New-Tech Europe Magazine | Jan 2018

like the NMUSB are the ideal choice for these applications, especially with their additional hub functionality (1 USB input, 2 USB outputs). Providing 2,5W at both outputs, they enable a seamless connection of higher-power loads directly to the interface. Different module options available for the implementation of isolated serial interfaces can make the design process easier and faster. As the most widespread alternative, turnkey DC/ DC converter modules can be used instead of a discrete solution. Suited to a multitude of interfaces, this approach results in simplifications for the board layout, the certification of the final device regarding electrical safety, and material procurement. Available in the market only recently, all-in-one solutions for specific isolated serial interfaces combine the data interface and the corresponding power supply in a single module, further simplifying the application and accelerating the design process. Due to their often highly compact form factor and possible additional functions including remote supply voltages, these products save board space and lead to potential savings in the rest of the electrical installation.

Figure 3: The NMUSB dual USB hub as a module solution

RS-485 specification. Apart from the basic function (isolation of the data interface), the module provides two additional isolated supply voltages at the output side, including +5V DC and ±6V DC. The latter can be forwarded using the data cable as a kind of remote supply voltage for the electronics of the next device. Material and installation savings can result if a separate supply voltage in the slave device is no longer needed thanks to this feature. As another example, the NMUSB interface

moduleof the samemanufacturer enables the straightforward implementation of an isolated USB interface. In particular, USB interfaces are mostly implemented without isolation because users are mostly working in office and computer environments. However, the prevalence of this interface results in an increasing number of applications that use the USB interface for data-capturing tasks, even if galvanic isolation is required for safety reasons (electrical safety or noise de-coupling). All-in-one modules

Hans-Peter Lüdeke, Murata Europe

New-Tech Magazine Europe l 35