How Does the AD208 Iso-Amp Function in High Voltage Applications?

AI Thread Summary
The AD208 Iso-Amp is designed for high voltage applications, providing over 1 kV of isolation, making it suitable for use on the primary side of power transformers. Unlike a voltage follower, an instrumentation amplifier amplifies voltage differences and can help break ground loops. For isolation, a standard op-amp is insufficient; an isolation amplifier is necessary to achieve galvanic isolation. Various types of isolation amplifiers exist, including those utilizing analog optocouplers for signal linearization. The discussion highlights the importance of selecting the right components based on bandwidth and signal size requirements for effective isolation.
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How to use the instrumentation amplifier? Is it a voltage follower? Can it be used for isolation?
 
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Instrumentation Amp is not a voltage follower. It amplifies the difference in voltage.
 
So what about isolation amplifier? It can be used to break ground loops?
 
Pagedown said:
So what about isolation amplifier? It can be used to break ground loops?

Can you link to a datasheet for an example part?
 
I intend to use an op-amp for isolation instead of the isolation transformer. Thus, I haven't come across any in my country but have heard of it.

Is there any useful op-amp which can do isolation?
 
Pagedown said:
I intend to use an op-amp for isolation instead of the isolation transformer. Thus, I haven't come across any in my country but have heard of it.

Is there any useful op-amp which can do isolation?

A simple opamp will not give you galvanic isolation. You need to use an isolation amplifier of some sort to get isolation.

There are several types of isolation amplifiers, used for different kinds of applications:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolation_amplifier

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=isolation+amplifier&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g2&aql=&oq=

I've seen interesting analog optocoupler setups used as isolation amplifiers as well -- I'll have to look for the part. It uses two matched analog opto channels, as I recall. One channel is the reference or feedback, or something to help to linearize the signal opto channel.

What are your bandwidth and signal size requirements?
 
Burr Brown used to make isolation amplifiers, and they were bought up by Ti, so you may find them there.
Then again, there are a number of tricks using transformers and diodes, or opto couplers. For low rate, high pecision, a V/F converter is an old favorite - it's very easy to put through an optocoupler.

- Mike
 
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