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Opto-isolator

vick5821

Jan 22, 2012
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Hey guys,

What is the function of this ' Opto-isolator' actually ? Is it like a relay ??
 

Harald Kapp

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Nov 17, 2011
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Some are, some not.

An optoisolator is a transistor (typically NPN) whose base current is controlled by the light output of an LED. More light -> more base current.

Google it. First hit (Wikipedia)
 

Jotto

Aug 24, 2012
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They are used primarily to isolate one circuit from another. Find them in a lot of power supplies.
 

shrtrnd

Jan 15, 2010
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Like Harald Kapp and Jotto said.
It's primarily to isolate a higher voltage circuit, from a lower voltage circuit.
 

(*steve*)

¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd
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Jan 21, 2010
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Or where there is no common ground connection.
 
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