Bourns has released the Model HCTSM151207FAL, an AEC-Q200 compliant automotive-grade isolation power transformer designed for high-voltage isolation needs.
This compact component provides reinforced insulation with over 15 mm clearance and creepage distances, making it suitable for safety-critical applications involving hazardous voltages. Design engineers will appreciate its compatibility with flyback converters like those using Texas Instruments SN6501 and SN6505B drivers.
Key Features and Benefits
The HCTSM151207FAL transformer uses a ferrite toroid core for high coupling efficiency and low transformer losses, supporting a 24 V input to deliver up to 12 V at 100 mA output. It features a primary inductance of 400 µH minimum and withstands 7.64 kV AC for 2 seconds at 1 mA, ensuring robust isolation in overvoltage category II environments up to pollution degree 2 and 2 km altitude.
- Working voltage up to 1500 VDC, ideal for separating low-voltage interfaces from high-voltage batteries in energy storage systems.
- Reinforced insulation compliant with IEC 60664-1:2007, IEC/UL 62368-1:2018, and UL 62368-1:2021 standards.
- AEC-Q200 Grade 1 qualified for automotive reliability, with operation from -40 °C to +125 °C.
- RoHS compliant, measuring 15.0 x 21.3 x 9.6 mm for space-constrained PCB layouts.
These specs translate to enhanced safety in circuits where arc flash or partial discharge risks must be minimized, particularly in high-altitude or dusty industrial settings.
Typical Applications
This transformer targets isolated interface power supplies for communication protocols in harsh environments.
- Energy storage systems (ESS) up to 1500 V, protecting control circuits from battery stacks.
- High-voltage DC meters for accurate readings without ground loops.
- CAN, RS-485, RS-422, RS-232, SPI, I2C, and low-power LAN interfaces in Industry 4.0 equipment.
- Digital input modules and automotive ECUs requiring galvanic isolation.
In practice, it fits PFC stages or DC-DC converters in EV chargers, industrial drives, and solar inverters, where the 15 mm creepage exceeds basic requirements for reinforced isolation.
Technical Highlights
The model’s dimensions allow surface-mount assembly, with the toroid core minimizing EMI radiation compared to bobbin-wound alternatives. Its hi-pot rating supports functional insulation testing during production, while the wide temperature range ensures performance in under-hood or outdoor enclosures.
Key parameters include:
- Clearance/creepage: 15 mm minimum, reducing field stress and enabling compliance without potting.
- Turns ratio configurable for custom needs, though standard is optimized for TI drivers.
- Pollution degree 2 rating suits non-condensing environments typical in sealed enclosures.
Engineers should verify exact turns ratio and leakage inductance from the datasheet for resonant flyback designs.
Design-in Notes for Engineers
Select this transformer for applications needing >7 kV isolation without increasing board area; pair with SN6501 for <100 mA supplies to achieve >80% efficiency. Simulate thermal rise under full load, as toroid cores distribute heat evenly but require adequate copper traces. For ESS integration, confirm system-level creepage paths exceed 15 mm including PCB material. Prototype testing should include partial discharge checks at 1500 VDC.
Source
This article is based on the manufacturer’s featured product bulletin for the HCTSM151207FAL, providing key specifications and application details as announced.
