Product Overview
The PC817C from Sharp (now available from multiple manufacturers including Everlight, Lite-On, and Renesas) is a 1-channel photocoupler with a gallium arsenide LED optically coupled to a silicon phototransistor. The C grade offers 200-400% CTR (Current Transfer Ratio) at IF=5mA, making it ideal for SMPS feedback loops where high gain is critical. Packaged in DIP-4 with 5000Vrms isolation.
Key Specifications
| Channels | 1 |
| Isolation Voltage | 5000 Vrms (min) |
| CTR (C Grade) | 200-400% @ IF=5mA, VCE=5V |
| LED Forward Voltage | 1.2V typical @ IF=20 mA |
| LED Forward Current | 50 mA (max continuous) |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | 80V (BVCEO) |
| Collector Current | 50 mA (max) |
| Bandwidth | 80 kHz (typical) |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +100°C |
| Package | DIP-4 (4-pin through-hole) |
Features
- High CTR C grade: 200-400% for sensitive feedback loops
- High isolation: 5000 Vrms minimum
- Compact 4-pin DIP package
- UL recognized, VDE approved, and CSA certified
- Multiple CTR grades available (A/B/C/D)
- Industry-standard DIP-4 pinout
- Compatible with PS2501-1, 4N25 circuits
Applications
- SMPS feedback loop with TL431 error amplifier
- AC-DC adapter and charger feedback isolation
- Industrial control I/O signal isolation
- Modem and communication interface isolation
- PLC and CNC signal coupling