9.2.1.2.1 Setting Current Limit and Voltage Thresholds

The R_SENSE resistor limits the current drawn from the field input. A value of 562 Ω for R_SENSE is recommended for Type 1 and Type 3 operation, and results in a current limit of 2.25 mA (typical). A value of 200 Ω for R_SENSE is recommended for Type 2 operation, and results in a current limit of 6 mA (typical). In each case, a (slightly) lower value of R_SENSE can be selected based on the need for a higher current limit or component availability. For more information, see the Electrical Characteristics—DC Specification table and Typical Characteristics section. A 1% tolerance is recommended on R_SENSE but 5% resistors can also be used if higher variation in the current limit value is acceptable. The relationship between the R_SENSE resistor and the typical current limit (I_L) is given by Equation 1.

Equation 1.

The R_THR resistor sets the voltage thresholds (V_IL and V_IH) as well as limits the surge current. A value of 1 kΩ is recommended for R_THR in Type 3 systems (maximum threshold voltage required is 11 V). A value of 2.5 kΩ is recommended for R_THR in Type 1 systems (maximum threshold voltage required is 15 V) and a value of 330 Ω is recommended for R_THR in Type 2 systems. The Electrical Characteristics—DC Specification table lists and the Typical Characteristics section describes the voltage thresholds with different values of R_THR. For other values of R_THR, derive the values through linear interpolation. Use Equation 2 and Equation 3 to calculate the values for the typical V_IH values and minimum V_IL values, respectively.

Equation 2.

Equation 3.

The maximum voltage on the SENSE pins of the ISO121x device is 60 V. However, because the R_THR resistor drops additional voltage, the maximum voltage supported at the module inputs is higher and given by Equation 4.

Equation 4.

Use the ISO121x Threshold Calculator for 9V to 300V DC and AC Voltage Detection to estimate the values of the voltage transition thresholds, the maximum-allowed module input voltage, and module input current for the given values of the R_SENSE and R_THR resistors.

A value of 0 Ω for R_THR also meets Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 voltage-threshold requirements. The value of R_THR should be maximized for best EMC performance while meeting the desired input voltage thresholds. Because R_THR is used to limit surge current, 0.25 W MELF resistors must be used.

Figure 18 shows the typical input current characteristics and voltage transition thresholds for 562-Ω R_SENSE and 1-kΩ R_THR.

Figure 18. Transition Thresholds