More Information on Isolation Components / Optocouplers...
What is an Optocoupler?
An optical coupler, also called opto-isolator, optocoupler, opto coupler, photocoupler or optical isolator, is a passive optical component that can combine or split transmission data (optical power) from optical fibers. It is an electronic device which is designed to transfer electrical signals by using light waves in order to provide coupling with electrical isolation between its input and output. The main purpose of an optocoupler is to prevent rapidly changing voltages or high voltages on one side of a circuit from distorting transmissions or damaging components on the other side of the circuit. An optocoupler contains a light source often near an LED which converts electrical input signal into light, a closed optical channel and a photosensor, which detects incoming light and either modulates electric current flowing from an external power supply or generates electric energy directly. The sensor can either be a photoresistor, a silicon-controlled rectifier, a photodiode, a phototransistor or a triac.
Types of Optocouplers
There are many different kinds of optocouplers and at Future Electronics we stock many of the most common types categorized by number of channels, operating temperature, output voltage, isolation voltage, packaging type and current transfer ratio (CTR). The parametric filters on our website can help refine your search results depending on the required specifications.
The most common sizes for maximum output voltage are 30 V, 70 V and 80 V. We also carry optocouplers with a maximum output voltage up to 80 kV. The maximum operating temperature can range from 70 oC to 150 oC, with the most common opto coupler chips having a maximum operating temperature of 100 oC.
Optocouplers from Future Electronics
Future Electronics has a full selection of optocouplers from several manufacturers that can be used for optocoupler circuits such as an analog optocoupler, fast optocoupler, linear optocoupler, high speed optocoupler, 4n35 optocoupler, 4n25 optocoupler, 4n26 optocoupler, 4n28 optocoupler, 4n49 optocoupler, 4n32 optocoupler, ac input optocoupler, quad optocoupler, optical optocoupler, high voltage optocoupler or any other opto couplers or opto coupler circuit. Simply choose from the optocoupler technical attributes below and your search results will quickly be narrowed to match your specific optocoupler application needs.
If you have a preferred brand, we deal with several manufacturers. You can easily refine your optocoupler product search results by clicking your preferred optocoupler brand below from our list of manufacturers.
Applications for Optocouplers:
Photoresistor-based opto-isolators are the slowest type of optocouplers, but also the most linear isolators and are used in the audio and music industry. Most opto-isolators available use bipolar silicon phototransistor sensors and reach medium data transfer speed, which is enough for applications like electroencephalography. High speed opto-isolators are used in computing and communications applications. Other industrial applications include photocopiers, industrial automation, professional light measurement instruments and auto-exposure meters.
Choosing the Right Optocoupler:
When you are looking for the right optocouplers, with the FutureElectronics.com parametric search, you can filter the results by various attributes: by Minimum CTR (0.36%, 20%, 50%, 100%, 500%, …), Number of Channels (1, 2, 3, 4) and Maximum Operating Temperature (from 70 oC to 150 oC) to name a few. You will be able to find the right chip for your optocoupler circuit such as a high speed optocoupler, analog optocoupler, fast optocoupler, ac input optocoupler, quad optocoupler, linear optocoupler, 4n25 optocoupler, 4n26 optocoupler, 4n28 optocoupler, 4n32 optocoupler, 4n35 optocoupler, 4n49 optocoupler, optical optocoupler, high voltage optocoupler or any other opto couplers or opto coupler circuits.
Optocouplers in Production Ready Packaging or R&D Quantities
If the quantity of optocouplers required is less than a full reel, we offer customers many of our programmable optocoupler products in tube, tray or individual quantities that will avoid unneeded surplus.
In addition, Future Electronics offers clients a unique bonded inventory program that is designed to eliminate potential problems that could arise from an unpredictable supply of products containing raw metals and products with long or erratic lead times. Talk with your nearest Future Electronics branch and find out more on how you and your company can avoid possible shortages.