Low-Profile SMT BGA Optocoupler Meets Demanding Applications

June 7, 2004

Designed for demanding consumer electronics and industrial applications, the FODB100 Microcoupler boasts a transistor output housed in a surface-mount (SMT) ball-grid-array (BGA) package. This single-channel optocoupler from Fairchild Semiconductor...

Roger Allan

The Microcoupler consists of an aluminum-gallium-arsenide (AlGaAs) infrared LED that drives a silicon phototransistor. It has a high isolation voltage of 2500 V_RMS for
1 s, a high current-transfer ratio of 600% maximum (at V_CE of 5 V and I_F of 5 mA), and a BV_CEO rating of 80 V.

Its lead pattern optimizes pc-board space savings. Also, the Microcoupler can be used in lead-free infrared reflow soldering processes up to 260°C peak. It meets or exceeds the joint IPC/JEDEC and J-STD-020B standards and complies with the European Union requirements that will take effect in 2005. UL and VDE safety approvals are pending as well.

The Microcoupler is the first in a family of BGA units that will include dual and multiple channels. Fairchild will release a 5300-V version next. A quad-channel version will appear in July, and a version with output functions in single-channel and multiple-channel configurations will debut in the fourth quarter.

Priced at $0.25 each in 100-unit quantities, the FODB100 is available in tape-and-reel form. A VDE-approved version, the FODB100V, is available as well. Delivery is within eight weeks.

Fairchild Semiconductorwww.fairchildsemi.com

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About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.