Linear Application for Optocouplers

Application Note 951-2

Introduction
Optocouplers are useful in applications where analog or
DC signals need to be transferred from one module to
another in the presence of a large potential difference
or induced noise between the ground or common points
of these modules.
The 6N135/6N136 is recommended for single channel AC
analog designs. The HCPL-2530/31 is recommended for
dual channel DC linear designs. The 6N135/6 series or
the 6N137 series are recommended for digital conversion
schemes.

Potential applications are those in which large If the output transistor is biased in the active region,
transformers, expensive instrumentation amplifiers the current transfer Equation-1
relationshipAN
for951-2
the 6N135 series
or complicated A/D conversion schemes are used. optocoupler can be represented as:
Examples are: sensing circuits (thermocouples, n
transducers ... ), patient monitoring equipment, power
supply feedback, high voltage current monitoring,
adaptive control systems, audio amplifiers and video
IC = K
(( IF
IF '
amplifiers. where IC is the collector current; IF is the input LED
current; IF' is the current at which K is measured; K is
Avago Technologies Optocouplers the collector current when IF = IF '; and n is the slope
Avago’s optocouplers have integrated photodetector/ of IC vs. IF on logarithmic coordinates.
amplifiers with speed and linearity advantages over VOUT = R4
conventional photo-transistors. In a phototransistor, The exponent n varies with IF, but over some limited
range of ∆IF, n can be regarded as a constant.
n 1/nThe
2 current

( (
the photodetector is the collector-base junction so K1 R2 (ICC1) 1
the capacitance impairs the collector rise time. Also, transfer relationship for an optoisolator will be linear
(IF '2) n
amplified photocurrent flows in the collector-base only if n equals one. K2 R3 (IF '1) 1
junction and modulates the photo-response, thereby
causing non-linearity. The photodetector in an Avago For the 6N135 series optocoupler,
n1/n2 n varies from
optocoupler is a separately integrated diode so its photo-
response is not affected by amplified photocurrent and
its capacitance does not impair speed. Some linear
(
approximately 2 at input
approximately 11 +at Rinput
I (
VIN currents– less
1 CC1
currents
ICC2
than 5 mA to
greater than 16 mA.
For AC coupled applications, reasonable linearity can be
isolation schemes employ digital conversion techniques obtained with a single optocoupler. The opto-coupler is
(A/D-D/A, PWM, PCM, etc.) in which the higher speed biased at higher levels of input LED current where the
of the integrated photodetector permits better linearity ratio of incremental photodiode current to incremental
and bandwidth. LED current (δID / δIF) is more nearly constant.

For better linearity and stability, servo or differential

linearization techniques can be used.
VOUT = R4 ICC2 (1 + x)n -1 ,

VIN n1
Where x = , n=
R1 ICC1 n2

linearity error (1 + x)n - n x -1

=
desired signal nx

n1
VOUT = R5
( (( (
K1 R3
R4
ICC
2 I F '1

n1 n2
 2

The servo linearizer forces the +VCC +VCC

input current of one optocoupler +

to track the input current of the R
VCC IO
second optocoupler by servo
IO
action. Thus, if n1 ≅ n2 over
the excursion range, the non-
linearities will cancel and the
overall transfer function will be + R
linear. In the differential linearizer, VEE
an input signal causes the input
–VEE VCC + VEE –Vbe
current of one optocoupler to IO ≅
R
increase by the same amount –VEE
that input current of the second Figure 1.
optocoupler is decreased. If n1
≅ n2 ≅ 2, then a gain increment +VCC

