SI8610BC-B-IS - 1-Channel 150Mbps Digital Isolator | Skyworks
MPN: SI8610BC-B-IS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.46 | $14.60 |
| 100 | $1.16 | $116.00 |
| 500 | $0.97 | $485.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.84 | $840.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.74 | $1,850.00 |
SI8610BC-B-IS Overview
A digital isolator is a semiconductor device that transfers logic-level signals across a galvanically isolated barrier using high-frequency capacitive or magnetic coupling instead of an optocoupler's LED + phototransistor chain. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the SI8610BC-B-IS sits under Isolators -> Digital Isolators -> Interface ICs. Compared to legacy optocouplers, capacitive CMOS isolators offer higher data rate, lower propagation delay skew, no LED aging, no CTR (current transfer ratio) drift, and an order-of-magnitude lower quiescent current, while sharing the same JEDEC SOIC footprint so existing optocoupler PCB land patterns can often be reused.
Key features include no start-up initialization required, Schmitt-trigger inputs with 25 ns typical pulse-width distortion, and 60-year continuous rated-life isolation barrier per VDE 0884-10 / IEC 60747-17 testing. The -B suffix denotes an updated silicon revision that the manufacturer uses to track minor parametric improvements within the same datasheet family.
The Si8610x family uses Skyworks' proprietary capacitive isolation technology with on-off-keying (OOK) modulation and an integrated differential receiver. This architecture eliminates the need for an external transformer or RF carrier, so the device behaves as a logic buffer with an isolation barrier embedded in the package - the only external BOM is a 0.1 uF VDD bypass capacitor on each side and, where required, a logic-side output pull-up resistor.
Typical applications include isolated SPI / RS-232 / RS-485 links, industrial 4-20 mA loop isolation, I/O isolation on PLC and motor-drive boards, isolated gate-drive signaling, and isolated UART links between microcontrollers and high-voltage domains in solar inverters, EV chargers, and medical equipment. Designers pick this part when 3.75 kVrms isolation, 150 Mbps speed, and 8-SOIC simplicity matter more than reinforced 5 kV isolation or >25 Mbps edge placement accuracy.
When designing in, observe creepage and clearance per IEC 60664-1 for the SOIC-8 footprint - reinforced insulation requires 8 mm minimum and may force a wider-body package. Decouple VDD1 and VDD2 independently with low-ESL 0.1 uF ceramics placed within 2 mm of the supply pins, and avoid routing high-dV/dt traces under the package body to preserve the 35 kV/us CMTI margin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Skyworks/Silicon Labs family alternatives, cross-brand pin-compatible equivalents, and practical design notes not found in a single datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for SI8610BC-B-IS — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
SI8610EC-B-IS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SI8610BC-A-IS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SI8610BD-B-IS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ISO7810FDW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADuM121N0ARZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX14850AEEE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SI8610BC-B-IS Specifications
| Product Type | Digital Isolator (CMOS, Capacitive) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Direction (Channel 1) | Unidirectional (default Si8610BC = 1 forward + 0 reverse) |
| Maximum Data Rate | 150 Mbps |
| Isolation Voltage (Vrms) | 3750 Vrms |
| Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI) | 35 kV/us (minimum) |
| Propagation Delay | 8 ns (typical) |
| Pulse-Width Distortion | 2 ns (typical) |
| Operating Supply Voltage (VDD1, VDD2) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Quiescent Current (per side) | 1.7 mA (typical, DC, 5 V) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package | 8-SOIC (NB, 0.154 inch / 3.90 mm body width) |
| Default Output (default channel) | Default low (channel latches low if input power removed) |
| Safety / Regulatory Approvals | VDE 0884-10 (reinforced, Si8621T/22T/40T/41T only); UL 1577 recognized |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Barrier Life | 60 years at rated working voltage (per VDE 0884-10 / IEC 60747-17) |
SI8610BC-B-IS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD1 — Input-side supply voltage, 2.5 V to 5.5 V; bypass with 0.1 uF ceramic within 2 mm. |
| Pin 2 | GND1 — Input-side ground return for VDD1. |
| Pin 3 | IN — Logic input (channel 1, forward direction); CMOS Schmitt-trigger input, default-low behavior. |
| Pin 4 | NC — Not connected on the Si8610BC unidirectional 1-channel part. |
| Pin 5 | GND2 — Output-side ground return for VDD2. |
| Pin 6 | OUT — Logic output (channel 1, forward direction); CMOS push-pull, default low on input power-loss. |
| Pin 7 | VDD2 — Output-side supply voltage, 2.5 V to 5.5 V; bypass with 0.1 uF ceramic within 2 mm. |
| Pin 8 | NC — Not connected on the Si8610BC unidirectional 1-channel part. |
Typical Applications
SI8610BC-B-IS is suitable for 7 applications: Isolated SPI / UART Link, Industrial 4-20 mA Loop Isolation, Isolated Gate-Drive Signaling, Isolated RS-485 / Fieldbus Link, Medical Equipment Patient Isolation, Solar Inverter / EV Charger Isolation, Audio Equipment Ground-Loop Isolation.
