2 Overview

The ISO164x family of devices are low-power, bidirectional isolators that are compatible with I2C interfaces. The logic input and output buffers on these devices are separated by TI’s Isolation technology utilizing a silicon dioxide (SiO2) barrier. Devices with a B suffix are 3-kVRMS basic isolated transceivers while devices without a B suffix are 5-kVRMS reinforced isolated devices. When used with isolated power supplies, these devices block high voltages, isolate different grounds, and prevent noise currents from entering isolated grounds and interfering with or damaging sensitive circuitry.

The ISO1640 has two bidirectional channels for clock and data lines and is fit for multi-master and clock-stretching applications. The ISO1641 has a bidirectional data and unidirectional clock channel and is suitable in applications that have a single master device and do not implement clock-stretching features.

These devices achieve isolated bidirectional communication by introducing a static voltage offset (SVO), making the side 1 low-level output greater than the side 1 low-level input, thus preventing an internal logic latch that otherwise would occur with standard digital isolators.

This EVM can be used to evaluate different system parameters of ISO1640 and ISO1641 devices. Test signals and sequences can be applied to the device channels to evaluate performance characteristics of parameters such as propagation delay, rise / fall times, and power consumption for different device conditions. Users can evaluate these parameters in their own lab environment.

This EVM can physically support evaluation of ISO1640DW and ISO1641DW devices by soldering either device in the U2 landing component and removing the ISO164xD device from the U1 position.

If ISO1641 devices are evaluated by the user, please note that the SCL channel will not support bidirectional operation, and although the DW-IC landing pattern is the same as other isolator devices, these devices may have different pin configurations than ISO1640DW and ISO1641DW, and SHOULD NOT be installed on this EVM.