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π160E (Pi160E) Series Digital Isolator: Features, Uses & Specifications

November 13, 2025 ,

The π160E series (also referenced as π160E/π161E/π162E/π163E) by 2Pai Semiconductor is a high-speed, high-isolation digital isolator family designed for demanding applications that require fast data transfer and robust electrical isolation. These devices use the company’s proprietary iDivider® technology and are ideal for industrial automation, motor control, isolated supply domains, and field-bus systems.

✅ Key Features

  • Ultra-low power consumption: ~0.58 mA per channel at 1 Mbps (in certain versions)
  • High data-rate: up to 200 Mbps data transfer capability.
  • Excellent common-mode transient immunity (CMTI): typical 75 kV/µs for the “3x” version, 120 kV/µs for the “6x” version.
  • Isolation ratings: 3000 Vrms for 3kV versions, 5000 Vrms for 5kV versions (1-minute test).
  • Supply voltage range: 3.0 V to 5.5 V (supports 3.3 V and 5 V logic levels + translation)
  • Low propagation delay: Typical ~9 ns (for key variants)
  • Industry-grade certification & safety: UL1577, CSA, VDE approvals, AEC-Q100 qualified in some part numbers
  • Package: 16-lead SOIC (NB / WB variants) for multi-channel isolation.

Typical Specifications

Parameter

Value / Range

Comments

Supply Voltage (each side)

3.0 V to 5.5 V

Side-1 and Side-2 independent

Maximum Data Rate

Up to 200 Mbps

In certain versions (e.g., π16xxE3x)

Propagation Delay (tpHL / tpLH)

~5–9 ns typical @5 V

For the 3kV version at 5 V supply

CMTI (Common-Mode Transient Immunity)

Typical 75 kV/µs (3kV version) / 120 kV/µs (5kV version)

Good for noisy industrial environments

Isolation Rating

3000 Vrms (3kV) or 5000 Vrms (5kV)

1-minute test, certifiable per UL1577

Operating Temperature

-40 °C to +125 °C (TA)

Suitable for wide-temperature environments

Quiescent Supply Current

~0.2 mA – 3.8 mA (depending on version/supply)

Low power in powered-side only or full powered modes

Applications & Use Cases

  • Industrial automation & field-bus isolation: For example, isolating control logic from noisy motor drive domains.
  • Isolated switch-mode power supplies (SMPS): Providing logic/feedback isolation between primary and secondary sides.
  • Motor control systems: Isolation between microcontroller logic and power gate drivers or encoder feedback.
  • Isolated ADC/DAC front-ends: For precision measurement equipment where galvanic separation is needed.
  • General-purpose multi-channel isolation: Where multiple independent digital channels require isolation and high data rate.

Why choose π160E-series?

  • Compared to traditional optocouplers, it offers higher speed, lower power, and better noise immunity thanks to modern CMOS isolation methods.
  • Supports logic-level translation (3.3 V ↔ 5 V) on each side.
  • Certified isolation ratings and long industrial temperature ranges make it reliable in harsh environments.
  • Multi-channel (6 channels in certain variants) in a compact SOIC-16 package helps reduce board space.

Summary

The π160E series from 2Pai Semiconductor is a high-performance digital isolation product family built for high-speed data transfer, robust isolation, and industrial reliability. With data rates up to 200 Mbps, isolation ratings up to 5000 Vrms, and support for 3.3 V to 5 V logic, these devices meet the demanding needs of modern embedded, industrial, and power-electronics systems. If you need to separate noisy power domains and maintain high-speed digital communication with safety and efficiency, the π160E-series is a strong candidate.

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