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You are here: Home / Test Equipment / USB 3.0 isolator eliminates ground loops and ground potential differences

USB 3.0 isolator eliminates ground loops and ground potential differences

November 29, 2018 By Lee Teschler Leave a Comment

The Alldaq ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO series of USB 3.0 isolators support the full USB 3.0 SuperSpeed data rate of 5 Gbit/sec. This allows USB 3.0 SuperSpeed devices to be electrically isolated from a host PC or other peripherals at full performance. The re-clocking design guarantees a stable USB connection at all speeds. The ADQ-USB isolators can be used for the electrical isolation of USB measurement instruments to avoid ground loops to solve problems in industrial and automotive applications as well as in professional sound studios and event and show equipment.

The ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO isolators automatically detect SuperSpeed (5 Gbit/sec), High-Speed (480 Mbit/sec), Full-Speed (12 Mbit/sec) or Low-Speed (1.5 Mbit/sec) connections. The model ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO-PS includes a +5-V power adapter with a lockable 5.5-mm barrel connector (bayonet lock) for a safety. For industrial and automotive applications, the ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO-W version can accept 10 to 36 Vdc from an external power source via a two-pin lockable Phoenix-type connector to power devices with up to 900 mA. The external power input is protected against reverse polarity and short-circuits.

The isolation voltage between PC and USB device is 1 kV (continuous) for the model ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO-PS and 1.0 kV (< 60 sec) for the model ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO-W. The ESD protection of the data lines is ensured by transient-voltage-suppression diodes up to ±12 kV (contact discharge) and ±15 kV (air-gap discharge) according to IEC 61000-4-2. Without an external power supply the USB isolator can source up to 200 mA at the device port. For USB devices requiring more current, the external power supply version ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO-W can provide 900 mA according to the USB 3.0 specification. The Alldaq USB 3.0 isolators are compatible with Windows, MAC OS and Linux systems, and downward-compatible with USB 2.0/1.1/1.0 equipment.

Housed in a robust aluminum housing with rubber bumpers and designed for an operating temperature from -20 to +70°C, the Alldaq USB 3.0-ISO isolators are suitable even for applications in harsh environments. An optional DIN rail mounting kit is also available for permanent installations.

The ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO can protect computers and USB devices effectively against interference voltages, while also eliminating ground loops. Typical applications include: electrical isolation between measurement instruments and PCs, rejection of ripple pickup in studio equipment, removing differing ground potentials in industrial control equipment, and protection against voltage peaks in automotive set-ups.

Compact in size (3.6×2.5×1.3 in – L x W x H incl. rubber bumpers) and weight (4.5 oz) the ADQ-USB 3.0-ISO series of USB3.0 isolators are made in Germany by Alldaq, a prominent manufacturer of a wide range of measurement solutions for use in industry, research, servicing, and education; they are available now from Saelig Company, Inc. Fairport NY. 1-888-7SAELIG info@saelig.com or www.saelig.com.

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Filed Under: Test Equipment Tagged With: alldaq, saeligcompanyinc

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