ADuM7234
5V
15V
The insulation lifetime of the ADuM7234 depends on the
V
15V
DD1
GND
voltage waveform type imposed across the isolation barrier.
The iCoupler insulation structure degrades at different rates
depending on whether the waveform is bipolar ac, unipolar
ac, or dc. Figure 14, Figure 15, and Figure 16 illustrate these
different isolation voltage waveforms.
1
V
AND V
DDB
DDA
GND AND GND
A
B
ΔV
Δt
15V
5V
V
AND V
DDB
DDA
GND AND GND
A
B
15V
ΔV
Δt
V
DD1
GND
1
Bipolar ac voltage is the most stringent environment. The goal
of a 50-year operating lifetime under the ac bipolar condition
determines the maximum working voltage recommended by
Analog Devices.
Figure 11. Common-Mode Transient Immunity Waveforms, Input to Output
15V
V
/V
15V
DDA DDB
GND /GND
A
B
15V
V
/V
DDB DDA
GND /GND
B
A
In the case of unipolar ac or dc voltage, the stress on the insu-
lation is significantly lower. This allows operation at higher
working voltages while still achieving a 50-year service life.
The working voltage listed in Table 3 can be applied while
maintaining the 50-year minimum lifetime provided the voltage
conforms to either the unipolar ac or dc voltage cases. Any cross
insulation voltage waveform that does not conform to Figure 15
or Figure 16 should be treated as a bipolar ac waveform, and its
peak voltage should be limited to the 50-year lifetime voltage
value listed in Table 3. Note that the voltage presented in Figure 15
is shown as sinusoidal for illustration purposes only. It is meant
to represent any voltage waveform varying between 0 V and
some limiting value. The limiting value can be positive or
negative, but the voltage cannot cross 0 V.
ΔV
Δt
15V
15V
V
/V
DDA DDB
GND /GND
V
GND /GND
A
B
15V
ΔV
Δt
/V
DDB DDA
A
B
Figure 12. Common-Mode Transient Immunity Waveforms,
Between Outputs
V
/V
DDA DDB
ΔV
DD
Δt
V
/V
DDA DDB
GND /GND
GND /GND
A B
A
B
Figure 13. Transient Immunity Waveforms, Output Supplies
INSULATION LIFETIME
All insulation structures eventually break down when subjected to
voltage stress over a sufficiently long period. The rate of insulation
degradation depends on the characteristics of the voltage waveform
applied across the insulation. In addition to the testing performed
by the regulatory agencies, Analog Devices conducts an extensive
set of evaluations to determine the lifetime of the insulation struc-
ture within the ADuM7234.
RATED PEAK VOLTAGE
0V
Figure 14. Bipolar AC Waveform
RATED PEAK VOLTAGE
Analog Devices performs accelerated life testing using voltage
levels higher than the rated continuous working voltage. Acce-
leration factors for several operating conditions are determined.
These factors allow calculation of the time to failure at the
actual working voltage. Table 3 lists the peak voltage for 50
years of service life for a bipolar ac operating condition and the
maximum Analog Devices recommended working voltage. In
many cases, the approved working voltage is higher than the 50-
year service life voltage. Operation at these high working
voltages can lead to shortened insulation life in some cases.
0V
Figure 15. Unipolar AC Waveform
RATED PEAK VOLTAGE
0V
Figure 16. DC Waveform
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