TLX9910: Toshiba's latest innovation

Toshiba's latest innovation, the TLX9910 photovoltaic output photocoupler, marks a significant advancement in the field of power control and switching technology. This new coupler is designed for volume production and boasts an enhanced open-circuit voltage, making it ideal for gating high-voltage power MOSFETs commonly found in solid-state relays (SSRs). 

Primarily targeted for use in SSR applications in the automotive industry, the TLX9910 photocoupler is equally well-suited for industrial applications, including renewable energy systems. This versatility enables high-voltage, high-current switching, a feat that is challenging to achieve with integrated photorelays. 

The key highlight of the TLX9910 is its impressive open voltage (VOC) of 13.5V, nearly double that of existing devices. This expanded voltage range significantly broadens the choice of compatible MOSFETs without the need for workarounds. With this enhanced capability, using a single TLX9910 device reduces the component count, thereby decreasing the size, weight, and overall cost of the solution.

The photocoupler utilizes a photodiode array (PDA) to generate electrical energy from light emitted by the input side LED. This feature allows the coupler to power itself, eliminating the need for an external power source and simplifying the overall system design. 

Measuring just 3.7mm × 7.0mm x 2.1mm and housed in a surface-mount 4-pin SO6 package, the TLX9910 offers compact dimensions without compromising on performance. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +125°C and provides 3750Vrms of isolation from input to output, ensuring robust and reliable performance across a wide range of conditions.

Overall, the TLX9910 photovoltaic output photocoupler from Toshiba represents a significant advancement in the field of power control and switching technology, offering enhanced capabilities for high-voltage applications while simplifying system design and reducing overall costs.