Frequently Asked Questions

ISOLATION & SURGE SUPPRESSION QUESTIONS

2) WHAT IS AN OPTO-ISOLATED CONVERTER. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING THEM?

Answer:  Opto-isolation uses optical components to electrically isolate the connections on the input and output pins of the device from the cable connections. In the optical isolator, electrical current is converted to light with an Light Emitting Diode (LED) transmitter. Inside the isolator, the light is transmitted to a sensor which passes the signal optically, providing no electrical circuit path between the input and output. This separates the electrical circuitry on both sides of the isolator, providing no pathway for current flow across the device. The benefits provided by optical isolators include tolerance to voltage transients (typically induced on long cable runs), lightning protection, ground loop isolation, and a reduction in signal noise.