HCPL-817-50AE

HCPL-817-50AE is a high-speed optocoupler (digital isolator) from the HCPL-817 family. It uses an LED on the input side and a transistor/logic-output on the output side to provide galvanic isolation between low-voltage control logic and high-voltage or noisy circuits.
Key idea:
- It enables safe, isolated signal transfer, protecting the microcontroller or logic from high-voltage transients and ground loops.
Variant notes:
- The “-50AE” suffix designates a specific performance grade within the HCPL-817 family (typically optimized for faster switching, higher CTR/CMI characteristics, and RoHS-compliant packaging). Exact figures (isolation voltage, CTR, propagation delay, input current, and output drive) depend on the datasheet.
Typical uses:
- Isolating microcontroller I/O from mains or motor-drive circuits
- Driving MOSFETs/IGBTs or other high-speed switches
- Providing digital isolation in power supplies and control systems
For precise electrical specs and packaging details, refer to the Broadcom/Avago HCPL-817-50AE datasheet.

Equivalent parts to HCPL-817-50AE:
- ACPL-817-50E
- HCPL-817-50E (same family)
- Sharp PC817
- Everlight EL817
- Lite-On LTV-817
Note: verify CTR, IF, and pinout when substituting.

HCPL-817-50AE is a single-channel optically isolated transistor-output gate (logic optocoupler). Key features:
- One-channel, transistor output optocoupler for digital logic isolation
- High isolation voltage: typically 5 kV rms between input and output
- Output compatible with TTL/CMOS logic; can be used with pull-up resistor
- Fast, high-speed operation for logic applications
- 8-pin DIP or SO-8 package (through-hole or surface-mount variants)
- LED input drive: practical forward current in the low mA range
- Wide operating temperature range suitable for industrial use
- Safety approvals (UL/VDE/CE as applicable)
Note: Exact CTR, switching speeds, and temp range depend on the specific lot and operating conditions. For precise numbers, please refer to the HCPL-817-50AE datasheet.

- Pin count: 8-pin package (DIP).
- Function: High‑speed optocoupler (photocoupler) with LED input and phototransistor output, providing electrical isolation between input and output.
- Typical pinout: LED input on pins 1 (anode) and 2 (cathode); output transistor on pins 5 (emitter) and 6 (collector). Pins 3–4 and 7–8 are usually not connected (NC). Pull-up may be required on the collector for a usable logic output.

Manufacturer: Broadcom Inc. (the HCPL-817-50AE is from Broadcom, formerly Avago Technologies).
What kind of company: Broadcom is a multinational fabless semiconductor company that designs and supplies semiconductors and related infrastructure software for communications, data centers, and consumer electronics.

Common application areas for HCPL-817-50AE:
- Isolated signal interfaces for microcontrollers and digital logic
- Gate-drive isolation for power electronics (MOSFETs/IGBTs) in switch-mode supplies and motor drives
- Industrial automation: PLC I/O isolation, sensors, and control links
- Data communication and telecom equipment requiring galvanic isolation
- Isolated sensing, measurement, and instrumentation circuits
- Medical devices and equipment needing electrical isolation
- Embedded systems and consumer electronics where galvanic isolation is required

The HCPL-817-50AE is supplied in an 8-pin plastic dual in-line (PDIP-8) through-hole package.