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AMC1200 Isolated Amplifier: Features, Uses & Specifications

The AMC1200 is a high-precision isolated amplifier designed to provide galvanic isolation between high-voltage circuits and low-voltage control electronics. Its robust performance and safety features make it ideal for power electronics, motor drives, battery management, and industrial systems where accurate measurement and isolation are critical.

Manufactured by Texas Instruments, the AMC1200 helps engineers safely interface sensors and ADCs with high-voltage circuits while maintaining high accuracy and noise immunity.


What is AMC1200?

The AMC1200 is a precision isolated amplifier that uses advanced silicon isolation technology to separate the input (high voltage) side from the output (low voltage) side. It translates analog signals (e.g., current shunt voltage) across an isolation barrier at high common-mode voltages.

This isolation allows accurate measurements while protecting sensitive microcontrollers and data acquisition systems from dangerous voltages.


Key Features of AMC1200

✔ High Voltage Isolation

  • Provides up to 4000 Vpeak isolation between input and output
  • Meets reinforced isolation requirements for industrial and power systems

✔ High Precision & Linearity

  • Low gain error and offset
  • Ideal for accurate current and voltage sensing

✔ Wide Signal Bandwidth

  • Supports high-speed analog signal transmission
  • Good for switching power supplies and motor control

✔ Low Common-Mode Rejection (CMR) Error

  • Minimizes distortion from high common-mode voltages
  • Ensures accurate differential measurement

✔ Easy Interfacing

  • Compatible with precision ADCs, microcontrollers, and DSPs
  • Typically used with shunt resistors or bridge sensors

✔ Robust for Harsh Environments

  • Stable performance across temperature and noise
  • Suitable for industrial and automotive environments

Applications of AMC1200

The AMC1200 is widely used wherever isolated analog measurement is needed:

1. Motor Drives & Inverters

  • Current and voltage feedback for closed-loop control
  • High bandwidth for PWM systems

⚡ 2. Power Supplies & Converters

  • Feedback in switch-mode power supplies (SMPS)
  • Accurate measurement across isolation barriers

3. Battery Management Systems (BMS)

  • High-side current sensing for battery packs
  • Safety isolation between high and low voltage sides

4. Industrial Control & Automation

  • Interface high-voltage sensors to control processors
  • Protects PLCs and microcontrollers

5. Energy & Metering Systems

  • Isolated analog front end for smart meters
  • Accurate measurement of AC and DC signals

AMC1200 Electrical Specifications (Typical)

Parameter

Value / Range

Isolation Voltage

4000 Vpeak

Gain Accuracy

Low error (specific datasheet values)

Offset Voltage

Low offset for precision

Signal Bandwidth

Tens to hundreds of kHz (varies by config)

Operating Temperature

Typically −40°C to +125°C

Output Type

Differential analog output

Supply Voltage

Dual supplies (input and output side)

Common-Mode Rejection

High CMR for industrial noise immunity

Always refer to the official datasheet for precise min/max and stress ratings.


How AMC1200 Works

  1. High-Voltage Side:
    • Measures a differential input (e.g., across a shunt resistor)
    • Converts this analog signal into an isolated digital or modulated representation
  2. Isolation Barrier:
    • Uses silicon capacitive isolation to transmit the signal across dangerous voltages safely
  3. Low-Voltage Side:
    • Reconstructs the original analog signal
    • Outputs to an ADC or controller for further processing

This architecture protects sensitive electronics while preserving signal fidelity.


Benefits of Using AMC1200

  • Safety Assurance: Fully isolated measurement path
  • Precision: Minimal gain and offset errors
  • Flexibility: Works with various sensors and ADCs
  • Noise Immunity: High CMR reduces interference effects
  • High Bandwidth: Suitable for dynamic control systems

Final Summary

The AMC1200 is a reliable, precise, and high-performance isolated amplifier designed for safe, accurate analog measurements across high-voltage barriers. Its wide range of applications in motor controls, power systems, industrial automation, and energy metering makes it a go-to choice for engineers requiring robust isolation and high accuracy.

If you’re designing systems that must safely interface high-voltage power electronics with low-voltage logic, the AMC1200 offers precision, reliability, and safety in one integrated IC.

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