The CJMCU-ADUM1201 is based on iCoupler digital isolators using patented planar magnetic field isolation technology. iCoupler technology is a patented isolation technology that is based on chip size transformers rather than a combination of LEDs and photodiodes based on optocouplers. The iCoupler technology eliminates the photoelectric conversion process in the optocoupler and uses the patented iCoupler transformer technology to integrate the transformer drive and receive circuits, thus achieving the performance advantages unmatched by the opto-isolator. Since the iCouple transformer is fabricated directly on the chip using a wafer level fabrication process, the iCoupler channel effectively achieves integration between the channels and more easily implements other semiconductor functions than the photocoupler.
Since there is no photoelectric conversion link in the optocoupler that affects efficiency, the iCoupler digital isolator does not need to drive an external circuit of the LED, and its power consumption is only 1/10 to 1/50 of the optocoupler. This new electromagnetic-based isolation method is far superior to optocouplers in terms of high temperature resistance. The performance and reliability of iCoupler digital isolators are not degraded at 125°C. Therefore, low-cost, small-volume SOIC can be used. Packaging, which not only reduces the cost but also reduces the size of the chip. In addition, the isolation channel of the iCoupler digital isolator has higher data transfer rates, timing accuracy, and transient common-mode rejection than optocouplers. Its rated isolation voltage is twice that of a high-isolation optocoupler, and its data transfer rate and timing accuracy are 10 times higher. In addition, unlike optocouplers, multi-channel iCoupler digital isolators provide forward and reverse communication channels on the same chip, which makes the signal transmission direction more flexible and simplifies the hardware connection between chips.
Due to its iCoupler technology, the ADUM1201 has many advantages over opto-isolators:
- The speed is higher and the maximum speed can reach 125Mbps.
- The lower power consumption is lower than 1/10 of the traditional opto-isolator with the same data transmission rate, and the minimum operating current is 0.8mA.
- Higher performance timing accuracy, transient common mode rejection, and channel-to-channel matching are superior to conventional opto-isolators.
- Smaller and more integrated, the printed circuit board (PCB) area is 40% of the traditional opto-isolator.
- More flexible applications Unlike traditional optocouplers, multichannel iCoupler digital isolators provide forward and reverse communication channels on the same chip.
The ADUM1201 is isolated from its own power supply and reference ground. The supply voltage ranges from 2.7V to 5.5V, which enables low voltage supply, further reducing system power consumption. A 0.01μF to 0.1μF capacitor is required between the power supply and the reference ground to filter out high-frequency interference. The distance between the capacitor and the power supply should be within 20mm, which can achieve better filtering effect. Because the two isolated channels are highly matched, the crosstalk between the channels is small, and the two-channel input and output reverse design is very suitable for the bidirectional transmission and reception of the RS232 bus, which greatly simplifies the hardware connection between the isolators and the isolated ends. It should be noted that GND1 and GND2 are two different reference grounds, otherwise the isolation effect will not be achieved.
In addition, it should be noted that when the ADUM1201 is working normally, the power supply at both ends needs to be powered on at the same time to ensure that both channels of the ADUM1201 can work normally. If one is not powered, the whole chip will not work properly.
