USB Isolator- Top 10 USB Isolator Models

What is a USB Isolator?

A USB isolator is a device that provides electrical isolation between a USB host and a USB device. It prevents unwanted electrical currents, voltage spikes, and ground loops from passing between the connected devices, ensuring the safety and integrity of the data transmission. USB isolators are commonly used in industrial, medical, and scientific applications where sensitive equipment needs to be protected from electrical interference.

Why Use a USB Isolator?

There are several reasons why you might need to use a USB isolator:

1. Protection from electrical noise: USB isolators help eliminate electrical noise, such as ground loops and electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can cause data corruption or damage to connected devices.

2. Voltage level adjustment: Some USB isolators can convert between different voltage levels, allowing devices with different voltage requirements to communicate safely.

3. Surge protection: USB isolators can protect connected devices from voltage spikes and surges that may occur due to power fluctuations or electrical faults.

4. Medical and industrial applications: In medical and industrial settings, USB isolators are essential for ensuring patient safety and preventing equipment damage by providing electrical isolation between devices.

How Does a USB Isolator Work?

A USB isolator works by using a combination of transformers, optocouplers, and other isolation components to create a physical barrier between the USB host and the USB device. This barrier prevents electrical currents from flowing directly between the devices while still allowing data to be transmitted.

The USB isolator typically consists of two main parts:

1. USB host side: This side connects to the USB host device, such as a computer or a USB hub.

2. USB device side: This side connects to the USB device, such as a peripheral or another computer.

The isolator’s circuitry converts the USB data signals into light pulses using optocouplers, which are then transmitted across the isolation barrier. On the other side, the light pulses are converted back into electrical signals, allowing the data to be received by the connected device. This process ensures that electrical noise, ground loops, and voltage differences do not affect the data transmission or damage the connected devices.

Top 10 USB Isolator Models

Now that we understand what USB isolators are and why they are important, let’s take a look at some of the top USB isolator models available on the market.

1. Adafruit USB Isolator

The Adafruit USB Isolator is a compact and affordable solution for providing electrical isolation between USB devices. It supports full-speed USB 2.0 and offers up to 5kV of isolation. The isolator is compatible with a wide range of USB devices and is easy to use, with no external power required.

Key features:
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– Up to 5kV isolation
– Compact size
– No external power required

2. Olimex USB-ISO

The Olimex USB-ISO is a high-performance USB isolator designed for industrial and medical applications. It provides up to 5kV of isolation and supports both low-speed and full-speed USB devices. The isolator features a rugged, industrial-grade enclosure and is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Key features:
– Supports both low-speed and full-speed USB devices
– Up to 5kV isolation
– Industrial-grade enclosure
– Suitable for harsh environments

3. B&B Electronics USO9ML2

The B&B Electronics USO9ML2 is a medical-grade USB isolator that provides up to 4kV of isolation. It is designed to meet the strict safety requirements of medical devices and is certified to IEC 60601-1. The isolator supports full-speed USB 2.0 and features a compact, rugged enclosure.

Key features:
– Medical-grade isolation (4kV)
– IEC 60601-1 certified
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– Compact and rugged design

4. Acromag USB-ISO-4

The Acromag USB-ISO-4 is a four-channel USB isolator designed for industrial and scientific applications. It provides up to 2.5kV of isolation per channel and supports full-speed USB 2.0. The isolator features a DIN rail mountable enclosure and is suitable for use in harsh environments.

Key features:
– Four isolated USB channels
– Up to 2.5kV isolation per channel
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– DIN rail mountable enclosure

5. Intona High-Speed USB Isolator

The Intona High-Speed USB Isolator is a high-performance isolator that supports USB 3.0 and provides up to 5kV of isolation. It is designed to protect sensitive data and equipment from electrical noise and voltage spikes. The isolator features a compact, rugged enclosure and is suitable for use in a wide range of applications.

Key features:
– USB 3.0 support
– Up to 5kV isolation
– Compact and rugged design
– Suitable for a wide range of applications

6. Advantech BB-USO9ML2-2P

The Advantech BB-USO9ML2-2P is a medical-grade USB isolator that provides up to 4kV of isolation and supports full-speed USB 2.0. It is designed to meet the strict safety requirements of medical devices and features a compact, rugged enclosure. The isolator also includes two isolated USB ports, allowing multiple devices to be connected.

Key features:
– Medical-grade isolation (4kV)
– Two isolated USB ports
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– Compact and rugged design

7. Microchip USB7002C

The Microchip USB7002C is a compact USB isolator that provides up to 2.5kV of isolation and supports full-speed USB 2.0. It is designed for use in industrial and embedded applications and features a small form factor that makes it easy to integrate into existing systems.

