Photovoltaic Isolators

Our photovoltaic isolators (PVI) offer single- and dual-channel, optically isolated outputs that can be used for directly driving the gates of discrete power MOSFETs and/or IGBTs. This range of devices gives designers the flexibility to create custom solid-state relays capable of controlling loads in excess of 1000 V and 100 A.
The PVI series photo-voltaic isolators employ fast turn-off cicuitry. No power supply is needed on the output side unlike conventional MOSFET or IGBT drivers. The dual channel PVI can drive independent discrete power MOSFETs or provide higher voltage drive for IGBTs.

The PVI utilizes a monolithic integrated circuit photovoltaic generator as its output. The output is controlled by radiation from a GaAlAs light emitting diode (LED), which is optically isolated from the photovoltaic generator. The PVI series is ideally suited for applications requiring high-current and/or high voltage switching with optical isolation between the low-level driving circuitry and high-energy or high- voltage load circuits. It can be used for directly driving the gates of power MOSFETs. The dual channel PVI can drive independent discrete power MOSFETs or higher voltage drive for IGBTs. The PVI series photovoltaic isolators employ fast turn-off circuitry. No power supply is needed on the output side unlike conventional MOSFET or IGBT drivers.