SI8710BC-B-IS - 1-Ch 15Mbps Digital Isolator | Skyworks
MPN: SI8710BC-B-IS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.65 | $16.50 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.95 | $950.00 |
SI8710BC-B-IS Overview
What is a digital isolator? A digital isolator is a semiconductor device that transmits logic-level signals across an isolation barrier using high-voltage capacitive or magnetic coupling rather than optical (LED + photodiode) means. Digital isolators sit within the broader power management and signal conditioning hierarchy: digital isolator -> isolation IC -> interface IC -> analog/mixed-signal semiconductor. Compared to optocouplers, CMOS-based isolators eliminate LED aging, current-transfer-ratio (CTR) degradation, and temperature-dependent gain shifts, while also consuming roughly 10x less input bias current.
Key specifications include 60 ns maximum propagation delay, 3750 Vrms withstand isolation voltage (per UL 1577 standards - see datasheet), >50 kV/us typical CMTI, and a wider 3 V to 30 V supply range that supports industrial 24 V rails. The Si87xx family is built on proprietary CMOS isolation technology that yields a 10x lower FIT rate than optocouplers, producing longer service life and immune to temperature, age, and forward-current effects that plague optical solutions.
The Si87xx architecture uses an on-chip oscillator to convert the DC input into an AC carrier, capacitively couples it across the isolation barrier, and reconstructs the logic level on the secondary side. The open-collector output stage requires a pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kOhm to 10 kOhm) on the output side and supports logic translation across different voltage domains, a useful feature when bridging 3.3 V microcontrollers to 24 V industrial inputs.
Typical applications include PLC digital input modules, industrial fieldbus isolation (RS-485, CAN, Profibus node isolation), switching power supply feedback path isolation, and IGBT gate-drive signal isolation in motor drives. The 15 Mbps data rate is also adequate for SPI interface isolation at modest clock rates and for low-speed serial protocol bridging.
When designing with this device, note that the input is an LED emulator (not a TTL/CMOS logic input) - the datasheet specifies minimum forward current, which the engineer must respect. The output pull-up resistor value must be chosen to balance speed against power dissipation; 4.7 kOhm is a common starting point for 5 V rails.
This page synthesizes Skyworks datasheet values, distributor pricing tiers, same-brand Si87xx drop-in options, and practical design notes not found in any single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for SI8710BC-B-IS — 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 SI8710BC-B-IS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI), Data Rate, Output Type, Number of Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
SI8710AD-B-IS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →SI8710AC-B-IS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →SI8662BD-B-IS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →SI8660BB-B-IS1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →SI8641BD-B-ISR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →SI8640BD-B-IS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADuM1100ARZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SI8710BC-B-IS Specifications
| Function | Single-channel digital isolator (LED emulator input, open-collector output) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Data Rate | 15 Mbps (maximum) |
| Propagation Delay | 60 ns (maximum) |
| Isolation Voltage | 3750 Vrms |
| Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI) | 35 kV/us (minimum), >50 kV/us (typical) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3 V to 30 V |
| Input Type | LED emulator (current-driven) |
| Output Type | Open-collector |
| Package | 8-SOIC (0.154 inch, 3.90 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Inputs - Side 1 / Side 2 | 1 / 0 |
| Technology | CMOS capacitive isolation |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
SI8710BC-B-IS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD1 — Input-side supply voltage (3 V to 30 V) |
| Pin 2 | ANODE — LED-emulator anode; current input |
| Pin 3 | CATHODE — LED-emulator cathode; current return |
| Pin 4 | GND1 — Input-side ground |
| Pin 5 | GND2 — Output-side ground (isolated from GND1) |
| Pin 6 | OUT — Open-collector output; requires external pull-up |
| Pin 7 | VRL — Pull-up reference voltage (connect to VDD2 or logic rail) |
| Pin 8 | VDD2 — Output-side supply voltage (3 V to 30 V) |
Typical Applications
SI8710BC-B-IS is suitable for 7 applications: PLC Digital Input Module Isolation, Industrial Fieldbus Node Isolation (RS-485 / CAN / Profibus), Switching Power Supply Feedback Path Isolation, IGBT Gate-Drive Signal Isolation (Low-Side), Test and Measurement Equipment Isolation, Medical Device Signal Isolation (Patient-Monitoring Side), Solar Inverter Communication Interface Isolation.
PLC Digital Input Module Isolation
The SI8710BC-B-IS fits 24 V PLC digital input modules because its 3 V to 30 V supply range accepts the field-side voltage rail directly, while its 3750 Vrms isolation barrier protects the backplane microcontroller from field-side transients. The 15 Mbps data rate exceeds the bandwidth needed for input-scan refresh rates (typically 1 kHz per channel). Its 35 kV/us minimum CMTI ensures the module does not false-trigger when adjacent outputs switch inductive loads in the same panel.
Recommended
Industrial Fieldbus Node Isolation (RS-485 / CAN / Profibus)
For RS-485 transceiver isolation in industrial nodes, the SI8710BC-B-IS provides the required 3750 Vrms galvanic isolation between the bus transceiver and the host microcontroller, while the 15 Mbps ceiling covers Profibus DP and high-speed CAN-FD signal paths. The LED-emulator input draws minimal bias current and the open-collector output integrates cleanly with standard transceiver DE/RE pins (with external pull-up).
Recommended
Switching Power Supply Feedback Path Isolation
In isolated AC-DC and DC-DC converters, the SI8710BC-B-IS isolates the primary-side PWM controller's feedback path from the secondary-side error amplifier, breaking the ground loop while preserving the 3.75 kVrms safety barrier. The 60 ns propagation delay is acceptable for sub-MHz primary-side regulation loops; the 3 V to 30 V supply span lets the secondary side run directly off the converter output rail without an extra LDO.
