Isolated integrated circuits (ICs) enable signal or power transfer through electrical isolation, creating a physical or electrical barrier between circuits. This prevents interference, noise, or high-voltage signals from passing directly while ensuring reliable data or power transmission. Isolation types include digital, analog, and power isolation. In energy storage systems, isolated ICs are critical for safety, reliability, and interference resistance, especially in high-voltage, complex electromagnetic environments or modular designs. Isolation technology helps energy storage devices meet safety standards, extend lifespan, and improve adaptability in grid connections or industrial applications.
With rising demand for high integration and reliability in new energy vehicles and industrial equipment, integrated isolation solutions, such as those combining isolation with power or driver functions, are becoming mainstream. A report projects the automotive isolated IC market to reach 4¨C5.6 billion yuan by 2025, over three times its 2021 size, driven by integrated solutions. These reduce connection points, lower failure rates, and meet system reliability through chip-level testing. Integrated power isolation minimizes external components, eliminating the need for additional transformers or driver circuits, while reducing power consumption and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Global Integrated Isolation IC Solutions
Several integrated isolation IC solutions are available globally. For example, Texas Instruments' ISOW7841 offers 5000 V RMS isolation, ¡À8 kV IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection, and a common-mode transient immunity (CMTI) of ¡Ý¡À100 kV/¦Ìs, suitable for high-EMI environments. It includes a DC-DC converter with 3¨C5.5 V input and 5 V or 3.3 V regulated output, supporting a maximum load current of 130 mA and a data rate of 100 Mbps. The chip features three forward and one reverse channel with configurable high/low default output. Its integrated power simplifies design for space-constrained industrial communication systems with independent power needs, targeting mid-to-low power isolation systems.
In China, Novusem's NSIP984x and NSIP954x series integrate a four-channel digital isolator and isolated power, eliminating the need for external power modules. This reduces system size and enhances reliability. Using patented EMI improvement technology, these chips pass CSIPR32 Class B tests under conditions with a two-layer PCB, no magnetic beads or stitching capacitors, 5 V input, and 100 mA load. With 5 kV RMS isolation, they meet reinforced insulation standards and offer an 8.15 mm creepage distance, complying with IEC 62477-1:2022 for DC 1500 V applications. Available in industrial and automotive grades, they operate from -40¡ãC to 125¡ãC and suit applications in photovoltaics, energy storage, charging stations, automotive battery management systems, power equipment, server power supplies, and medical devices requiring isolated interface power.
Silicon Mitus' CA-IS309X series is an isolated RS-485/RS-422 transceiver with an integrated DC-DC converter, designed for high-EMI environments. It supports 3.3 V or 5.0 V output without external isolation power modules, achieving full isolation communication. With 5000 V RMS isolation, it prevents noise and surges from affecting sensitive control circuits, using SiO? capacitive isolation for a 40-year barrier lifespan. The series supports half-duplex (CA-IS3092W) and full-duplex (CA-IS3090W) modes, complies with TIA/EIA-485-A standards, and is compatible with most RS-485/RS-422 protocols. It offers ¡À150 kV/¦Ìs CMTI for stable signal transmission in high-interference settings, ¡À15 kV HBM ESD protection on bus pins, and supports up to 256 bus nodes. The operating temperature range is -55¡ãC to 125¡ãC.
Conclusion
Many isolated ICs now use on-chip transformer technology to achieve high integration and simplify design. Integrated isolated power solutions align with industry needs for high integration, low cost, and high reliability. While international vendors maintain a technical edge, Chinese manufacturers are expanding their market share in automotive and industrial sectors through innovation and localized support. Integrated isolated power ICs are a key trend, particularly in new energy vehicles and renewable energy, where they are poised to become standard solutions.
