Galvanic isolation

Galvanic isolation is a principle of isolating functional sections of electrical systems to prevent current flow; no direct conduction path is permitted.[1][2] Energy or information can still be exchanged between the sections by other means, such as capacitance, induction or electromagnetic waves, or by optical, acoustic or mechanical means.

A transformer is the most widespread example of galvanic isolation.
An opto-isolator is a very popular method of isolation in digital circuits.
Cross-section of dual in-line package opto-isolators. Relative sizes of LED (red) and sensor (green) are exaggerated.
Everlight EL817 phototransistor opto-isolator in DIP-4 package
Halo TG110-S050N2RL 10/100Base-TX ethernet pulse transformer in SO-16 package

Galvanic isolation is used where two or more electric circuits must communicate, but their grounds may be at different potentials. It is an effective method of breaking ground loops by preventing unwanted current from flowing between two units sharing a ground conductor. Galvanic isolation is also used for safety, preventing accidental current from reaching ground through a person's body.

Methods

Transformer

Transformers couple by magnetic flux. The primary and secondary windings of a transformer are not connected to each other (an autotransformer has a conductive connection between its windings and so does not provide isolation). The voltage difference that may safely be applied between windings without risk of breakdown (the isolation voltage) is specified in kilovolts by an industry standard. The same applies to transductors. While transformers are usually used to change voltages, isolation transformers with a 1:1 ratio are used in safety applications.

If two electronic systems have a common ground, they are not galvanically isolated. The common ground might not normally and intentionally have connection to functional poles, but might become connected. For this reason isolation transformers do not supply a GND/earth pole.

Opto-isolator

Opto-isolators transmit information by light waves. The sender (light source) and receiver (photosensitive device) are not electrically connected; typically they are held in place within a matrix of transparent, insulating plastic.

Capacitor

Capacitors allow alternating current (AC) to flow, but block direct current; they couple ac signals between circuits at different direct voltages. Depending on conditions, a capacitor may fail and become "short circuited", ending its electric isolation function, which creates risk to the "now connected circuit" and, possibly, human danger. To address this question, there are special ratings for capacitors used for safety isolation, such as "Class Y".

Hall effect

Hall effect sensors allow an inductor to transfer information across a small gap magnetically. Unlike opto-isolators they do not contain a light source with a finite life, and in contrast to a transformer based approach they don't require DC balancing.

Magnetoresistance

Magnetocouplers use giant magnetoresistance (GMR) to couple from AC down to DC.

Relay

One side operates the magnetic coil of an isolation relay. The other side is connected to switched contacts.

Applications

Optocouplers are used within a system to decouple a function block from another connected to the power grid or other high voltage, for safety and equipment protection. For example, power semiconductors connected to the line voltage may be switched by optocouplers driven from low-voltage circuits, which need not be insulated for the higher line voltage.

Transformers allow the output of a device to "float" relative to ground to avoid potential ground loops. Power isolation transformers increase the safety of a device, so that a person touching a live portion of the circuit will not have current flow through them to earth. Power sockets intended for electric razor supply may use an isolation transformer to prevent an electric shock if the razor should be dropped into water.

References
  1. John Huntington Show Networks and Control Systems: Formerly Control Systems for Live Entertainment 2012 ISBN 0615655904, page 98
  2. "Description of Galvanic Isolation". Schneider Electric. Retrieved 2019-03-29.

See also
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