AN583 Datasheet, PDF (1/11 Pages) Silicon Laboratories – Safety Considerations and Layout Recommendations for Digital Isolators

AN583: Safety Considerations and Layout
Recommendations for Digital Isolators
This application note details the creepage and clearance requirements of an isolator
type component, such as a digital isolator, used to provide protection from electric
shock. It also details layout recommendations to enhance a design's robustness and
ensure compliance with end safety standards.
To ensure safety in end-user applications, high voltage circuits (i.e., circuits with >30
VAC) must be physically separated from the safety extra-low voltage circuits (SELV is
a circuit with <30 VAC) by a certain distance (creepage/clearance). If a component,
such as a digital isolator, straddles this isolation barrier, it must meet those creepage/
clearance requirements and provide a sufficient high-voltage breakdown protection rat-
ing (commonly referred to as working voltage protection). Refer to the end-system
specification (61010-1, 60950-1, 60601-1, etc.) requirements before starting any design
that uses a digital isolator. These standards dictate both the working voltage require-
ment and the creepage/clearance distance spacing necessary to deem an end product
safe for end-customer use.
KEY POINTS
• Safety Considerations
• Key Term Definitions
• Guidelines for Proper Creepage and
Clearance
• Layout Recommendations
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