Toshiba Launches High Current Photorelays for Mechanical Relays Replacement in Industrial Applications

August 7, 2018

Advanced performance and extended operating temperature help improve reliability

IRVINE, Calif. —  Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC), a committed technology leader, has added two new med-voltage photorelays, TLP3553A and TLP3555A, to its lineup of high current photorelays.  The new products can be used to replace mechanical relays in applications including industrial equipment, general purpose inverters, HVAC, thermostats, building automation equipment, semiconductor testers and more.

The new photorelays with integrated MOSFET are fabricated by using the latest Toshiba U-MOS IX process to reduce on-state resistance (25mΩ typ. for TLP3553A & 45mΩ typ. for TLP3555A).  The TLP3553A provides an off-state output terminal voltage (VOFF) of 30V, a constant on-state current (ION) of 4A whereas the TLP3555A provides an off-state output terminal voltage (VOFF) of 60V, a constant on-state current (ION) of 3A.  Both devices are capable to handle up to 9A in pulsed mode operation (IONP), which help ensure a bigger margin for design safety.

Both photorelays are fully approved to UL1577 for safety-critical applications.  The operating temperature is rated from -40°C to 110°C, making it easier to allow for a temperature margin in system-level thermal design.

Unlike mechanical relays, photorelays have no physical contacts that are subject to wear and tear, an advantage that can lead to greater product reliability.  The use of photorelays also supports the development of smaller and thinner products.  As high current is required in order to drive mechanical relays, buffer transistors are often being added, resulting in higher part count and larger board space. Photorelays can be operated by as low as 3mA.  Therefore, buffer transistors are not needed. Both TLP3553A and TLP3555A come in a DIP4 package.  Gull-wing (SMD) and wide creepage options are also available.

Both devices are now shipping in production quantities.

Follow the link below for more information on the new products and photorelays line-up.

http://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/us/product/opto/photocoupler/detail.TLP3553A.html
http://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/us/product/opto/photocoupler/detail.TLP3555A.html

About Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., and is the US based electronic components business of Toshiba Electronic Devices and Storage Corporation in Japan. TAEC offers consumers and businesses a wide variety of innovative hard disk drive (HDD) products plus semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, motion control, telecoms, networking, consumer and white goods applications. The company’s broad portfolio encompasses integrated wireless ICs, power semiconductors, microcontrollers, optical semiconductors, ASICs, ASSPs and discrete devices ranging from diodes to logic ICs. For more company information visit TAEC’s web site at http://www.toshiba.com/taec.

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate as of the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

Company names, product names, and service names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.