation current for IRED whenever the TTL is low. However this also means the output response will be inverted.
Another drawback that exists with TTL gate output is that, when its output is HIGH or logic 1, might produce around a 2.5 V level, which might not be enough to switch OFF the IRED fully. It must be at least 4.5 V or 5 V to enable complete switch OFF of the IRED.
To correct this issue, R3 is included which makes sure the IRED shuts off completely whenever the TTL gate output turns HIGH even with a 2.5 V.
The collector output pin of the optocoupler can be seen is connected between the input and ground of the TTL IC. This is important because a TTL gate input must be adequately grounded at least below 0.8 V at 1.6 mA to enable a correct logic 0 at the gate output. It must be noted that the set up shown in the above figure allows a non-inverting response at the output.
Interfacing CMOS IC with Optocoupler
Unlike TTL counterpart, CMOS IC outputs have the ability to source and sink sufficient currents magnitudes up to many mAs without an issue.
Therefore, these IC's can be easily interfaced with optocoupler IRED either in the sink mode, or source mode as shown below.
No matter which configuration is selected at the input side, R2 at the output side must be sufficiently large to enable a full output voltage swing between logic 0 and 1 states at the CMOS gate output.
Interfacing Arduino Microcontroller and BJT with Optocoupler
The above figure shows how to interface a microcontroller or Arduino output signal (5 volts, 5 mA) with a relatively high current load through an optocoupler and BJT stages.
With a HIGH +5V logic from the Arduino, the optocoupler IRED and phototransistor both remain switched off, and this allows Q1, Q2 and the load motor to remain turned ON.
Now, as soon as the Arduino output goes low, the optocoupler IRED activates and turns ON the phototransistor. This instantly grounds the base bias of Q1, switching OFF Q1, Q2 and the motor.
Interfacing Analogue Signals with Optocoupler
An optocoupler can be also effectively used for interfacing analog signals across two circuit stages by determining a threshold current through the IRED and subsequently modulating it with the applied analog signal.
The following figure shows how this technique may be applied for coupling an analogue audio signal.
The op amp IC2 is configured like a unity gain voltage follower circuit. The IRED of the opto-coupler's can be seen rigged to the negative feedback loop.
This loop causes the voltage across R3 (and therefore the current through the IRED) to precisely follow, or track the voltage that's applied to pin#3 of the op amp, which is the non-the inverting input pin.
This pin3 of the is op amp set up at half the supply voltage via R1, R2 potential divider network. This allows the pin3 to be modulated with an AC signals which can be an audio signal and causes the IRED illumination to vary as per this audio or the modulating analogue signal.
The quiescent current or the idle current draw for the IRED current is attained at 1 to 2 mA via R3.
On the output side of the optocoupler the quiescent current is determined by the phototransistor. This current develops a voltage across potentiometer R4 whose value needs to be adjusted such that it generates a quiescent output which is also equal to the half the supply voltage.
The tracking modulated audio-output signal equivalent is extracted across potentiometer R4, and decoupled through C2 for further processing .
Interfacing Triac with Optocoupler
Optocouplers can be ideally used for creating a perfectly isolated coupling across a low DC control circuit and a high AC mains based triac control circuit.
It is recommended to keep the ground side of the DC input connected to a proper earthing line.
The complete set up can be viewed in the following diagram:
The above design can be used for an isolated control of mains AC lamps, heaters, motors and other similar loads. This circuit is not zero crossing controlled set up, meaning the input trigger will cause the triac to switch at any point of the AC waveform.
Here the network formed by R2, D1, D2 and C1 create a 10 V potential difference derived from the AC line input. This voltage is used for triggering the triac through Q1 whenever the input side is switched ON by closing the switch S1. Meaning as long as S1 is open the optocoupler is off due to a zero base bias for Q1, which keeps the triac switched OFF.
The moment S1 is closed it activates the IRED, which switches ON Q1. Q1 subsequently connects the 10 V DC to the gate of the triac which switches the triac ON, and eventually also switches ON the connected load.
The next circuit above is designed with a silicon monolithic zero-voltage switch, the CA3059/ CA3079. This circuits allows the triac to trigger synchronously, that is only during the zero voltage crossing of the AC cycle waveform.
When S1 is pressed, the opamp responds to it only if the triac input AC cycle is near a few mV near the zero crossing line. If the input trigger is made while the AC is not near the zero crossing line, then the op amp waits until the waveform reaches the zero crossing and only then triggers the triac via a positive logic from its pin4.
This zero crossing switching feature safeguards the connected from sudden huge current surge and spike, since the turn ON is done at the zero crossing level and not when the AC is at its higher peaks.
This also eliminates unnecessary RF noise and disturbances in the power line. This optocoupler triac based zero crossing switch can be effectively used for making SSR or solid state relays.
