The PC817 Optocoupler provides electrical isolation between circuits using an infrared LED and phototransistor. It transfers signals across an isolation barrier while preventing high-voltage interference from damaging sensitive electronics.
Key features
- Optical isolation between input and output
- 5000V isolation rating
- Infrared LED + phototransistor
- DIP-4 package
- Low cost isolation solution
- No electrical connection between sides
- Wide operating temperature range
Good to know
- LED side needs current-limiting resistor like standard LED
- Phototransistor side needs pull-up resistor
- Switching speed limited (~4-18μs) – not for high-speed data
- CTR varies with temperature and LED current
- Can be used as solid-state relay for low-current switching