New Si8920 Analog Amplifier Provides Precise Current Shunt
Measurement for Power Control Systems Including Industrial Motor Drives
and Inverters
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Silicon
Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leading provider of mixed-signal
isolation technology for industrial automation and Internet
infrastructure, today introduced an isolated current sense amplifier
delivering robust isolation and the industry's highest bandwidth and
lowest signal delay. Silicon Labs' new Si8920 isolated amplifier
provides an ideal current shunt measurement solution for power control
systems operating in harsh environments such as industrial motor drives,
solar inverters, high-voltage power converters, uninterruptible power
supplies (UPS) and electric/hybrid-electric vehicle (EV/HEV) systems.
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Fast, accurate current sensing is essential for all high-power systems
and power converters with high-voltage stages. Measuring current on
high-voltage rails (up to 1200 V) with a galvanically isolated amplifier
provides critical information to the low-voltage controller that
improves system response time and efficiency. The Si8920 isolated
amplifier provides a differential, low-voltage input scaled for
connection to current shunt resistors, enabling the controller to make
precise measurements of current on high-voltage rails while maintaining
best-in-class electrical isolation. The Si8920 device's industry-leading
signal bandwidth (up to 750 kHz) ensures rapid, precise dc current
measurement and accurate representation of the primary signal and
harmonics.
The Si8920 isolated amplifier uses Silicon Labs' proven, CMOS-based
isolation technology, which meets stringent UL, VDE, CQC and CSA
standards, supports up to 5 kV withstand and 1200 V working voltage, and
offers a wider operating temperature range, better noise immunity and
longer lifetimes than competing isolation technologies. The Si8920
amplifier's exceptionally low 1 µV/°C offset drift ensures stable
performance over diverse operating conditions.
The Si8920 provides a robust, reliable isolated amplifier solution that
meets the product longevity requirements of industrial automation, green
energy and Internet infrastructure equipment. Many power systems feature
long lifetime warranties and are expected to operate for 25 years or
more in the field. Isolation often can be a point of first failure and a
lifetime-limiting device in many power systems. Traditional isolators,
based on optocoupler technology, suffer from limited temperature range
and can degrade with the external environment. In contrast, CMOS-based
isolation components such as the Si8920 isolated amplifier operate over
a full industrial temperature range and can support product lifetimes of
up to 100 years.
The Si8920 isolated amplifier provides very fast response time with an
unparalleled 0.75 µs signal delay across the isolation barrier, allowing
power control systems to react rapidly to transient load conditions.
Ultra-low signal delay enables control loops to respond quickly,
resulting in a more efficient and stable system as the controller can
take action sooner to maintain the desired performance. Low signal delay
also enables the power system to make quick corrective responses to
unusual, potentially dangerous events, which helps reduce equipment
repair and maintenance costs.
"Silicon Labs designed the Si8920 isolated analog amplifier to meet
demanding operating conditions and the reliability and longevity
requirements of power conversion systems with high-voltage buses," said
Ross Sabolcik, vice president and general manager of Access and
Isolation products at Silicon Labs. "The Si8920 device's high bandwidth
and very low signal delay make it a best-in-class isolated current
sensing solution for motor drive systems, solar inverters, power
converters and today's increasingly popular EV/HEV cars."
Pricing and Availability
The Si8920 isolated amplifier is available now in standard SOIC and DIP
packages, which are easy to handle with automated assembly systems.
Si8920 pricing in 10,000-unit quantities begins at $2.39 (USD). The
Si8920ISO-KIT evaluation kit enables developers to connect quickly to a
shunt resistor to evaluate Si8920 analog isolation functionality
including low-voltage differential input, response times, offset and
gain characteristics. Priced at $29 (USD MSRP), the Si8920ISO-KIT
evaluation kit is available now from Silicon Labs and authorized
distributors. For additional Si8920 isolated amplifier product
information and to order samples and evaluation boards, please visit www.silabs.com/isolatedamplifier.
Silicon Labs
Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is a leading provider of silicon, software
and system solutions for the Internet of Things, Internet
infrastructure, industrial automation, consumer and automotive markets.
We solve the electronics industry's toughest problems, providing
customers with significant advantages in performance, energy savings,
connectivity and design simplicity. Backed by our world-class
engineering teams with unsurpassed software and mixed-signal design
expertise, Silicon Labs empowers developers with the tools and
technologies they need to advance quickly and easily from initial idea
to final product. www.silabs.com
Cautionary Language
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on
Silicon Labs' current expectations. These forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could
cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
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refer to Silicon Labs' filings with the SEC. Silicon Labs disclaims any
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statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
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Silicon Labs
Dale Weisman, +1-512-532-5871
dale.weisman@silabs.com
Source: Silicon Labs
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