Skyworks has introduced the Si86Px family of digital isolators with integrated power, combining digital signal isolation with an isolated DC-DC converter and matched miniature transformer in a single package. The family is designed for industrial and automotive electronics where isolated data and isolated power are both required, but board space and component count are under pressure. The Si86Px family is a digital isolator with integrated isolated power used for signal and power isolation between control circuitry and electrically noisy or safety-separated system domains. In a motor drive, PLC, data acquisition system, or sensor interface, the device can sit between the controller side and the isolated field or measurement side while supplying local isolated power for nearby circuitry.
Signal And Power Isolation In One Package
Digital isolators are already common in industrial systems where logic signals need to cross isolation barriers without creating a direct electrical path. The Si86Px adds an integrated isolated power stage to that function, reducing the need for a separate isolated power module or external transformer-based converter.
That integration is most relevant in designs where the isolated side has limited available power, or where adding another power stage would increase layout area and qualification work. Skyworks pairs the digital isolator with an isolated DC-DC converter capable of delivering up to 0.5 W, which gives designers a local supply for circuits such as ADCs, sensors, and interface devices on the isolated side of the barrier.
Regulation For Sensitive Isolated Circuits
The Si86Px family is specified with 0.1% typical load regulation, a figure Skyworks highlights for systems powering sensitive analog components. That level of regulation's useful where the isolated rail is not just driving logic, but supporting measurement or sensing circuits that can be affected by supply variation.
The integrated converter supports standard voltage conversion options between 3.3 V and 5 V rails, allowing designers to power isolated 3.3 V or 5 V circuitry from common logic supplies. According to the datasheet, the converter uses a fully integrated hysteretic control architecture with frequency dithering to help reduce EMI. Peak DC-DC converter efficiency is listed at up to 43%, which is a practical consideration for thermal and power budgeting in compact industrial boards.
High Speed Isolation For Industrial Interfaces
The digital isolation channels support data rates up to 150 Mbps, giving the family enough headroom for fast control and communication signals. Skyworks specifically references SPI and RS-485 use cases, where isolated signaling is often required in noisy electrical environments or across ground domains. Common-mode transient immunity is rated at 100 kV/µs, which helps maintain signal integrity when large voltage transitions occur across the isolation barrier. That is particularly relevant around motor drives, inverters, and factory equipment, where switching noise and fast transient events can otherwise corrupt isolated data paths.
The family operates across a -40°C to +125°C temperature range and provides 3.75 kVrms isolation. Those ratings place the parts in the expected range for industrial automation, factory equipment, and automotive electronic systems that need isolation in harsh or electrically noisy environments.
Packaging And System Integration
Skyworks offers the Si86Px family in compact WB SOIC-16 and SOIC-20 packages. The package choice gives designers room for dual or quad channel isolation configurations while keeping the isolated power circuitry inside the device family rather than spreading it across discrete magnetics and power components.
The company also notes that the parts include features such as thermal detection and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. Those functions are relevant when an isolated power converter is placed close to sensitive circuitry, especially in dense board layouts where thermal behavior and fault handling are part of the system design rather than an afterthought.
For engineers working on isolated industrial I/O, motor control, data acquisition, or compact sensor systems, the Si86Px is mainly a packaging and integration play. It brings together isolated signaling, local isolated power, regulation, and transient immunity in a device family intended to reduce the amount of external isolation support circuitry around the barrier.
Learn more and read the original announcement at www.skyworksinc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skyworks Si86Px used for?
The Si86Px is used for isolated signal and power transfer in industrial and automotive systems, including PLCs, data acquisition equipment, motor control, inverters, sensors, and isolated interface circuits.
How much isolated power does the Si86Px provide?
The integrated isolated DC-DC converter can deliver up to 0.5 W of isolated power for circuitry on the isolated side of the barrier.
Does the Si86Px support high-speed digital interfaces?
Yes. The family supports data rates up to 150 Mbps, making it suitable for fast isolated digital links such as SPI and industrial communication interfaces.
You may also like
