A company has introduced a single-IC USB isolator (universal serial bus isolator), which simplifies isolated USB-port implementation in system-critical medical equipment. USB ports provide a standardized, straightforward way to connect and disconnect peripheral devices to and from a computer without rebooting or turning off the system. The ADuM4160 USB isolator offers 5 kV rms medical-grade isolation, upstream short circuit protection, and fully isolated 1.5-Mbps and 12-Mbps data rates (IEC 60601-1 medical safety approvals pending). The USB 2.0-compliant device makes it possible for medical design engineers to cut implementation costs by up to 25%, reduce the size of designs by as much as 50%, and trim development time. Analog Devices Inc., Norwood, MA, 781-937-1472.
