ADUM3160 USB Isolator Module

ADUM3160 USB Isolator Module

Computer Port Protector Galvanic Isolation iCoupler B0505S Full Speed Ground Loop Sound Card DAC PLC CNC 3D Printer Multimeter Laboratory

     The ADUM3160 Module is a single-channel, unboxed (open board) USB galvanic isolator that is placed between the USB port of a computer and the connected USB device. The data line is separated from the computer with 2500V isolation by the Analog Devices ADUM3160 chip, and the supply of the device side with 1500V isolation by the B0505S isolated DC-DC power module. It works with USB 2.0 Full Speed (12Mbps) and Low Speed (1.5Mbps) devices; it needs no driver and no external power supply.

     One end of the board has a USB-A male connector that plugs into the computer, the other end a USB-A female connector for the device; it measures approximately 55mm x 23mm. The DIP switch on the board selects between Full Speed and Low Speed, so keyboards and mice that work at Low Speed can also be used through the isolator. Being unboxed, it is suitable for mounting inside a device or a test setup.

     When working with high-voltage or noisy circuits (motor driver, inverter, charging circuit, PLC), ground potential differences and interference can damage the USB port and motherboard of the computer. The module cuts this path; it also removes the hum caused by ground loops in sound card and DAC connections. It differs from the boxed version in being an open board and in the speed select switch on the board.

Key features:

     Data and power isolation: The data line is isolated at 2500V with the ADUM3160, the power line at 1500V with the B0505S module; no electrical connection remains between the computer and the device.

     Speed select switch: The DIP switch on the board selects Full Speed (12Mbps) or Low Speed (1.5Mbps). If the device is not recognised by the computer, change the switch position and plug the module in again.

     Driverless, plug and play: The module is invisible to the computer; the device is recognised as if it were connected directly. No driver is installed, and it can be plugged and unplugged while running.

     No external power needed: The module takes its supply from the USB port of the computer; it provides 1W (approximately 200mA at 5V) isolated power to the device side.

     Unboxed open board: The board, approximately 55mm x 23mm in size, can be placed inside a device enclosure or a test setup.

Specifications:

• Product type:    Unboxed (open board), single-channel USB - USB galvanic isolator module
• Isolator chip: Analog Devices ADUM3160 (iCoupler magnetic isolation technology)
• Data line isolation: 2500Vrms, 1 minute (ADUM3160 chip rating)
• Power line isolation: 1500VDC (B0505S isolated DC-DC power module)
• USB compatibility: USB 2.0 Full Speed 12Mbps and Low Speed 1.5Mbps
• Speed selection: Full Speed / Low Speed with the DIP switch on the board
• Unsupported speed: High Speed (480Mbps); devices that only work at High Speed are not supported
• Transfer types: control, bulk, interrupt and isochronous transfer
• Isolated output power: 1W (approximately 200mA at 5V on the device side)
• Supply: from the USB port of the computer (4.5V - 5.5V); no external power supply needed
• Driver: not required; plug and play, hot swappable
• Cuts ground loop noise; protects the USB port and motherboard of the computer against ground potential differences and interference (up to the isolation rating)
• Connectors: USB-A male (computer side), USB-A female (device side)
• Indicators: indicator LED on the computer side, power LED on the device side
• Operating temperature: -40°C - 85°C
• Material: blue printed circuit board, unboxed
• Dimensions: approximately 55mm x 23mm (including connectors)

Usage information:

• Plug the USB-A male end of the module into the USB port of the computer; connect the USB device to be protected to the USB-A female input of the module. No driver installation is needed; the device appears directly on the computer.
• Set the speed select switch according to your device: devices such as USB-serial converters, programmers and sound cards work at Full Speed; some keyboards and mice work at Low Speed. If the computer reports an "unknown USB device", change the switch position, then unplug and plug the module in again.
• The isolated power supplied to the device side is 1W. Power devices that draw more current from their own power supply.
• Use the open board on insulating feet or inside an enclosure so that it does not touch metal surfaces or conductive parts; do not shorten the isolation distance between the two sides of the board with cables or screws.

Application areas:

•  Cutting ground loop hum in sound card and DAC connections
•  Connecting Full Speed USB measuring devices such as multimeters and power supplies to the computer
•  USB connection of PLCs, servo drives and control devices
•  Connecting CNC and 3D printer boards to the computer
•  Protecting the computer in laboratory experiments and high-voltage circuit tests
•  Programming microcontroller boards in power electronics circuits
•  Isolated use of USB-serial (RS232/RS485) converters
•  Protection from interference when developing motor drivers, inverters and charging circuits
•  Isolating a USB connection embedded inside a device

Precautions:

•  The module is for Full Speed (12Mbps) and Low Speed (1.5Mbps). Devices that need High Speed (480Mbps) such as USB logic analysers, USB oscilloscopes, webcams and USB Wi-Fi adapters do not work; devices that can fall back to Full Speed such as USB flash drives work slowly at 12Mbps only.
•  The isolated power supplied to the device side is 1W (approximately 200mA at 5V). Devices that draw more current cannot be powered from the module.
•  The data line has 2500V and the power line 1500V isolation; the isolation rating of the module must be taken as the lower power line value (1500VDC).
•  The board is unboxed; do not touch both sides of the board at the same time while it is running and do not place it on a conductive surface. The module is meant to protect devices and computers; it must not be used as a personal safety (human protection) isolator when working with mains voltage.

Package contents:

•  1 Piece ADUM3160 Module USB Isolator (unboxed)
•  Note: Protective enclosure and USB extension cable are not included in the package.