Key features:
– Up to 2.5kV isolation
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– Compact form factor
– Suitable for industrial and embedded applications

8. Isocom ISF1U4-1U1

The Isocom ISF1U4-1U1 is a high-performance USB isolator that provides up to 5kV of isolation and supports full-speed USB 2.0. It features a compact, DIN rail mountable enclosure and is suitable for use in industrial and scientific applications.

Key features:
– Up to 5kV isolation
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– DIN rail mountable enclosure
– Suitable for industrial and scientific applications

9. HiLetgo USB Isolator

The HiLetgo USB Isolator is an affordable and easy-to-use isolator that provides up to 1.5kV of isolation and supports full-speed USB 2.0. It features a compact, plug-and-play design that makes it easy to integrate into existing systems.

Key features:
– Up to 1.5kV isolation
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– Compact, plug-and-play design
– Affordable

10. TI ISOUSB-1

The TI ISOUSB-1 is a high-performance USB isolator that provides up to 5kV of isolation and supports full-speed USB 2.0. It features a compact, surface-mount design that makes it easy to integrate into custom PCBs and embedded systems.

Key features:
– Up to 5kV isolation
– Full-speed USB 2.0 support
– Compact, surface-mount design
– Suitable for custom PCBs and embedded systems

Comparison Table

Model	Isolation	USB Speed	Form Factor	Key Features
Adafruit USB Isolator	5kV	USB 2.0	Compact	No external power required
Olimex USB-ISO	5kV	USB 1.1/2.0	Industrial	Supports low-speed and full-speed USB
B&B Electronics USO9ML2	4kV	USB 2.0	Compact, rugged	Medical-grade, IEC 60601-1 certified
Acromag USB-ISO-4	2.5kV	USB 2.0	DIN rail	Four isolated USB channels
Intona High-Speed USB	5kV	USB 3.0	Compact, rugged	High-performance, wide application range
Advantech BB-USO9ML2-2P	4kV	USB 2.0	Compact, rugged	Medical-grade, two isolated USB ports
Microchip USB7002C	2.5kV	USB 2.0	Compact	Suitable for industrial and embedded systems
Isocom ISF1U4-1U1	5kV	USB 2.0	DIN rail	Suitable for industrial and scientific use
HiLetgo USB Isolator	1.5kV	USB 2.0	Compact	Affordable and easy to use
TI ISOUSB-1	5kV	USB 2.0	Surface-mount	Suitable for custom PCBs and embedded systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Can I use a USB isolator with any USB device?
   A: Most USB isolators are compatible with a wide range of USB devices, but it’s essential to check the specifications of the isolator and the device to ensure compatibility. Some isolators may have limitations on the types of devices they support or the USB speed they can handle.

2. Q: Do I need an external power supply for a USB isolator?
   A: It depends on the specific USB isolator model. Some isolators, like the Adafruit USB Isolator, don’t require an external power supply, while others may need one. Always check the product specifications to determine if an external power supply is necessary.

3. Q: How much isolation do I need for my application?
   A: The amount of isolation required depends on the specific application and the level of protection needed. For medical and industrial applications, higher isolation levels (4kV or more) are typically recommended. For less demanding applications, lower isolation levels may be sufficient.

4. Q: Can a USB isolator affect the data transfer speed?
   A: In most cases, a USB isolator should not significantly impact the data transfer speed if it supports the same USB speed as the connected devices. However, some isolators may introduce a slight delay due to the isolation circuitry. If high-speed data transfer is critical for your application, choose an isolator that supports the required USB speed (e.g., USB 3.0).

5. Q: Are USB isolators durable and suitable for harsh environments?
   A: Many USB isolators are designed with durability in mind, featuring rugged enclosures and industrial-grade components. Models like the Olimex USB-ISO and the Acromag USB-ISO-4 are specifically designed for use in harsh environments. However, always check the product specifications and ratings to ensure the isolator is suitable for your specific environmental conditions.

Conclusion

USB isolators are essential devices for protecting sensitive equipment and ensuring safe data transmission in various applications, including medical, industrial, and scientific settings. When choosing a USB isolator, consider factors such as the level of isolation required, USB speed compatibility, form factor, and suitability for your specific environment.

The top 10 USB isolator models discussed in this article offer a range of features and specifications to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you require medical-grade isolation, high-speed USB 3.0 support, or a compact form factor, there is a USB isolator that can meet your requirements.

By investing in a quality USB isolator, you can protect your equipment from electrical noise, voltage spikes, and ground loops, ensuring reliable and safe operation in demanding applications.