iCoupler - Galvanic USB separator

iCoupler - Galvanic USB separator

USB galvanic separator based on the ADuM3160 and ADuM4070 from Analog Devices.

It provides galvanic separation between the USB interfaces (see figure below). The separator is equipped with a DC/DC converter, which converts the USB voltage of 5VDC to the same voltage on the 'secondary' side. The maximum output power of the converter is 2.5W.

The device has two USB connectors (see figure above). The USB separator draws power from the USB interface connected to the microUSB connector. The white LED mounted on the board acts as a DC/DC converter pre-voltage, which is recommended by the ADUM4070 chip manufacturer, Analog Devices, to ensure stable converter operation.

The DC/DC converter was made on a specialised ADuM4070 chip (Analog Devices), which works with a Pulse PH0555NL transformer. Separation of the bi-directional D+ and D- lines of the USB interface was done using the ADuM3160 chip (Analog Devices).

The galvanic USB separator is very useful in professional applications. Among other things, it prevents damage to the computer to which we connect a programmer or hardware debugger that supports the commissioning of a digital circuit. In a situation where the computer and the running digital system are powered from different phases of the power grid (which is often the case in practice), there is a high risk of a potential difference between the equipment's grounds. In extreme cases, electrocution or current flow through the data cables can occur.

Features

• Based on the ADuM3160 chip from Analog Devices.
• Provides galvanic separation between the computer and the USB device (converter, programmer, etc.).
• ADuM4070 DC/DC converter with a maximum power of 2.5W
• Pulsed DC/DC isolation transformer PH0555NL
• USB2.0FS-ready (12 Mbps)
• White LED indicating operation (and acting as preload for the DC/DC converter)