MALVERN, PA — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) has introduced an automotive-grade phototransistor optocoupler designed for emerging 800-volt electric vehicle architectures, expanding its portfolio of components aimed at next-generation EV power systems and industrial automation applications.
The new Vishay Semiconductors VOLA617A provides galvanic isolation for signal transmission in electric vehicles and industrial equipment, offering an isolation voltage of 5000 VRMS, a repetitive peak isolation voltage of 1414 Vpeak, and a transient isolation voltage of 8000 Vpeak in a compact four-pin package.
The product addresses a growing challenge in the EV market as automakers shift toward higher-voltage battery systems to enable faster charging and improved efficiency. According to the company, many existing automotive optocouplers are limited to battery platforms below 500 volts, restricting their use in newer 800-volt vehicle designs. The VOLA617A is capable of isolating direct-current voltages up to 1,000 volts, allowing it to be deployed in higher-voltage systems.
The component is intended for use in grid-connected onboard chargers, DC/DC converters, battery management systems and isolated wake-up signals, as well as other applications requiring galvanic and noise isolation.
The optocoupler combines an infrared-emitting diode with a silicon planar phototransistor detector and is available in four current transfer ratio ranges. It also features an 80-volt collector-emitter voltage rating and operates in temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 125 degrees Celsius, with junction temperatures reaching up to 145 degrees Celsius.
Vishay said the device meets dual AEC-Q102 automotive qualification standards and is designed to provide high common-mode transient immunity and low coupling capacitance, characteristics that can improve reliability in electrically noisy environments. The component is also RoHS-compliant, halogen-free and designated as Vishay Green.
Samples and production quantities of the VOLA617A are available immediately, with lead times of approximately eight weeks, the company said.
Vishay, a Fortune 1000 company, manufactures semiconductors and passive electronic components used across automotive, industrial, computing, telecommunications, aerospace and medical markets.
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