Galvanically-Isolated Power Switch for IoT Devices

Semtech Corporation announced the expansion of its Neo-Iso™ Isolated Power Switch Platform with the addition of the TS13101, a new galvanic isolated intelligent power switch. The TS13101 is optimized for compact Internet of Things (IoT) low-voltage applications such as smart thermostats, security, intelligent sensor control and other home automation systems. Other Neo-Iso offerings can control power line voltages for smart plug, light switch and industrial applications.

The intelligence in the TS13101 provides fault and diagnostic data to the microcontroller, enabling more robust systems with a self-diagnostic capability. The Neo-Isoâ„¢ family of products comprises a series of intelligent power switches that control resistive and inductive loads while protecting sensitive system circuitry from voltage surges and transients. They replace components such as electromechanical relays (EMRs) in these applications, deliver a faster turn on/off time of 25 microseconds, and provide a field-tested life cycle that is orders of magnitude higher than existing electromechanical technologies. Ultra-low primary current in the range of 5-10 microamps allows the system to power itself by tapping energy from the load, avoiding the need for a secondary power source.

The family of devices is controlled by the system microcontroller using standard general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins. This switch solution isolates the microcontroller from the load that is being switched with scalable isolation voltages between 100V to 10kV.

The TS13101 is a galvanically isolated 60V power switch device with bi-directional blocking, packaged in a 4mm x 4mm QFN with a height of just 0.8 mm, which is significantly smaller than bulky EMRs and enables the design of thin and compact IoT applications. The TS13101 operates silently without the clicking sound that is present with an EMR.

“These new isolated switches deliver intelligence, capability and reliability beyond existing, less advanced solutions. They are designed to deliver the features required for emerging home automation systems while helping these products maintain a high-tech aesthetic through their slim size and silent operation,” said Ken Moore, Vice President and General Manager of Semtech’s Triune Product Group. “Our breakthrough Neo-Iso™ technology enables our customers to design smarter, more functional and more reliable IoT products by utilizing a cost-effective, standard semiconductor process technology to solve challenging size and system constraints.”

Key Features of the TS13101 include: Low quiescent operating currents; 2µA in OFF state and 4µA in ON state; Scalable galvanic isolation from primary to secondary sides of the device; Operation from 2.9V to 5.5V compatible with standard microcontrollers; 60V switch, with up to 4A operating current; and Real-time diagnostic and fault information. The TS13101 (order code: TS13101-QFNR) is available immediately in production quantities and is currently priced at $0.83 each in 1,000-piece lots.