Recommended
IGBT Gate-Drive Signal Isolation (Low-Side)
For low-side IGBT/MOSFET gate drivers in motor control or induction-heating inverters, the SI8710BC-B-IS provides the required dV/dt immunity (35 kV/us minimum CMTI) to keep the control signal intact during switching transients. The open-collector output pairs with common gate-drive IC inputs (with an external pull-up) and the 8-SOIC footprint saves board space compared to optocoupler-based gate-drive designs.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment Isolation
Bench instruments (oscilloscope front ends, data-acquisition modules, spectrum analyzer IF stages) require analog/digital isolation that does not distort measurements. The SI8710BC-B-IS provides trigger and handshake signal isolation across the 3.75 kVrms barrier with 15 Mbps bandwidth, suitable for inter-board digital handshakes in modular instruments. Its wide 3 V to 30 V supply supports direct bus-rail powering inside the chassis.
Recommended
Medical Device Signal Isolation (Patient-Monitoring Side)
In patient-monitoring equipment the SI8710BC-B-IS provides an isolation barrier that meets IEC 60601-1 patient-protection requirements when the surrounding system design satisfies creepage and clearance rules. Its 3.75 kVrms isolation withstand, 35 kV/us CMTI, and -40C to +125C operating range make it suitable for ECG, pulse-oximeter, and infusion-pump signal paths. Designers must additionally confirm the end-system safety certification with their notified body.
Recommended
Solar Inverter Communication Interface Isolation
The SI8710BC-B-IS isolates RS-485 / RS-232 / CAN communication ports inside solar inverters, separating the high-voltage DC-bus side from the low-voltage control / monitoring side. Its 3.75 kVrms withstand covers the 1500 VDC photovoltaic-string isolation boundary used in modern residential and commercial inverters; the 15 Mbps rate is more than enough for inverter telemetry protocols like SunSpec Modbus.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SI8710BC-B-IS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SI8710AD-B-IS | SI8710AC-B-IS | SI8662BD-B-IS | SI8660BB-B-IS1 | ADuM1100ARZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Skyworks Solutions | Skyworks Solutions | Skyworks Solutions | Skyworks Solutions | Skyworks Solutions | Analog Devices |
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC (same) | 8-SOIC (same) | 8-SOIC (same) | 8-SOIC (same) | 8-SOIC (same) |
| Number of Channels | 1 forward | 1 forward | 1 forward | 6 channels | 6 channels | 1 forward |
| Data Rate (max) | 15 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Isolation Voltage | 3750 Vrms | 3750 Vrms | 5000 Vrms | 5000 Vrms | 3750 Vrms | 2500 Vrms |
| CMTI (min) | 35 kV/us | 35 kV/us | 35 kV/us | 35 kV/us | 35 kV/us | 25 kV/us |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V to 30 V | 3 V to 30 V | 3 V to 30 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Output Type | Open-collector | Open-collector | Open-collector | Push-pull | Push-pull | Push-pull |
| Input Type | LED emulator (current-driven) | LED emulator (current-driven) | LED emulator (current-driven) | CMOS logic | CMOS logic | CMOS logic |
Key Differentiators
- 10x lower FIT rate than optocouplers, with no LED aging (vs PC817 optocoupler)
- Wide 3 V to 30 V single-supply range across entire isolation barrier (vs ADuM1100ARZ)
- Pin-compatible drop-in upgrade for installed optocoupler designs (vs PC817, HCPL-0631, PS2501L-1-F3-A)
Design Notes
The SI8710BC-B-IS LED-emulator input is not a TTL/CMOS logic input - it requires forward current in the datasheet-specified range (typically 3-10 mA) sourced through a current-limiting resistor. Driving the input directly from a 3.3 V logic pin without a resistor will over-stress the input and possibly damage the device. Compute the resistor value as R = (Vdrive - Vf) / Iforward. The pin-2/3 LED emulator pins also have reverse-voltage limits; never reverse-bias them beyond the absolute-max rating.
Maintain at least 4 mm of creepage and clearance under the SOIC-8 package for 3750 Vrms isolation per UL 1577 / IEC 60747-17. Do not run any PCB traces or copper pours beneath the isolation barrier (between pins 1-4 and pins 5-8). Use slot cuts in the PCB if needed. Both grounds (GND1 pin 4 and GND2 pin 5) must NOT be connected together at the device - they are isolated and should be returned separately to their respective domains.
The open-collector output (pin 6) requires an external pull-up resistor; typical values are 4.7 kOhm to 10 kOhm to VDD2 / pin 7 (VRL). Lower resistor values improve rise time but increase power dissipation; higher values reduce quiescent current at the cost of longer rise times. For 15 Mbps operation choose 4.7 kOhm on a 5 V rail (1 mA output low current). Place the pull-up resistor close to the SI8710BC-B-IS output pin.
At high ambient temperatures near the 125 C maximum, verify that quiescent power dissipation does not push the SOIC-8 junction beyond rated limits. The SOIC-8 package has theta-JA of approximately 150 C/W in still air on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test board. With 3 mA internal current draw from each supply, total quiescent power is approximately 20-30 mW - well below thermal concerns under normal conditions. No heatsink is required.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliant per Skyworks product page; UL 1577 recognition referenced in Si87xx datasheet for 3750 Vrms isolation rating. AEC-Q100 qualification not claimed for SI8710BC-B-IS - consult Skyworks automotive-graded Si87xx variants for vehicle applications.
