May 22, 2026 /SemiMedia/ — Vishay Intertechnology has introduced two new automotive-grade optocouplers designed for high-voltage isolation in electric vehicles, battery systems and solar inverter applications.

The new VOWA617A and VOWA618A devices feature phototransistor outputs in a widebody SMD-8 package and are qualified to the AEC-Q102 automotive standard. The optocouplers provide a VIORM of 1500 Vpeak and VIOWM of 1060 VRMS, with external creepage and clearance distances exceeding 11 mm.

According to Vishay, the devices offer one of the highest creepage distances in their class, delivering at least 38% greater safety margin compared with conventional 8 mm solutions. The components are intended for use in onboard chargers, DC/DC converters and battery management system isolation stages in high-voltage EV architectures.

The optocouplers combine reinforced insulation capability with an isolation voltage of 5300 VRMS and transient isolation voltage (VIOTM) of 8000 Vpeak. Vishay said the devices provide improvements of approximately 6% in VIORM and 19% in VIOWM over competing products.

Each device integrates an infrared LED optically coupled to a silicon planar phototransistor detector. The components feature a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600, significantly higher than the CTI 175 typically found in standard solutions, enabling a Material Group 1 insulation rating.

The VOWA617A and VOWA618A also support an 80 V collector-emitter voltage rating, providing additional flexibility for high-voltage system designers.

Designed for harsh automotive environments, the optocouplers operate across a temperature range from -40°C to +125°C, with junction temperature capability up to +145°C. The devices are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free and Vishay Green certified.

Current transfer ratio ranges from 50% to 600%, with low input current requirements of 5 mA for the VOWA617A and 1 mA for the VOWA618A.
Samples and production quantities of the VOWA617A and VOWA618A are available now with lead times of approximately eight weeks. For more information, please visit https://www.vishay.com/en/product/80400/