Isolation refers to the electrical and physical separation of circuit components. It is a critical technique used in power electronics and communication systems to ensure safety and signal integrity. In the context of electrical safety standards, insulation is categorized into five types: Functional, Basic, Supplementary, Double, and Reinforced.
Common technologies used to achieve isolation include optical (optocouplers), magnetic (transformers), and capacitive coupling.
Applications and Benefits
In high-voltage power supplies, isolation protects users from electric shock and prevents damage to sensitive low-voltage control circuits. In high-speed and long-distance communications, isolation breaks ground loops, significantly reducing noise and ensuring stable data transmission.
Isolation is widely used in programmable power supplies, motor control systems, industrial sensors, and precision measurement instruments. When selecting isolation components--such as isolation amplifiers, digital isolators, optocouplers, or transformers--key parameters include the isolation voltage rating, creepage and clearance distances, and signal bandwidth.
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