Series 19 – Episode 8 – power system reliability starts with isolation

This entry is part 14 of 31 in the series Electronic Specifier Insights

Paige Hookway speaks with Aditya Ambardar, Business Unit Manager, Diodes Incorporated about the critical role of digital isolators and isolated gate drivers in high-voltage power systems.

Digital isolators and isolated gate drivers are essential semiconductor devices that enable safe communication and control between high-voltage and low-voltage circuits by providing a robust electrical isolation barrier. This isolation is crucial for protecting sensitive electronics and ensuring user safety, especially in applications where voltage differences can reach several kilovolts.

The discussion delves into the technical operation of these devices. Digital isolators transmit logic signals across an insulating gap, typically using capacitive coupling, while isolated gate drivers not only transmit control signals but also provide the high current needed to switch power transistors like IGBTs, MOSFETs, and silicon carbide devices. These components are foundational in applications such as industrial drives, solar inverters, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and data centre infrastructure.

Ambardar outlines the industry trends driving demand for advanced isolation technology. The electrification of vehicles, the rise of high-voltage data centres (especially with AI workloads), and the growth of renewable energy systems all require robust isolation solutions. For example, EVs operate with battery voltages from 400 to 800V, necessitating multiple isolated gate drivers for safe and efficient power conversion. Similarly, solar inverters and modern data centres are adopting higher voltage architectures, increasing the need for reliable isolation.

Key technical specifications for selecting digital isolators and gate drivers are discussed, including isolation rating, surge voltage, common mode transient immunity (CMTI), data rate, propagation delay, channel count, drive strength, packaging, and certification. Ambardar emphasises the importance of CMTI in noisy environments and describes how Diodes’ robust ISO family achieves industry-leading CMTI performance through thicker insulation barriers, differential signalling, and advanced filtering.

The conversation also covers compliance with global safety standards such as UL, VDE, and IEC, and the importance of certifications for product reliability and market acceptance. Ambardar highlights Diodes’ innovations, including enhanced fail-safe logic, integrated protection features, and a range of package options to meet diverse application needs.

Looking ahead, Ambardar predicts that isolation technology will continue to evolve to support higher voltages, faster speeds, and greater diagnostic capabilities, especially as electrification and intelligent systems proliferate. He advises engineers to plan for creepage and clearance early, match isolators to application requirements, test under real conditions, and stay updated on new products and standards.

To hear more from Aditya Ambardar, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview on Spotify or Apple podcasts.