PhotoSCR and PhotoTriacs Optocoupler Application
Optocouplers having their photodetector in the form of photoSCR and photo-Triac-output are generally rated with lower output current.
However, unlike other optocoupler devices, optoTriac or optoSCR feature a rather high surge current handling capacity (pulsed) which may be much higher than their rated RMS values.
For SCR optocouplers, the surge current specification may be as high as 5 amps, but this can be in the form of a 100 microsecond pulse width and a duty cycle no more than 1%.
With triac optocouplers, the surge specification may be 1.2 amps, which must last only for 10 microsecond pulse with a maximum duty cycle of 10%.
The following images show a few application circuits using triac optocouplers.
In the first diagram, the photoTriac can be seen configured to activate the lamp directly from the AC line. Here the bulb must be rated at less than 100 mA RMS and a peak inrush current ratio lower than 1.2 amps for safe working of the optocoupler.
The second design shows how the photoTriac optocoupler can be configured for triggering a slave Triac, and subsequently activating a load as per any preferred power rating. This circuit is recommended to be used only with with resistive loads such as incandescent lamps or heater elements.
The third figure above illustrates how the upper two circuits could be modified for handling inductive loads like motors. The circuit consists of R2, C1, and R3 that generate a phase shifting on the gate drive network of the Triac.
This allows the triac to go through a correct triggering action. Resistor R4 and C2 are introduced as a snubber network to suppress and control surge spikes due to inductive back EMFs..
In all the above applications, R1 must be dimensioned such that the IRED is supplied with at least 20 mA forward current for proper triggering of the triac photodetector.
Speed Counter or RPM Detector Application
The above figures explain a couple of unique customized optocouplers modules which could be used for speed counter or RPM measurement applications.
The first concept shows a customized slotted coupler-interrupter assembly. We can see a slot in the form of an air gap is placed between the IRED and the phototransistor, which are mounted on separate boxes facing each other across the air gap slot.
Normally the Infrared signal is able to pass across the slot without any blockage while the module is powered. We know that infrared signals can be totally blocked by placing an opaque object in its path. In the discussed application when an obstruction like wheel spokes is allowed to moved through the slot, causes interruptions to the passage of the IR signals.
These subsequently get converted to clock frequency across the output of the phototransistor terminals. This output clock frequency will vary depending on the speed of the wheel, and could be processed for the required measurements. .
The indicated slot may have a width of 3 mm (0.12 inch). The phototransistor used inside the module has a phototransistor should be specified with a minimum CTR of about 10% in the "open" condition.
The module is actually a replica of a standard optocoupler having an embedded IR and a photoransistor, the only difference is, here these are discretely assembled inside a separate boxes with an air gap slot separating them.
The first module above can be used for measuring revolution or like a revolution counter. Each time wheel tab crosses the slot of the optocoupler, the phototransistor switches OFF generating a single count.
The attached second design shows optocoupler module designed to respond to reflected IR signals.
The IRED and the phototransistor are installed in separate compartments in the module such that normally they cannot "see" each other. However the two devices are mounted in such a way that both share a common focal point angle that's 5 mm (0.2 -inch) away.
This enables the interrupter module to detect nearby moving objects which cannot be inserted in thin slot. This type of the reflector opto module can be used for counting the passage of large objects over conveyor belts or objects sliding down a feed tube.
In the second figure above we can see the module being applied as a revolution counter which detects the reflected IR signals between the IRED and the phototransistor through the mirror reflectors mounted on the opposite surface of the rotating disk.
The separation between the optocoupler module and the spinning disk is equal to the 5 mm focal length of the emitter detector pair.
The reflective surfaces on the wheel can be made using metallic paint or tape, or glass. These customized discrete optocouplers modules could be also effectively applied for engine shaft speed counting, and engine shaft RPM or rotation per minute measurement etc. The above explained Photo interrupters and photoreflectors concept can be built using any opto detector device such as a photodarlington, photoSCR, and photoTriac devices, as per the output circuit configuration specifications.
Door/Window Intrusion Alarm
The above explained optoisolator interrupter module can be also effectively as a door or window intrusion alarm, a shown below:
This circuit is more effective and easier to install than the conventional magnetic reed relay type intrusion alarm.
Here the circuit utilizes a IC 555 timers as a one shot timer for sounding the alarm.
The air gap slot of the optoisolator is blocked with a lever kind of attachment, which is also integrated to the window or the door.
In an event the door is opened or the window is opened, the blockage in the slot is removed, and the LED IR reaches the phototransistors and activates the one shot monostable IC 555 stage.
The IC 555 instantly triggers the piezo buzzer alerting regarding the intrusion.
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