ADuM5210/ADuM5211/ADuM5212
Data Sheet
In the case of dc or unipolar ac voltage, the stress on the insulation
is significantly lower. This allows operation at higher working
voltages while still achieving a 50-year service life. The working
voltages listed in Table 20 can be applied while maintaining the
50-year minimum lifetime, provided the voltage conforms to either
the dc or unipolar ac voltage cases. Any cross-insulation voltage
waveform that does not conform to Figure 31 or Figure 32 must be
treated as a bipolar ac waveform, and its peak voltage must be
limited to the 50-year lifetime voltage value listed in Table 20.
INSULATION LIFETIME
All insulation structures eventually break down when subjected
to voltage stress over a sufficiently long period. The rate of
insulation degradation is dependent on the characteristics of
the voltage waveform applied across the insulation. Analog
Devices conducts an extensive set of evaluations to determine
the lifetime of the insulation structure within the ADuM5210/
ADuM5211/ADuM5212.
Accelerated life testing is performed using voltage levels higher
than the rated continuous working voltage. Acceleration factors
for several operating conditions are determined, allowing
calculation of the time to failure at the working voltage of
interest. The values shown in Table 20 summarize the peak
voltages for 50 years of service life in several operating
conditions. In many cases, the working voltage approved by
agency testing is higher than the 50-year service life voltage.
Operation at working voltages higher than the service life
voltage listed leads to premature insulation failure.
RATED PEAK VOLTAGE
0V
Figure 30. Bipolar AC Waveform
RATED PEAK VOLTAGE
0V
The insulation lifetime of the ADuM5210/ADuM5211/
ADuM5212 depends on the voltage waveform type imposed
across the isolation barrier. The iCoupler insulation structure
degrades at different rates, depending on whether the wave-
form is bipolar ac, unipolar ac, or dc. Figure 30, Figure 31, and
Figure 32 illustrate these different isolation voltage waveforms.
Figure 31. DC Waveform
RATED PEAK VOLTAGE
0V
NOTES
Bipolar ac voltage is the most stringent environment. A 50-year
operating lifetime under the bipolar ac condition determines
the Analog Devices recommended maximum working voltage.
1. THE VOLTAGE IS SHOWN AS SINUSOIDAL FOR ILLUSTRATION
PUPOSES ONLY. IT IS MEANT TO REPRESENT ANY VOLTAGE
WAVEFORM VARYING BETWEEN 0V AND SOME LIMITING VALUE.
THE LIMITING VALUE CAN BE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE,
BUT THE VOLTAGE CANNOT CROSS 0V.
Figure 32. Unipolar AC Waveform
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