in the first optocoupler will be +VCC

balanced by a gain decrement +

in the second optocoupler and
the overall transfer function will
be linear. With these techniques,
matching of K will not effect the
overall linearity of the circuit but
will simplify circuit realization by
reducing the required dynamic
range of the zero and offset
potentiometers.
Gain and offset stability over
temperature is dependent on
the stability of current sources,
resistors, and the optocoupler.
For the servo technique, changes
of K over temperature will have
only a small effect on overall gain
and offset as long as the ratio of
K1 to K2 remains constant. With
the differential technique, changes
of K over temperature will cause
a change in gain of the circuit.
Offset will remain stable as long
as the ratio of K1 to K2 remains
constant. In the AC circuit, since
(δID / δIF) varies with temperature,
the gain will also vary with
temperature. A thermistor can be
used in the output amplifiers of
the Differential and AC circuits to
compensate for this change in gain
over temperature.
There are also several digital
techniques to transmit an
optocoupler analog signal.
+
VCC R IO RE
–
VF
AGILENT
+ HLMP-1000
OR IO
+ R
EQUIVALENT
VEE VF
AGILENT – RE
VCC + VEE –VF
HLMP-1000 R= –VEE
OR EQUIVALENT 5752-1 AN 951-2
1mA
VF –Vbe
–VEE IO =
RE
VF ≅ 1.5 V AT IF = 1 mA
Figure 2.
Optocouplers can be used to If VCC is not stable, a simple current
transmit a frequency- or pulse- source such as the ones shown
width-modulated signal. In these in Figure 2 can be realized with
applications, overall circuit an LED as a voltage reference.
bandwidth is determined by the The LED will approximately
required linearity as well as the compensate the transistor over
temperature since ∆Vbe / ∆T ≅ ∆VF /
5752-2
propagation delay of the opto-
coupler. The 6N137 series opto-
AN 951-2
∆T = -2 mV/°C. See Figure 2.
coupler features propagation
delays typically less than 50 ns and Servo Isolation Amplifier
the 6N135 series optocoupler The servo amplifier shown in
features propagation typically less Figure 3 operates on the principle
than 300 ns. that two optocouplers will track
each other if their gain changes
In several places the circuits by the same amount over some
shown call for a current source. operating region. U2 compares the
They can be realized in several outputs of each optocoupler and
ways. If VCC is stable, the current forces IF2 through D2 to be equal
source can be a mirror type circuit to IF1 through D1. The constant
as shown in Figure 1. current sources bias each IF at 3
mA quiescent current. R1 has been
selected so that IF1 varies over
 3VOUT = R4
n1 1/n2

Equation-1 AN 951-2
VOUT = R4 ICC2 (1 + x)n -1 ,
(IF '2)
(
K1 R2 (ICC1)

K2 R3 (IF '1) (
n1

the range of 2 mA to 4 mA as VIN The non linearities

VIN in the transfer increases duento changes
1/n in VIN,

(
n1

(
2
varies from -5 V n to +5 V. R can Where x where
function = ≠ n,2 n = be VIN by an equal
R1 InCC can n2 IF21 +decreases amount.

((
1 1
1 – ICC2
be adjusted IFto accommodate any written as shown below. For If n1 =Rn1 2ICC
= 2,
IC = K Equation-1 AN 951-2 1 then the gain
desired range.
IF' With VIN = 0, R2, is example, if | x | ≤ 0.35, n = 1.05, increment caused by increases
adjusted so that n VOUT = 0. Then then the linearity error is 1% of the in IF1 will be balanced by the gain

((
with VIN at some IF value, R4 can be desired signal. decrement caused by decreases
IC = K for a gain of 1. Values for
adjusted in IF2. The constant current source
I ' linearity error (1 + x)n - n x -1
R2 and R4 haveF been picked for a = biases each IF at 3 mA quiescent
desired signal nx
worst case spread of optocoupler current. R1 and R2 are designed
orVOUT
current
= R4transfer ratios. The so that IF varies over the range
transfer function of the servo Typical Performance for the of 2 mA to 4 mA as VIN varies
n 1/n2

( (
amplifier is:K1 R2 (ICC1) 1 Servo Linearized DC Amplifier: n1 from
VOUT =-5RV4 Ito CC+5 V.(1
R1+and
x)nR-1can
2 ,
2

