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

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the functionality and application of the AD208 isolation amplifier in high voltage scenarios, particularly regarding its use for isolation and breaking ground loops. Participants explore the differences between instrumentation amplifiers and isolation amplifiers, as well as alternative methods for achieving isolation in circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that an instrumentation amplifier amplifies the difference in voltage rather than functioning as a voltage follower.
  • There is a discussion about the role of isolation amplifiers in breaking ground loops, with requests for datasheets and examples of such amplifiers.
  • One participant expresses the intention to use an op-amp for isolation instead of an isolation transformer, questioning the availability of suitable op-amps for this purpose.
  • Another participant emphasizes that a simple op-amp does not provide galvanic isolation and suggests the necessity of using an isolation amplifier.
  • Participants mention various types of isolation amplifiers and alternative methods, including the use of transformers, diodes, and optocouplers for achieving isolation.
  • Specific reference is made to the AD208 iso-opamp from Analog Devices, highlighting its capability to provide over 1 kV of isolation and its application on the high side of power transformers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness and application of various isolation methods, with no consensus reached on the best approach for achieving isolation in high voltage applications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific bandwidth and signal size requirements mentioned by participants, as well as the dependence on the definitions of isolation and the types of amplifiers discussed.

Pagedown
Messages
92
Reaction score
0
How to use the instrumentation amplifier? Is it a voltage follower? Can it be used for isolation?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
2K