Phototriac couplers offer 35% size reduction

A range of miniature phototriac couplers, in packages that are significantly
smaller than previous devices with the same isolation ratings, have been
introduced by Toshiba Electronics Europe.

The new TLP360J and TLP361J phototriac couplers allow designers of
applications such as office equipment, triac drivers and solid-state relays
to save space without compromising safety. Approved to international safety
standards, the TLP360J and TLP361J phototriac couplers consist of a
photo-triac optically coupled to a gallium-arsenide (GaAs) infrared LED.
Each device features an isolation voltage rating of 5kV and is housed in a
4-pin DIP package. The packages are 35% smaller than the 6-pin DIP format
previously required for this level of isolation, says the company.

The TLP360J phototriac coupler is based on a non zero-cross configuration,
while the TLP361J device provides designers with a zero-cross function. At
just 20V, the inhibit voltage of the TLP361J is up to 50% lower than that of
previous generations of photo triac couplers, leading to significant
reductions in turn-on noise. Trigger LED current is 10mA and minimum peak
off state voltage for both devices is 600V. Maximum on-state current is
rated at 100mA.

The TLP360J and TLP361J have dimensions of just 6.4mm x 4.9mm x 3.7mm and
are available in standard and wide lead forming variants. All devices are
approved to UL and TUV safety standards.