( (( (
(IF '2) • 1% linearity for 10 V p-p dynamic
ICC be adjusted to accommodate any
VOUT = R n K 1 R3
K42 R3 (IF '1) 1 VOUT = R5
range desired dynamic range. U3 and U4
R4 2 I F '1 VIN n1
1/n2 • Unity voltage gain are
Where usedxas= a differential
, n=current

( (( ( ( ( ( (
n1 R1 ICC1 n2
Kn
1 1R/n
2 2(ICC1) • 25 kHz bandwidth (limited by U1, amplifier:
(IF V )
'2IN n U2) n1 n2
1+ K2 R3 (IF– 'ICC
) 21 VIN I
R1 ICC1 1 •1Gain
+ drift: – 0.03%/°C
– K2
CC VOUT = R5 [(R3 / R4) IC1 - IC2]
R ICC
• Offset drift: ±1 mV/°C2 IF '2
n1/n2

( ( VIN • Common mode rejection: 46 dB R3 , R4, R5 have been picked

n2

( (
1+ – ICC2 at 1VkHz for an amplifier
linearity error with(1a+gain
x)n of
- n x -1
R1 ICC1 IN =spread of
•1500
– V DC insulation (3000 V if 1desired
for a worst case
signal nx
R ICC
two single couplers are used) coupler current transfer ratios.
After zero adjustment, this transfer The transfer function of the
function reduces to: if R ≡ R1 ≡ R2 differential amplifier is:
Differential Isolation
n1

( (( (
Amplifier
VOUT = R4 ICC2 (1 + x)n -1 , K R ICC
The differential amplifier shown in VOUT = R5 1 3
Figure 4 operates on the principle R4 2 I F '1
VIN n1 that an operating region exists
Where x = , n= where a gain increment in one n1

( ( ( (
n2
VOUT = R4 R 1 I2CC1 (1 + x)nn2-1 ,
ICC
VIN
optocoupler can be approximately 1+ ICC
balanced by a gain decrement in – K2
R ICC 2 IF '2
VIN n1 the second optocoupler. As IF1
Where x = , n=
n2 n2

( (
R1 ICC1
VIN
linearity error I 2 1–
V
(1 + x)n - n x -1 R ICC
IN
+ =
F1
HCPL-2530 IC 1
desired signal n x1 8
U1
– R2 R3 if R ≡ R1 ≡ R2
linearity error (1 + x)2n - n x -1 7
4.7 KΩ
= 4.7 KΩ 10 KΩ
ICC1 nx n
desired signal

( (( (
1 ZERO ADJUST
R1 3 6 –
4.7 KΩ K 1 R 3 ICC
VOUT = R5 IC2 U2
R
3mA 4 2 IF ' +
4 1 5
–15 V IF 2 n1

( ( ( (((( (
1
n1 K R InCC
2 –15 V
VOUTVIN
= R5 1 3
1+ ICC
– K2 R4
U1, U2 LM307 2 I F '1
R ICC 2 IF ' n1 3 mA VOUT
2 KΩ GAIN ADJUST
IF12
IC 1 = K 1
n2n1

