Vishay’s new automotive optocouplers combine 5300 VRMS isolation and 11 mm creepage for EV electronics isolation stages

Vishay Intertechnology has launched two new automotive-grade optocouplers, the VOWA617A and VOWA618A, specifically designed for high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) applications. These components target critical isolation stages in on-board chargers, DC/DC converters, and battery management systems, offering galvanic isolation with enhanced safety margins. Both devices are housed in a widebody SMD-8 package and meet the stringent AEC-Q102 qualification, underscoring their suitability for automotive environments. A standout feature of these optocouplers is their combination of a high creepage distance of at least 11 mm and a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600, placing them in Material Group 1—the highest insulation category. This creepage distance is notably 38% greater than the typical 8 mm found in comparable products, significantly reducing the risk of surface arcing or tracking under high voltage conditions. Additionally, the devices offer isolation voltages up to 5300 VRMS and transient voltages reaching 8000 Vpeak, surpassing many competing solutions in both working and peak voltage ratings. The VOWA617A and VOWA618A also excel in thermal performance, with operating temperature ranges from -40 °C to +125 °C and junction temperatures up to +145 °C, well above the +85 °C limit common to standard consumer-grade optocouplers. This robustness makes them particularly well-suited for demanding automotive environments where temperature extremes are common. The devices also feature collector-emitter voltages of 80 V and a wide current transfer ratio range, enhancing their versatility in various EV electronic isolation applications. Samples and production quantities of these optocouplers are currently available, with lead times estimated at around eight weeks. By exceeding reinforced insulation requirements for grid-connected equipment, these components represent a significant advancement in EV electronics safety and reliability. Their introduction is likely to support the ongoing development of safer, more efficient electric vehicles by providing improved isolation solutions for critical power electronics stages.