The device's principle of operation is simple: an electrical-to-optical conversion takes place in the emitter, as the IR-LED emits infrared radiation (i. photons) with an intensity proportional to the current flowing through it. An optocoupler, also known as photocoupler or opto-isolator, is a device which can transfer an electrical signal across two galvanically-isolated circuits by way of optical coupling. Unlike transformers or capacitors, which can only transfer AC signals across the isolation barrier, optocouplers can. The CT3010 -4L, CT3011 4L, CT3012 4L, CT3020 4L, CT3021 -4L, CT3022 4L and CT3023 4L series consists of a Random Phase Photo Triac optically coupled to an Infrared-emitting diode in a 4-lead DIP package DMC-Isolator®with different lead forming options. A Light Emitting Diode inside the chip shines on a photo-diode, photo-transistor or other photo device.
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