Isolation & Data Transformers

Isolation / data transformers are used for isolation and voltage scaling in data line and power supply applications. Isolation transformers typically serve three main purposes:

1. Ground loop prevention – when connecting circuits with grounds at different potentials
2. Galvanic isolation – to prevent the flow of direct current (DC) between sections of circuits
3. Voltage transformation – to step up or step down from one voltage to another

Isolation transformers may be also be described as power-supply transformers, signal transformers, data-line transformers, communications transformers, interface transformers, data-interface transformers, industrial-communications transformers, and miniature transformers.  Isolation transformers are very versatile and well suited for many commercial and industrial power supply and data communications applications, including:

• Low voltage (3.3 to 24 V) isolated DC-DC power supplies up to 7.2 Watts
• Low-noise RS-485, RS-422, and RS-232 isolated serial communications data interfaces
• Industrial and building automation and control systems
• Multipoint data transmission systems
• Isolated CAN interfaces
• Isolated 4 – 20 mA current loops for process control
• Half-bridge, Full-bridge, and Push-pull low voltage isolated DC-DC power supplies

For more details on isolation transformer applications, check out our Understanding and Selecting Isolation Transformers page.