ADUM2251ARWZ - Hot-Swappable Dual I2C Isolator, 5kV | Analog Devices
MPN: ADUM2251ARWZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.85 | $4.85 |
| 10 | $4.36 | $43.60 |
| 100 | $3.92 | $392.00 |
| 500 | $3.49 | $1,745.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.1 | $3,100.00 |
ADUM2251ARWZ Overview
A digital isolator is a component that provides electrical isolation between two circuits while allowing digital signals to pass. Unlike optocouplers, which use light to transfer signals, digital isolators use capacitive or magnetic coupling, offering higher speed, better reliability, and longer lifespan. The ADUM2251 is specifically designed for I2C interfaces, which are bidirectional and require special handling to avoid data corruption. It integrates the necessary level shifting and direction control, eliminating the need for external components.
Key features include hot-swap capability, which allows the device to be inserted or removed from a live bus without causing glitches, and non-latching bidirectional channels that prevent bus lock-up. The 30 mA current sink capability ensures compatibility with standard I2C devices, while the 1 Mbps data rate supports fast-mode I2C. The wide supply range of 3V to 5.5V allows operation with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels.
Technically, the ADUM2251 uses Analog Devices' iCoupler technology, which employs chip-scale transformers for isolation. This provides superior performance compared to optocouplers, including higher data rates, lower power consumption, and better temperature stability. The device also features a thermal shutdown protection and is rated for operation from -40°C to +105°C, making it suitable for harsh environments.
Typical applications include isolated I2C buses in industrial automation, power supply monitoring, and medical equipment. It is also used in automotive systems for battery management and sensor interfaces. The ADUM2251's hot-swap feature is particularly valuable in redundant systems where boards are replaced without powering down.
When designing with the ADUM2251, ensure proper decoupling with 0.1µF capacitors on both supply pins and place them close to the device. Also, consider the isolation barrier's creepage and clearance distances for the required isolation rating.
Drop-in alternatives for ADUM2251ARWZ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ADUM2251ARWZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Number of Channels, Operating Temperature, Operating Temperature Range, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ADUM2251ARWZ-RL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADUM2250ARWZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADUM1250ARWZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ISO1541DR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ISO1540DR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADUM2251ARWZ Specifications
| Isolation Voltage | 5000 Vrms |
| Number of Channels | 2 (bidirectional) |
| Data Rate | 1 Mbps |
| Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI) | 25 kV/µs |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Current Sink Capability | 30 mA |
| Interface Type | I2C |
| Package | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +105°C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Hot-Swap Capable | Yes |
ADUM2251ARWZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD1 — Supply voltage side 1 |
| Pin 2 | GND1 — Ground side 1 |
| Pin 3 | SDA1 — I2C data line side 1 |
| Pin 4 | SCL1 — I2C clock line side 1 |
| Pin 5 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 6 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 7 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 8 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 9 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 10 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 11 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 12 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 13 | SCL2 — I2C clock line side 2 |
| Pin 14 | SDA2 — I2C data line side 2 |
| Pin 15 | GND2 — Ground side 2 |
| Pin 16 | VDD2 — Supply voltage side 2 |
Typical Applications
ADUM2251ARWZ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation, Power Supply Monitoring, Medical Equipment, Automotive Battery Management, IoT and Smart Home, Telecommunications.
Industrial Automation
The ADUM2251ARWZ provides 5000Vrms isolation for I2C buses in industrial control systems, protecting low-voltage logic from high-voltage transients and ground loops. Its 25kV/µs CMTI ensures reliable operation in noisy environments. The hot-swap capability allows live insertion of modules without disrupting the bus, which is critical for redundant systems. The wide temperature range (-40°C to +105°C) suits harsh factory floors.
Recommended
Power Supply Monitoring
In power supply systems, the ADUM2251ARWZ isolates the I2C bus between the controller and monitoring ICs, preventing ground potential differences from causing errors. Its 30 mA current sink capability drives multiple I2C devices, and the 1 Mbps data rate supports fast telemetry. The hot-swap feature enables safe replacement of power modules in live systems, improving serviceability.
Recommended
Medical Equipment
The ADUM2251ARWZ is used in medical devices to isolate patient-connected I2C sensors from the main control unit, ensuring safety and preventing leakage currents. Its 5000Vrms isolation meets stringent medical safety standards. The low propagation delay and high CMTI ensure accurate data transmission in real-time monitoring systems. The compact SOIC-W package fits space-constrained designs.
Recommended
Automotive Battery Management
In electric vehicles, the ADUM2251ARWZ isolates the I2C bus between the battery management controller and cell monitoring ICs, protecting against high-voltage transients. Its wide temperature range and 5000Vrms isolation make it suitable for automotive environments. The hot-swap capability allows safe battery pack replacement. The 1 Mbps data rate supports fast cell voltage and temperature readings.
Recommended
IoT and Smart Home
The ADUM2251ARWZ isolates I2C sensors and actuators in smart home hubs, preventing ground loops and improving reliability. Its low power consumption and small package are ideal for compact IoT devices. The hot-swap feature enables easy firmware updates or sensor replacement without powering down the system. The 3V to 5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V and 5V logic.
Recommended
Telecommunications
In telecom equipment, the ADUM2251ARWZ isolates I2C buses between line cards and control modules, ensuring reliable communication in high-EMI environments. Its 25kV/µs CMTI prevents data corruption from transients. The 1 Mbps data rate supports high-speed I2C for configuration and monitoring. The hot-swap capability allows line card replacement without service interruption.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADUM2251ARWZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADUM2251ARWZ-RL | ADUM2250ARWZ | ADUM1250ARWZ | ISO1541DR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Texas Instruments |
| Isolation Voltage | 5000 Vrms | 5000 Vrms | 5000 Vrms | 2500 Vrms | 5000 Vrms |
| Data Rate | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps | 400 kbps | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| CMTI | 25 kV/µs | 25 kV/µs | 25 kV/µs | 25 kV/µs | 25 kV/µs |
| Current Sink | 30 mA | 30 mA | 30 mA | 30 mA | 30 mA |
| Hot-Swap | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +125°C |
Key Differentiators
- Hot-swap capability (vs ADUM1250ARWZ)
- Higher isolation voltage (vs ADUM1250ARWZ)
- Higher data rate (vs ADUM2250ARWZ)
Design Notes
Place 0.1µF decoupling capacitors close to VDD1 and VDD2 pins to ensure stable operation. Use a solid ground plane under the device to minimize noise. For high-voltage isolation, maintain proper creepage and clearance distances between the two sides of the isolation barrier as per the datasheet recommendations.
Keep the I2C traces short and balanced to minimize parasitic capacitance and crosstalk. Route SDA and SCL lines away from high-voltage or high-current traces. Use series resistors (e.g., 33Ω) if needed to damp reflections. Ensure the isolation barrier is not bridged by any copper pour or traces.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum ratings for supply voltage (7V) or output current. Ensure the I2C bus pull-up resistors are sized correctly for the total capacitance and data rate. The ADUM2251 is hot-swappable, but avoid inserting or removing the device while the bus is active to prevent glitches. Verify the pinout matches your PCB footprint before assembly.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Analog Devices product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this commercial-grade part.