One of the premium analog/mixed-signal and specialty foundries, the X-Fab Silicon Foundries SE, recently introduced an advanced galvanic isolation process technology that enables creation of reliable and robust high voltage signal isolation solutions.
The X-Fab high voltage signal isolation solutions are capable of achieving one of the best isolation performances in this domain. These high voltage signal isolation solutions will allow X-Fab’s clients to design their personal inductive or capacitive couplers for plethora of applications.The Galvanic isolation separates two electrical circuits for better noise immunity, common mode voltage, elimination of ground loops, and safer isolation high voltages. Previously, the optocoupler technology was employed for offering a single-package signal isolation isolation between different circuits in a given system.
Fig.1 : X-Fab Dresden Cleanroom
But when it comes to dealing with high speed, higher temperatures, multi-channel systems, higher reliability, the chip-level galvanic isolation based on inductive or capacitive coupling is more ideal and pocket friend against the octocoupleer appoach. The best application of these solutions can be observed in electrical vehicles where 12 VDC auxiliary systems need galvanic isolation from hundreds of volts empowering vehicle’s traction systems. Galvanic isolation here protects these systems from signal noise, ground loops as well as the risk of fatal electric shocks.
Another regular application of these Galvanic solutions is on area of medical diagnostics equipment where not islolating electronic circuitry can be fatal for anyone. All of these electronic circuits are plugged into AC mains via a low voltage sensor elements that is in touch with patient’s skin. Also, power supplies like DC/DC converters as well as switched mode converters require low-cost high voltage isolation for ensuring correct voltage regulation and better maintenance of reliability and operator safety.
X-Fab is now providing the galvanic solution technology on foundry basis for reliable and strong couplers that need to face high voltages on a regular basis. Companies interested in X-Fab’s galvanic isolation technology can always avail packaged evaluation samples of both single-channel inductive as well as capacitive couplers.
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