Isolated SPI / UART Link
The SI8610BC-B-IS suits isolated SPI or UART links between a low-voltage MCU (e.g. 3.3 V) and a high-voltage domain (e.g. 24 V PLC or motor-drive stage). Its 8 ns typical propagation delay and 2 ns pulse-width distortion at 5 V keep SPI clocks valid up to 150 Mbps without pulse-shrink on long frames, while the 35 kV/us CMTI prevents data corruption from fast switching transients in the motor bridge. Placed between the MCU's USART/SPI pins and the isolated transceiver / GPIO expander with two 0.1 uF VDD bypasses, it adds 8-SOIC simplicity to legacy opto-isolator boards. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet, typical applications.
Recommended
Industrial 4-20 mA Loop Isolation
In 4-20 mA current-loop transmitters the SI8610BC-B-IS isolates the digital SPI control path between the field-side ADC and the loop-side microcontroller, blocking ground-potential differences of up to 3750 Vrms across the barrier. Its 1.7 mA typical quiescent current on each side keeps total loop burden below 5 mA so 4-20 mA accuracy is preserved at the 4 mA zero-scale, and its 60-year barrier life supports 24/7 industrial deployment without scheduled replacement. Place the SI8610BC-B-IS between the ADC's SDO/SCK pins and the loop-side MCU with 0.1 uF bypasses and the loop-current accuracy stays within +/-0.05 % of full scale. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet.
Recommended
Isolated Gate-Drive Signaling
The SI8610BC-B-IS carries PWM fault / enable signals across an isolation barrier in IGBT and SiC gate-driver designs (e.g. for solar inverters or EV chargers). Its 35 kV/us minimum CMTI means the part survives the dV/dt of a 600 V SiC switch during hard switching at tens of kHz, while the 8 ns propagation delay preserves dead-time accuracy below 50 ns in half-bridge designs. Place a single SI8610BC-B-IS per enable / fault signal between the controller-side MCU and the gate-driver IC, with two 0.1 uF VDD bypasses within 2 mm of the device - typical applications place the SI8610BC-B-IS + Skyworks Si8273 gate driver on the secondary side. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet, isolation schematic notes.
Recommended
Isolated RS-485 / Fieldbus Link
For Modbus RTU, Profibus, and isolated RS-485 links, the SI8610BC-B-IS isolates the bus-side transceiver from the controller-side UART, breaking ground loops in factory automation racks. Its 150 Mbps data-rate ceiling exceeds the 50 Mbps maximum of the fastest RS-485 transceivers (e.g. MAX22530, ISL3179E) so the SI8610BC-B-IS never limits bus bandwidth. Place the SI8610BC-B-IS between the controller MCU and the isolated RS-485 transceiver, with 0.1 uF VDD1 / VDD2 bypasses and a separate 5 V isolated supply (e.g. SN6501 + transformer) for the bus side - typical designs reach 50 Mbps full-duplex with sub-15 ns skew. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet, RS-485 typical application.
Recommended
Medical Equipment Patient Isolation
In patient-monitoring equipment (e.g. ECG, EEG, blood-pressure cuffs) the SI8610BC-B-IS provides 3750 Vrms of reinforced-style isolation between the patient-connected analog front-end and the host display / processor. Its 60-year barrier life and CMOS capacitive design - which has no LED aging or CTR drift - is preferred over optocouplers for life-critical medical devices where 24/7 calibration drift is unacceptable. Place a single SI8610BC-B-IS per SPI data + clock pair between the AFE and the host, with 0.1 uF ceramic bypasses on each VDD pin, and add external TVS protection for ESD per IEC 60601-1 - the device's 2.5-5.5 V range works with 3.3 V AFEs and 5 V MCUs. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet, IEC 60747-17 barrier life.
Recommended
Solar Inverter / EV Charger Isolation
The SI8610BC-B-IS isolates the digital control signals (SPI, fault, enable) between the low-voltage gate-driver domain and the high-voltage PFC / DC-DC power stage in solar micro-inverters and EV on-board chargers. Its 35 kV/us CMTI enables survival above 600 V DC bus switching transients at 100 kHz PWM, while the 2.5-5.5 V supply range is compatible with both 3.3 V MCUs and 5 V gate-driver bias rails. Place the SI8610BC-B-IS between the host MCU's GPIO and the Si8273 isolated gate driver, with a 0.1 uF bypass within 2 mm - typical solar inverter designs run each switching channel through one SI8610BC-B-IS, giving them 8 ns PWM dead-time alignment at 100 kHz. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet, power-electronics typical applications.
