USB Isolator Diagram and Working

The following email discussions were sent to me by Mr John Sweden who is one of the avid readers of this blog, here he explains about an USB isolator device, and how it may be incorporated while using an oscilloscope with a PC, in order to safeguard the oscilloscope and the test circuit from accidental high volatges. Let's learn more.

Circuit Concept#1

Some time ago I purchased a Digitech 40MHz Dual Channel USB Oscilloscope that i would now like to learn to use with a PC via USB.

I had heard that one must use extreme caution when placing the oscilloscope probe earth of this (and any) oscilloscope on the test circuit if that test circuit is also brought to mains earth potential by plugging it in to a USB port to power it.

A wrong move could zap the test circuit and possibly the oscilloscope 🙁 A video by Dave of EEV Blog explains the dangers more clearly than I can.

One answer to this problem would be to place a USB Isolator between the usb input of the test circuit and the PC. An example of such an isolator is shown here:

A less costly alternative to many of the other the eye-wateringly expensive isolators also shown on EBay might be really useful. Might this be a useful DIY project for the pages of Homemade Circuit Projects?

Thank you, John Waterman

Analyzing the Circuit Idea

Thanks John,

Yes it's definitely an interesting concept to investigate.

However, tt seems to be a difficult circuit and I don't think I would be able to design this one. Let me try, I'll let you know if I happen to crack it.

Best Regards.

Circuit Concept#2

Hi Swagatam,

I finally tracked down a schematic of the isolator. Unfortunately the one given to me was small and not clear. Tried to sharpen in Photoshop but it is still poor. It will give you an idea.

Details:

Low Noise USB Digital Isolator Module

Description This module is designed based on ADUM4160, a Full/Low speed 5kV USB isolator.

It's a good choice for appilcations that isolation is needed between PC and peripheral device. This module features a low noise power that is very suitble for Hifi devices.

In additon, overcurrent protection circuit is included. When short circuit happens in your device, the power supply will be cut off to protect both your device and this module.

A red LED will light when overcurrent condition occcurs.

Features :

USB 2.0 compatible

Low and full speed data rate: 1.5MBps and 12Mbps, selected by jumper Bidirectional communication On-board LDO regulator for low noise applications Wide power input range: +6V to +24V Downstream port over-current protection ( This function is very useful for protecting your device from damage when short circuit happens)

Circuit Concept#3

Greetings again Swagatam,

A helpful guy in China provided this PDF schematic (attached). Now you can find your way around it and explore 🙂

John

About the Author

I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and tutorials. If you have any circuit related query, you may interact through comments, I'll be most happy to help!