June 29, 2026 /SemiMedia/ — Vishay Intertechnology has introduced the VOLA617A, a new automotive-grade phototransistor optocoupler designed for high galvanic isolation in electric vehicles and industrial automation systems.

The Vishay Semiconductors device targets high-voltage EV applications, including emerging 800V battery architectures. It combines an isolation voltage of 5000 VRMS with VIORM of 1414 Vpeak and VIOTM of 8000 Vpeak in a 4-pin LSOP low-profile package.

The VOLA617A is intended for grid-connected onboard chargers, DC/DC converters, battery management systems, isolated wake-up signals and other system control functions requiring galvanic and noise isolation.

Vishay said many automotive optocouplers are limited to battery voltages below 500V, making them more suitable for traditional 400V EV platforms. The VOLA617A can isolate DC voltages up to 1000V, allowing it to be used in next-generation high-voltage EV architectures.

The device consists of an infrared emitting diode optically coupled to a silicon planar phototransistor detector. It provides creepage and clearance distances of at least 8mm and is available in four current transfer ratio ranges.

The optocoupler also features an 80V collector-emitter voltage rating, giving designers more flexibility in isolated control and signal transmission circuits.

The VOLA617A operates across a temperature range from -40°C to +125°C, with junction temperature capability up to +145°C. It also provides low coupling capacitance of 0.5pF and high common-mode transient immunity, supporting reliable operation in electrically noisy automotive and industrial environments.

Vishay said the device meets demanding automotive-grade performance and reliability requirements and provides additional safety margin through dual AEC-Q102 qualification. The VOLA617A is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free and Vishay Green.

Availability
Samples and production quantities of the VOLA617A are available now, with lead times of approximately eight weeks.