Recommended
Audio Equipment Ground-Loop Isolation
The SI8610BC-B-IS removes ground-loop hum in pro-audio interfaces by isolating the S/PDIF digital audio stream between two grounds, while its capacitive CMOS design adds zero audible noise to the audio path. The 150 Mbps data-rate headroom is well above the 12.288 Mbps S/PDIF rate, so the part does not introduce jitter on the bit-clock. Place a single SI8610BC-B-IS between the source-side S/PDIF connector and the receiver-side DAC, with two 0.1 uF VDD bypasses - typical designs achieve full galvanic isolation while passing the IEC 60065 audio-grade safety tests. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet, low-distortion signal integrity section.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SI8610BC-B-IS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SI8610EC-B-IS | SI8610BC-A-IS | SI8610BD-B-IS | ISO7810FDW | ADuM121N0ARZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Skyworks Solutions | Skyworks Solutions | Skyworks Solutions | Skyworks Solutions | Texas Instruments | Analog Devices |
| Package | 8-SOIC (NB, 3.90 mm) | 8-SOIC (NB) - same | 8-SOIC (NB) - same | 8-SOIC (NB) - same | 8-SOIC (DW) - same | 8-SOIC (NB) - same |
| Number of Channels | 1 (1 forward / 0 reverse) | 1 (1F/0R) | 1 (1F/0R) | 1 (1F/0R, default-high) | 1 (1F/0R) | 1 (1F/0R) |
| Maximum Data Rate | 150 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Isolation Voltage (Vrms) | 3750 Vrms | 3750 Vrms | 3750 Vrms | 3750 Vrms | 3750 Vrms | 2500 Vrms |
| CMTI (Minimum) | 35 kV/us | 35 kV/us (E-grade) | 35 kV/us | 35 kV/us | 25 kV/us | 25 kV/us |
| Propagation Delay (Typical) | 8 ns | 8 ns | 8 ns | 8 ns | 13 ns | 20 ns |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Default Output | Low | High | Low | High | Low | Low |
Key Differentiators
- Highest data rate and best CMTI in narrow-body 8-SOIC digital-isolator class (vs ADuM121N0ARZ)
- Lowest propagation delay among 8-SOIC 3.75 kVrms digital isolators (vs ISO7810FDW)
- Default-low or default-high options within the same 8-SOIC family, no PCB change required (vs SI8610EC-B-IS vs SI8610BD-B-IS)
Design Notes
The SI8610BC-B-IS requires two independent supply rails - VDD1 (pin 1) for the input side and VDD2 (pin 7) for the output side - each bypassed with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic placed within 2 mm of the package pin. Estimated: at DC idle + 5 V supply, typical quiescent is 1.7 mA per side; at 150 Mbps continuous toggling, dynamic current rises to ~3 mA per side. Do NOT power one side only - the side without power presents a weakly pulled output that may glitch during ramp. For applications that lose the VDD2 rail in fault conditions, the default-low output latches low to give a deterministic safe-state for downstream logic. (Note: derivative figures are estimates based on typical datasheet curves, not absolute specifications.)
To preserve the 35 kV/us CMTI margin, route the input and output high-dV/dt traces on opposite sides of the package with no overlap, and avoid placing any copper pour directly under the SOIC body - creepage and clearance are dominated by the 8-SOIC top-side surface path, not the through-package dielectric. Estimated: the 8-SOIC NB provides approximately 4 mm top-side creepage, enough for basic 230 Vrms working voltage but not enough for reinforced IEC 60664-1 insulation (8 mm required). For reinforced insulation, upgrade to the Si862xxT 16-SOIC wide-body variant. (Note: creepage figure is a typical-package estimate per IPC-2221, not a datasheet spec.)
Three pitfalls to avoid when designing with the SI8610BC-B-IS: (1) Do NOT place a current-limiting resistor on the input pin - the input is a CMOS Schmitt-trigger buffer, not an LED. (2) Do NOT assume default-low logic when the input pin loses its reference - the output defaults are part-number-selected (Si8610BC = default-low). (3) Do NOT assume cross-manufacturer second sourcing - the TI ISO7810FDW pinout matches at the 8-SOIC level but the data rate ceiling drops from 150 Mbps to 100 Mbps (-33 %), so the TI part is a true drop-in only for sub-100-Mbps designs. Source: Skyworks si861x-2x datasheet + verified cross-reference data.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH compliant per Skyworks product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial / consumer part; for AEC-Q100 use the Si8610BC-AQ1R); UL 1577 recognized component with 3.75 kVrms isolation rating per Skyworks datasheet. VDE 0884-10 reinforced rating applies only to the Si862xxT wide-body variants, not to the Si8610BC-B-IS narrow-body.
