USB isolator 2kV Hi-Speed

USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed by Wiesemann & Theis

The USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed (#33003) by Wiesemann & Theis offers a reliable solution for galvanic isolation of USB 2.0 connections, protecting USB hosts and connected devices from equalizing currents and electromagnetic interference. With support for all USB 2.0 speeds (Low, Full, and High Speed up to 480 Mbit/s) and an isolation voltage of at least 2 kV DC, the isolator is ideal for applications in data acquisition, control engineering, and medical technology. Automatic detection of bus speed and transparent operation without additional drivers make it particularly user-friendly.

Thanks to its integration into a USB cable and flexible power supply options, including external supply for power-hungry devices, installation is straightforward. The isolator complies with strict standards for office and industrial environments and comes with a five-year warranty. This article highlights the technical features, applications, and advantages of the USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed.

Galvanic Isolation: Protection for USB Connections

The USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed provides galvanic isolation for USB 2.0 connections between the USB host and connected devices, preventing equalizing currents and mutual interference. In the consumer world, where USB devices are often powered by the bus and lack additional connections to a second ground or protective earth, galvanic isolation is rarely required. However, in professional applications such as data acquisition, control engineering, or medical technology, it is essential to ensure system reliability and safety. For example, in data acquisition, unwanted currents over the USB line can affect the accuracy of sensors, while in medical technology, the safety of patients and equipment is of utmost importance.

The USB isolator offers an isolation voltage of at least 2 kV DC, ensuring robust separation between the ports. It supports all USB 2.0 speeds (Low Speed: 1.5 Mbit/s, Full Speed: 12 Mbit/s, High Speed: 480 Mbit/s) and automatically detects the negotiated bus speed—no additional configuration required. Its transparent operation means no drivers need to be installed, which facilitates integration into existing systems.

Interfaces and Connectivity

The USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed features a USB socket (Type A) for connecting the USB device and a USB plug (Type A) for connecting to the USB host. Galvanic isolation between these ports protects both sides from electrical interference and ensures safe data transmission. The isolator is integrated into a USB cable, making it a compact in-line solution. This design enables easy installation without additional hardware or complicated wiring. The isolator supports all USB 2.0 speeds, from low speed for simple devices like keyboards up to high speed for data-intensive devices such as storage devices or cameras. Automatic detection of bus speed ensures seamless communication, regardless of the connected device. This flexibility makes the isolator ideal for a wide range of applications, from industrial control systems to medical equipment.

Power Supply for Power-Hungry Devices

The USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed offers an external power supply on the downstream side to support power-hungry USB devices such as external hard drives or sensors. This external power ensures that devices with high current requirements can operate reliably without overloading the host's USB interface. Power is supplied via a screw terminal connection, ensuring a secure and stable connection. This feature is particularly useful in industrial environments, where USB devices often have higher power demands than in consumer settings. The combination of external supply and galvanic isolation makes the isolator a robust solution for demanding scenarios, such as connecting measuring instruments in production environments or medical devices in hospitals.

Compliance and Reliability

The USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed complies with strict standards for immunity (EN 61000-6-2) and emission (EN 55032:2015 + A1 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3), making it suitable for use in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Its high immunity ensures reliable operation even in areas with electromagnetic interference, such as production facilities or laboratories. CE marking and UL approval confirm its suitability for international applications, while the robust design is intended for continuous operation. With a five-year warranty, the isolator offers a low-maintenance and durable solution for professional users. The high isolation voltage of 2 kV DC provides extra safety, especially in sensitive applications such as medical technology, where electrical interference could have potentially dangerous consequences.

Versatile Applications

The USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed is ideal for applications where galvanic isolation is needed to ensure the reliability and safety of USB connections. In data acquisition, the isolator protects sensors and measurement devices from equalizing currents that could impair data accuracy. For example, a USB measurement device that records environmental parameters such as temperature or pressure can be protected from interference by the isolator. In control engineering, the isolator prevents electrical interference between controllers and USB hosts, which is crucial in industrial automation projects. In medical technology, galvanic isolation is essential to ensure the safety of patients and equipment, for example when connecting medical diagnostic devices to a PC. The isolator supports a wide range of USB devices, from low-speed devices like keyboards to high-speed devices like storage media or cameras. Easy installation with the in-cable design and support for power-hungry devices make the isolator versatile, from laboratory environments to production halls.

Advantages of Transparent Operation

The transparent operation of the USB isolator is a key advantage, as no additional drivers or software installations are required. This reduces configuration effort and makes the isolator compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Automatic detection of bus speed ensures the isolator seamlessly integrates with existing systems, regardless of the USB speed of the connected device. This user-friendliness is especially valuable in environments where fast and uncomplicated solutions are required, such as in industry or healthcare. Integration into a USB cable allows for a compact, space-saving installation without the need for extra hardware or enclosures.

Reliable and User-Friendly Solution for USB Isolation

The USB Isolator 2kV Hi-Speed by Wiesemann & Theis impresses with its ease of use, high reliability, and compliance with standards. With galvanic isolation, support for all USB 2.0 speeds, external power for power-hungry devices, and an isolation voltage of 2 kV DC, it is the ideal solution for applications in data acquisition, control engineering, and medical technology. The five-year warranty underlines the durability and quality of this compact solution.