Typical Applications of Analog Optical Isolators
Why Use Analog Optical Isolators?
PerkinElmer Optoelectronics’ line of analog optical isolators (AOIs) consists of a light tight package which houses a light source and
one or more photoconductive cells. Through control of the input current or voltage applied to the AOI, the output resistance can be
varied. The output resistance can be made to switch between an “on” and “off” state or made to track the input signal in an analog
manner. Because a small change in input signal can cause a large change in output resistance, AOIs have been found to provide a
very economic and technically superior solution for many applications. Their general characteristics and salient features can be
summarized as follows:
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High input-to-output voltage isolation
True resistance element output
Single or dual element outputs available
Low cost
Suitable for AC or DC use
Wide range of input to output characteristics
Low drive current
Low “on” resistance, high “off” resistance
Complete solid-state construction
Applications
Analog Optical Isolators are used in many different types of circuits and applications. Here is a list of only a few examples of where
AOIs have been used.
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DC isolators
Feedback elements in automatic gain control circuits
Audio limiting and compression
Noiseless switching
Logic interfacing
Remote gain control for amplifiers
Photochoppers
Noiseless potentiometers
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