Fotokomponenter

Fotokomponenter, often translated as photocouplers or optocouplers, are electronic devices that transfer electrical signals between two isolated circuits using light. They consist of a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photosensitive semiconductor device, such as a phototransistor, photodiode, or photoresistor, enclosed within a single package. When an electrical signal activates the LED, it emits light. This light then strikes the photosensitive device, which in turn generates an electrical output signal.

The primary advantage of fotokomponenter is their electrical isolation. The input and output circuits are separated by a physical gap filled with transparent material, preventing the direct flow of current. This isolation is crucial in applications where high voltages are present or where it's necessary to protect sensitive control circuitry from voltage spikes or electrical noise originating from the input side.

Fotokomponenter find widespread use in various electronic systems. They are commonly employed in power supplies for signal coupling and noise reduction, in industrial control systems to interface microcontrollers with high-voltage equipment, and in telecommunications for signal isolation and protection. Their ability to translate signal levels and provide a buffer between disparate circuits makes them versatile components in modern electronics design. Different types of fotokomponenter offer varying characteristics in terms of switching speed, current transfer ratio, and isolation voltage, allowing designers to select the most suitable component for specific application needs.