Vishay Shrinks Automotive Optocoupler Package to 3.6 mm for EV Applications
New VOMHA43A supports 400V battery systems with 707 Vpeak isolation rating and 40 kV/µs CMTI.
Vishay Intertechnology has introduced a narrower SOP-5 optocoupler package measuring 3.6 mm, down from the previous 4.4 mm body width, targeting automotive and EV applications.
What Happened
The VOMHA43A is an AEC-Q102 qualified automotive optocoupler rated for a maximum repetitive peak isolation voltage of 707 Vpeak, which Vishay says meets requirements for 400V battery systems—competing devices reach only 567 Vpeak. The device features minimum guaranteed common mode transient immunity of 40 kV/µs, more than double the figure of the closest competing part according to the company. It operates across a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C and is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free. The optocoupler combines a GaAlAs infrared emitting diode optically coupled to an integrated photodetector and transistor, with junction isolation between the photodetector and transistor, an open collector output, and a Faraday shield on the detector chip.
Why It Matters
In traction inverter applications, switching devices can drive the two sides of an isolation barrier hundreds of volts apart in tens of nanoseconds. An optocoupler that cannot withstand such rapid common mode voltage steps may report false edges on data lines, potentially causing communication errors in critical vehicle systems. The VOMHA43A is designed for isolated CAN, LIN, I²C and SPI interface bus isolation in EVs, hybrid EVs and low-speed EVs, as well as isolated drive circuits including intelligent power module drivers. Pin-to-pin compatibility allows it to serve as a direct replacement without electrical or mechanical redesign.
The Bottom Line
Samples and production quantities of the VOMHA43A are available with six-week lead times.
