Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has launched photocouplers supporting low- to mid-speed transmission rates for isolated communication interfaces for factory automation devices, home appliances, including air-conditioners, and smart meters.

Toshiba photocouplers: "TLP2301" and "TLP2303" (left to right)(Photo: Business Wire)

Isolated communication interfaces for factory automation devices–such as PLC and inverters–as well as appliances and equipment in the home–such as air-conditioners and smart meters–communicate within a range, from several kbps to several tens of megabits per second, depending on the volume of information. However, the market has lacked for suitable photocouplers supporting low speed communications at 9.6 kbps and 19.2 kbps, represented by RS-232 communication, and the medium speed of 115.2 kbps, represented by RS-232C communication. Until now, developers had to choose either general-purpose transistor couplers, which sometimes provide insufficient performance, or 1Mbps-class IC couplers, which deliver superior performance but at a price premium.

Toshiba has now met these market needs by developing the 20kbps "TLP2301" and the 100kps "TLP2303", both of which achieve a high current transfer ratio (I_C/I_F) and switching under low input current conditions. The "TLP2303" achieves a notably high current transfer ratio of 800% (min.) at an input current of 1.6 mA.

By adding high cost-performance products to areas not covered by current products to its line-up, Toshiba will contribute to reductions in power consumption and costs in the wide range of products that use photocouplers.

Applications
Factory Automation (FA) devices
Home appliances (air conditioners)
Smart meters
High-speed digital interface for measurement and control devices
Photovoltaic power generation systems
Power supplies

*Follow this link for more on this product.
http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/product/opto/selection/topics/1268168_2411.html

About Toshiba
Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130219005925/en/