USB isolator

Analog Devices has introduced what it claims is the first single-IC USB isolator (universal serial bus isolator) that simplifies isolated USB-port implementation in medical and industrial equipment.

Using iCoupler digital isolation, the ADuM4160 isolator offers 5 kV RMS medical-grade isolation, upstream short-circuit protection, and fully isolated 1.5 and 12 Mbps data rates.

The USB 2.0-compliant device provides fully isolated USB functionality and makes it possible for medical and industrial design engineers to cut implementation costs by up to 25%, reduce the size of designs by as much as 50% and trim development time from months to weeks.

Based on the company’s iCoupler that combines high-speed CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) and chip-scale, micro-transformer technology, the device can be implemented in low- and full-speed USB-compliant systems.

It operates from a 5 V USB supply or system-supplied 3.3 V power using an internal regulator and provides isolated control of the pull-up resistor, allowing the peripheral to control connection timing. Low idle current (2 mA max) eliminates the need for a suspend state.