(( (( ( (
IF 1 ' n2
VIN 3.9 KΩ
VIN ICCn2 ICC2
R4
1+
1– – K2 IF2
RR ICC
ICC IC2 = K2 2 I
IF2F '2
' –15 V 2
n2

( (
if R ≡ 3.
Figure
1–
V≡INR2Type DC Isolation Amplifier
R1Servo
R ICC

if R ≡ R ≡ R
 4

OFFSET IC 1
– IF1 R3 ADJUST
HCPL-2530 2 5 KΩ
U2 1 8
+ IC 1 220 Ω Equation-2 AN 951-2
+ –
2 7
U3
VIN IF 2 + n1

–
–

+
U2
3

4
6

5
IC 2 2
R4 1KΩ
( (
VOUT = R5 K' 1+
VIN
R ICC

5 KΩ GAIN ADJUST
n2

( (
R1 R2 –15 V
2.7 KΩ 2.7 KΩ 50 KΩ VIN
R5 – 1–
U1, U2, U3, U3, LM307 R ICC
–
n1
IF 1 n1

( (( (
IC 1 = K 1 6 mA ICC U3 VOUT
IF 1 ' + K1 R 3 ICC
Where K' =
n2 R4 2 I F '1
IF 2
IC 2 = K 2 2
IF 2 ' –15 V
n2

( (
Figure 4. Differential Type DC Isolation Amplifier ICC
Equation-2 AN 951-2 = K2
After zero adjustment, this transfer Typical Performance of the 2 I F '2
can be accomplished by increasing
function reduces to: Differential Linearized DC R3, then adding a resistor from
n1

( (
Equation-2 AN V951-2 Amplifier: the collector of Q1 to ground to
IN • 3% linearity for 10 V p-p dynamic
VOUT = R5 K' 1+ obtain the desired quiescent IF of
R ICC range 20 mA. Q2 error
and Q3 form a cascade
• Unity voltage gain linearity
n1 amplifier with feedback
= applied

(( (
n2 VIN • 25 kHz bandwidth (limited by U1, desired Rsignal

(
VOUT = R5VK' 1+ through 4
and R 6
. R6
is selected as
IN R ICC U2, U3, U4) Vbe/I3 with I selected for maximum
– 1– x)n1 –3 (1 –product
(1 +bandwidth x)n2 – (n
R ICC • Gain drift: – 0.4%/°C gain of1Q–3.n2)x ,
• Offset drift: ±4 mV/°C R7 is selected(n + n2)xmaximum
to1 allow
n2

( (( (( (
n1 • Common mode rejection: 70 dB excursions of VOUT without clipping.
VIN
– 1– K 1 R3 ICC at 1 kHz V
Where K'
R =ICC Rwhere
5 x = DCINbias to Q3. Closed
provides
R4 2 I F '1 • 3000 V DC insulation loop gain (∆V R ICC /∆VIN) can be
OUT
n1 adjusted with R4. The transfer
5752-4 AN 951-2

(
Where K'I=
= K2
n2
CC
(( (( (
K 1 R3
R4
ICC
2 I F '1
AC Coupled Amplifier
In an AC circuit, since there is no
function of the amplifier is:

2 I F '2
n2
requirement for a DC reference, a
single optocoupler can be utilized
VOUT
VIN
≅
( (( (( (
∂ID
∂IF
1
R3
R4 R7
R6

( (
The non linearities in the transfer by biasing the optocoupler in a
ICC
= K2
function when n1 ≠ n2 ≠ 2 can region of constant incremental
2 Ias
be written F '2shown below. For CTR (δID / δIF). An example of
example, if | x | ≤ 0.35, n1, = 1.9, n2
linearity error this type of circuit is shown in
=
= 1.8, then the linearity error is Figure 5. Q1 is biased by R1, R2
desired signal Typical Performance of the
1.5% of the desired signal. and R3 for a collector quiescent Wide Bandwidth AC Amplifier:
(1 + x)n1error
linearity – (1 – x)n2 – (n1 – n2)x current of 20 mA. R3 is selected • 2% linearity over 1 V p-p dynamic
= , so that IF varies from 15 mA to range
(n1 + n2)x
desired signal 25 mA for VIN of 1 V p-p. Under • Unity voltage gain
these operating conditions, the • 10 MHz bandwidth
(1 + x)xn1= – (1
where
VIN– x)n2 – (n1 – n2)x 6N136 operates in a region of
, • Gain drift: – 0.6% /°C
R(nI1CC+ n2)x almost constant incremental CTR. • Common mode rejection: 22 dB
Linearity can be improved at the at 1 MHz
VIN expense of signal-to-noise ratio
where x = • 3000 V DC insulation
R ICC by reducing IF excursions. This
VOUT
VIN
≅
( (( (( (
∂ID
∂IF
1
R 3
R4 R7
R6

