November 16, 2012, Seoul - Infineon Technologies (Korea CEO Lee Seung-soo) has launched its second-generation ISOFACE™ galvanically isolated 8-channel high side switch for 24V industrial control and automation applications. The new ISO2H823V provides comprehensive integrated diagnostic functions to offer visibility into equipment status, thereby significantly reducing downtime of expensive equipment. The device isolates low-voltage control-side components of industrial controllers from output channels directed to the field.

The common solution for galvanic isolation between the control side and process side of industrial equipment is to use optocouplers, which limit the operating temperature range and are susceptible to aging and temperature fluctuations. The ISO2H823V IC provides 2.5kV isolation (complying with IEC 61131-2 requirements), higher operating temperature range, digital power and control functions, and drives each of 8 channels at 600mA. This achieves superior robustness and allows PCB design to be completed in half the size compared to using optocouplers.

Applications for the new IC include various 24V industrial control systems such as PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), Distributed Control System, industrial PC, and general-purpose control equipment. For systems where continuous operation is critical, such as large-scale chemical plants, production lines, and heavy equipment used in the field, the integrated diagnostic functions play an important role in minimizing unplanned downtime and promptly handling all necessary maintenance work.

Thomas Schmidt, Application Marketing Director at Infineon Technologies, stated: "In industrial processes, downtime of a single piece of equipment can lead to production stoppage, which may require several hours to restart production, resulting in significant productivity loss and waste." He added, "By providing comprehensive on-chip diagnostic functions that enable real-time status monitoring of power switches, equipment suppliers can deliver more robust, reliable, and repairable control electronics, thereby minimizing emergency situations for industrial equipment users."

On-chip diagnostic functions of the ISO2H823V include channel-level detection for open load, short circuit conditions, and overheating operation. The device monitors supply voltage, output status, overheating conditions, and transmission errors at the IC level. The range and depth of system information provided enable preventive maintenance activities and prevent sudden system shutdown under harsh conditions.

The output stage of the high side switching IC is specified for 24VDC operation (range from 11V to 35V) and includes a 52V clamping diode for circuit protection. Each of the 8 output channels provides typical 150mohm Rds(on) characteristics and short circuit protection (active current is limited to 1.0A). The control side operates at 3.3V. Device status display is supported through an integrated driver for LED matrix for both input and output stages.

Supply and Package
Samples and system evaluation boards of the ISO2H823V are being provided in a 12mm x 12mm VQFN package, with mass production scheduled for Q1 2013.

More detailed information on the ISOFACE™ device family is available at: www.infineon.com/isoface.