MALVERN, PA — Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE: VSH) introduced two automotive-grade optocouplers designed for electric vehicle and solar power applications, expanding the company’s push into high-voltage power electronics markets where stricter insulation and safety requirements are driving component demand.
The new Vishay Semiconductors VOWA617A and VOWA618A devices are designed for signal transmission in systems including electric vehicle onboard chargers, DC/DC converters, battery management systems, and solar inverters.
The products use phototransistor output technology within a widebody SMD-8 package engineered to provide higher electrical isolation and wider creepage distances than many competing devices currently used in automotive and grid-connected power systems.
Vishay stated the devices provide external creepage and clearance distances of at least 11 millimeters, exceeding the roughly 8 millimeter spacing commonly found in comparable products.
The company indicated the optocouplers are qualified under the AEC-Q102 automotive standard and carry a comparative tracking index of 600, placing them in the highest insulation material group category for resistance to electrical tracking.
The launch comes as automotive suppliers and semiconductor manufacturers face increasing demand for components capable of supporting higher-voltage EV architectures and more stringent safety standards tied to electrification systems.
Vishay also cited operating temperature capability from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 125 degrees Celsius, with junction temperature support up to 145 degrees Celsius, positioning the components for automotive operating environments.
The company reported the devices provide isolation voltage ratings of 5300 VRMS and peak isolation capability of 8000 volts.
The optocouplers consist of an infrared emitting diode optically coupled to a silicon planar phototransistor detector.
Vishay stated the products are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and compatible with low-current operation requirements in automotive and industrial applications.
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