VOUT ∂ID 1 R4 R7
 5

+5 V +5 V
ID
IF 6N136
1 8
R7
330 Ω
2 7 R6
5 KΩ VOUT
R1
3 6 Q3 2 µF
560 Ω

Q1 Q2 R4
VIN
15 KΩ I3
2 µF 4 5
R2
470 Ω
R3 R6
1N914 100 Ω Q1 2N3053 82 Ω
Q3 2N3565

1 2

Figure 5. Wide Bandwidth AC Isolation Amplifier

tMAX tMAX
t t

tMIN tMIN
VOUT

T T

t = 1/T 6N137
1 VCC 8 +5 V

0.1
OSCILLATOR RL
2 7 µF
MONOSTABLE
MULTIVIBRATOR
INTEGRATOR OPTIONAL
3 6 VOUT
VIN (DEMODULATOR) L. P. FILTER

tα VIN
4 GND 5

5752-5 ANFigure
951-26. Pulse Width Modulation

Digital Isolation digital form and then back to and the propagation delay of the
the analog signal. However, the optoisolators:
Techniques overall circuit bandwidth is limited
Digital conversion techniques by the propagation delays of the (tmax - tmin) (required linearity) ≥
can be used to transfer an analog optocoupler. | tPLH - tPHL |
signal between two isolated
systems. With these techniques, Figure 6 shows a pulse width At the output, the pulse width
the analog signal is converted into modulated scheme to isolate modulated signal is then
some digital form and transmitted an analog signal. The oscillator converted back to the original
5752-6 AN 951-2
through the optocoupler. This operates at a fixed frequency, f, analog signal. This can be
digital information is then and the monostable multivibrator accomplished with an integrator
converted back to the analog varies the duty factor of the circuit followed by a low pass
signal at the output. Since the oscillator proportional to the filter or through some type of
optocoupler is used only as a input signal, VIN. The maximum demodulator circuit that gives an
switch, the overall circuit linearity frequency at which the oscillator output voltage proportional to the
is primarily dependent on the can be operated is determined by duty factor of the oscillator.
accuracy by which the analog the required linearity of the circuit Figure 7 shows a voltage to
signal can be converted into
frequency conversion scheme 6N137
to isolate an analog signal. The 1 VCC 8 +5 V

voltage to frequency converter 0.1

RL
gives an output frequency 2 7 µF
V–F
proportional to VIN. The maximum VIN CONVERTER
frequency that can be transmitted 3 6
through the optocoupler is f = k1 VIN
F–V VOUT
approximately: VOUT 4 GND 5 CONVERTER
= k 1 k2
VIN
fmax ≅ 1 / t, VOUT = k2f

where t = tPLH or tPHL, whichever is Figure 7. Voltage to Frequency Conversion

larger.

At the output, the frequency is

converted back into a voltage.
The overall circuit linearity is
dependent only on the linearity of
the V-F and F-V converters.
Another scheme similar to
voltage to frequency conversion
is frequency modulation. A carrier
5752-7 AN 951-2
frequency, fo, is modulated by ∆f
such that fo ± ∆f is proportional
to VIN. Then at the output, VOUT is
reconstructed with a phase locked
loop or similar circuit.
One further scheme to isolate an
analog signal is to use A-D and
D-A converters and transfer the
binary or BCD information through transmission techniques.
optocoupler. The information
can be transmitted through the
optocoupler in parallel or serial
format depending on the outputs
available from the A-D converter.
If serial outputs are not available,
the A-D outputs can be converted
into serial form with a PISO shift
register and transmitted through
one high speed optocoupler. This
scheme becomes economical
especially where high resolution
is required allowing several
optocouplers to be replaced with
one high speed optocoupler. Refer
to Avago Application Note 947 for
further discussion of digital data

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Data subject to change. Copyright © 2007 Avago Technologies Limited. All rights reserved.
5954-8430E - April 10, 2007