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How to Use Octocoupler: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

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Introduction

The PC817 is an optocoupler or photocoupler manufactured by Ktron. It is designed to transfer electrical signals between two isolated circuits by using light to transmit the signal. This component is widely used in applications requiring high-voltage isolation and noise immunity. Common applications include microprocessor system interfaces, signal isolation, and power supply regulation.

Explore Projects Built with Octocoupler

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Arduino UNO-Based Optocoupler Control Circuit with Pushbutton Interface
Image of DVM1a: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
This circuit involves an Arduino UNO controlling two 4N35 optocouplers, which are used to isolate different sections of the circuit. The circuit also includes a pushbutton for user input, resistors for current limiting, and a ceramic capacitor for noise filtering.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Wi-Fi Controlled RGB LED and Octocoupler with Light Sensor using Wemos D1 Mini
Image of On Air Light Control: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
This circuit uses a Wemos D1 Mini microcontroller to control an RGB LED and an Octocoupler. The RGB LED displays different colors based on the state of the digital pins, while the Octocoupler is used for external control. A Photocell (LDR) connected to an analog pin adjusts the LED brightness based on ambient light levels.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino Nano Controlled Octocoupler Interface for Signal Isolation
Image of complete togba no lcd: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
This circuit uses optocouplers paired with 220-ohm resistors to interface an Arduino Nano with an external device via a 5-pin relimate connector, providing electrical isolation and signal transfer while protecting the microcontroller. The Arduino's digital I/O pins are connected to the optocouplers, but the control logic is not yet defined in the provided code.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Wi-Fi Enabled RGB and Red LED Controller with Light Sensing
Image of OnAirV0: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
This circuit features a Wemos D1 Mini microcontroller that likely controls an RGB LED and a red indicator LED, reads from a photocell (LDR), and interfaces with an octocoupler for electrical isolation. The circuit is USB-powered and is designed for light sensing and LED control applications.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Octocoupler

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of DVM1a: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
Arduino UNO-Based Optocoupler Control Circuit with Pushbutton Interface
This circuit involves an Arduino UNO controlling two 4N35 optocouplers, which are used to isolate different sections of the circuit. The circuit also includes a pushbutton for user input, resistors for current limiting, and a ceramic capacitor for noise filtering.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of On Air Light Control: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
Wi-Fi Controlled RGB LED and Octocoupler with Light Sensor using Wemos D1 Mini
This circuit uses a Wemos D1 Mini microcontroller to control an RGB LED and an Octocoupler. The RGB LED displays different colors based on the state of the digital pins, while the Octocoupler is used for external control. A Photocell (LDR) connected to an analog pin adjusts the LED brightness based on ambient light levels.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of complete togba no lcd: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
Arduino Nano Controlled Octocoupler Interface for Signal Isolation
This circuit uses optocouplers paired with 220-ohm resistors to interface an Arduino Nano with an external device via a 5-pin relimate connector, providing electrical isolation and signal transfer while protecting the microcontroller. The Arduino's digital I/O pins are connected to the optocouplers, but the control logic is not yet defined in the provided code.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of OnAirV0: A project utilizing Octocoupler in a practical application
Wi-Fi Enabled RGB and Red LED Controller with Light Sensing
This circuit features a Wemos D1 Mini microcontroller that likely controls an RGB LED and a red indicator LED, reads from a photocell (LDR), and interfaces with an octocoupler for electrical isolation. The circuit is USB-powered and is designed for light sensing and LED control applications.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Technical Specifications

General Characteristics

  • Package Type: 4-pin DIP
  • Isolation Voltage: 5000Vrms (min)
  • Current Transfer Ratio (CTR): 50% to 600% at IF=5mA, VCE=5V
  • Input Forward Current (IF): 50mA (max)
  • Output Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO): 35V (max)
  • Output Emitter-Collector Voltage (VECO): 6V (max)
  • Collector Current (IC): 50mA (max)
  • Operating Temperature Range: -30°C to +100°C

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number Name Description
1 Anode (A) Anode of the input infrared LED.
2 Cathode (K) Cathode of the input infrared LED.
3 Emitter (E) Emitter of the output phototransistor.
4 Collector (C) Collector of the output phototransistor.

Usage Instructions

Circuit Integration

To use the PC817 optocoupler in a circuit:

  1. Connect the input signal to the LED anode and cathode pins (1 and 2).
  2. The output phototransistor (pins 3 and 4) will then mirror the input signal with electrical isolation.
  3. A current-limiting resistor should be used in series with the LED to prevent excessive current.

Best Practices

  • Ensure the input LED current is within the specified range to maintain proper operation.
  • Avoid exceeding the maximum ratings of voltage and current to prevent damage.
  • Use a pull-up resistor on the phototransistor output if interfacing with a microcontroller.

Example with Arduino UNO

// Example code to use PC817 with Arduino UNO
const int ledPin = 13; // LED connected to digital pin 13
const int inputPin = 2; // Optocoupler input connected to digital pin 2

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // sets the digital pin as output
  pinMode(inputPin, INPUT); // sets the digital pin as input
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(inputPin); // read the input pin
  digitalWrite(ledPin, sensorValue); // sets the LED to the sensor value
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

  • LED not turning on: Check if the current-limiting resistor is correctly calculated and the input signal is within the specified range.
  • No output signal: Ensure that the phototransistor's collector and emitter are correctly connected and that the pull-up resistor is in place if required.

FAQs

Q: Can the PC817 be used to isolate high voltages? A: Yes, the PC817 can provide electrical isolation up to 5000Vrms.

Q: What is the purpose of the current-limiting resistor? A: The resistor limits the current through the LED to prevent it from exceeding the maximum forward current rating.

Q: How do I choose the value of the pull-up resistor? A: The pull-up resistor value depends on the voltage level and the input impedance of the subsequent stage. A common value is 10kΩ for 5V systems.

Q: Can the PC817 be used with AC signals? A: The PC817 is designed for DC signal transmission. For AC signals, a different type of optocoupler with appropriate specifications should be used.

For further assistance or technical support, please contact Ktron customer service.