Compact photorelay with high ON-state current and high-speed switching
30th January 2025
Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (“Toshiba”) has introduced the TLP3640A photorelay for factory automation and other industrial applications, including building automation, security systems, and measuring instruments.
The silent, normally open TLP3640A replaces conventional 1-Form-A mechanical relays to improve system reliability and reduce power consumption. Housed in the 4-pin SO4 package measuring only 2.6mm x 7mm (typ.), the mounting area is reduced by 70% compared to mechanical relays and 30% compared to Toshiba’s TLP3122A device, contributing to application downsizing and reducing PCB cost.
The new photorelay is fabricated using Toshiba’s proprietary chip-on-chip technology (3D integration technology with vertical chip stacking) to deliver an off-state output terminal voltage (VOFF) of 60V (min.), a constant on-state current (ION) of 1A (max.), and an on-state pulsed current (IONP) of up to 3A. The on-state resistance (RONOFF) is 1µA (max.).
By improving the characteristics of the internal LED and photodiode arrays, the new TLP3640A offers maximum switching times of 0.5ms (tON) and 0.2ms (tOFF). These higher switching speeds make the new product suitable for analog interface sections in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and gain-selectable amplifiers used in measuring instruments.
With a minimum isolation voltage (BVS) of 3750Vrms, the device is fully approved for UL1577 for safety-critical applications, as well as cUL-recognized and VDE-approved. In addition, compared to the existing TLP3122A device, which is rated for an operating temperature of between -40°C and +85°C, the TLP3640A operates to +110°C (max.), improving the flexibility of the thermal design for the equipment.
