There are different kinds of optoisolators based on the light responsive device and the configuration. The two components are usually enclosed in an opaque casing that prevents external light from interfering with the emitted beam, and housed in a package similar to an IC or a transistor with extra leads. Optoisolators are widely used in power supplies, control and monitoring systems, communications, and other systems to safely couple one circuit section to another electrically, while preventing direct contact and high voltages from affecting the lower voltage side.Ī typical optoisolator consist a near-infrared light emitting diode LED, a photo sensor such as a photodiode, phototransistor or photodarlington transistor, a closed channel, and a power source. This isolate the two circuits, prevents voltage spikes, and decreases noise and interference associated with communication connections. The devices convert the electrical energy into a beam of light using a light emitting diode, and then directing the light towards a light sensor such as a photodiode or phototransistor which converts the optical energy back into electrical energy. An optoisolator couples high voltages from one side of the circuit to the other without any direct electrical contact. Inlets, Outlets and Connectors StandardsĪn optoisolator is an electronics device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through a short optical transmission path while providing electrical isolation between two circuits.

Opto isolator circuits