HCNR200 linear optocoupler has a small frequency range, and very poor linearity, is this a defect?

Hello @slava,

The HCNR200 contains a LED and two photodiodes. Linearity is increased by wrapping one of the diodes into a feedback loop. For your schematic:

  • LED is the emitter for the optocoupler
  • PD1 is the sensing (feedback) diode
  • PD2 is the output photodiode

Note that this project is adjacent to a 2018 blog post.

Thoughts:

  • The blog posts states " It only work with positive input voltages (VIN ≥ 0) regardless of single or dual supply of ap-amp." This may reflect the indented 4-20 mA industrial applications typically associated with the HCNR200.

  • Eliminate the Q1 and D1. The op amp should be able to drive the LED directly as suggested in Application Note 5394 (Avago) as shown in the schematic.

  • Note that the current through PD1 and PD2 should be identical. Note the values of R1 and R5 in the schematic below.

  • When using BNC we are in a 50 Ω system. Be sure to provide a termination resistor directly to ground at the input BNC connector. Reflections in the BNC cable can cause problems at higher frequencies.

  • Please provide the schematic for your circuit as the blog post diagram if very difficult to read as it does not follow a conventional left to right flow.

  • With regards to frequency:

    • Since PD1 and PD2 are identical, you could measure the frequency dependent voltage on PD1 and compare it to PD2. It should be the same.

    • Assuming a non-linear frequency response (but compensated by the PD1 feedback loop) verify that the PD1 feedback signal isn’t “in the rails.”

Please let us know if you were able to achieve your high frequency requirements.

Sincerely,

Aaron