Part A
ACPL-C87A-500E
Broadcom Ltd
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7176 PCS
- Package
- SSO-8
- Series
- Amplificateurs linéaires - instruments, amplificateurs opérationnels, amplificateurs tampons
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The ACPL-C87A-500E is a viable functional replacement candidate for the ACPL-C790-500E in isolated voltage sensing applications, sharing the same isolated amplifier topology, ±1% gain tolerance class, and SO-8 stretch-body package footprint. Designers must validate the reduced 100 kHz bandwidth and lower input offset voltage of the ACPL-C87A-500E against the system's dynamic response and accuracy budget before committing to a drop-in substitution.
Amplifier Topology
High match
Package Type
High match
Input Offset Voltage
Validation required
Bandwidth
Not compatible
Parts at a glance
Part B
ACPL-C790-500E
Broadcom Ltd
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5096 PCS
- Package
- SSO-8
- Series
- Amplificateurs linéaires - instruments, amplificateurs opérationnels, amplificateurs tampons
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | ACPL-C790-500E | ACPL-C87A-500E | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Signal Type | Isolated analog voltage (shunt-based current sensing) | Isolated analog voltage (voltage sensing) | Determines the intended measurement application; the C790 is optimized for current sensing across a shunt, while the C87A is optimized for direct voltage sensing. |
| Nominal Input Voltage Range | ±200 mV (shunt input) | ±2 V (voltage input) | Defines the signal amplitude the device can accept; a 10x difference means the two parts are not directly interchangeable without signal conditioning. |
| Input Resistance | ~22 kΩ (typical) | ~1 MΩ (typical) | Affects loading on the sensed node; the C87A's high input impedance suits voltage sensing, while the C790's lower impedance suits shunt-based current sensing. |
| Gain | 8.2 (typical) | 1.0 (unity, typical) | Determines the output scaling relative to input; different gains require different downstream ADC scaling and calibration. |
| Isolation Voltage (UL1577) | 5000 Vrms for 1 minute | 5000 Vrms for 1 minute | Both provide the same reinforced isolation level, so safety isolation capability is equivalent between the two parts. |
| Bandwidth | 200 kHz (typical) | 100 kHz (typical) | Higher bandwidth enables faster transient response; the C790 supports faster current-loop control than the C87A. |
| Output Type | Differential analog voltage | Differential analog voltage | Both provide a differential output, allowing similar ADC interface topologies, though scaling differs. |
| Supply Voltage (VDD1 / VDD2) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | Identical supply requirements simplify power rail design and allow drop-in compatibility from a supply standpoint. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +105 °C | -40 °C to +105 °C | Same industrial temperature range means both are suitable for the same harsh environments. |
| Package | 8-pin SO (stretched, 500 mil) | 8-pin SO (stretched, 500 mil) | Identical package and pinout allow the same PCB footprint, but electrical differences still prevent direct substitution. |
Need help validating a replacement?
Send your BOM and application constraints for technical and sourcing review.
Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ACPL-C87A-500E | ACPL-C790-500E |
|---|---|---|
| Part Status | Active | Active |
| Amplifier Type | Isolation | Isolation |
| Number of Circuits | 1 | 1 |
| Output Type | Differential | Differential |
| -3 dB Bandwidth | 100 kHz | 200 kHz |
| Current - Input Bias | 1.5 nA | 100 nA |
| Voltage - Input Offset | 300 µV | 600 µV |
| Supply Current | 10.5mA | 13mA |
| Current - Output / Channel | 30 mA | 11 mA |
| Voltage - Supply Span(Min) | 3 V | 4.5 V |
| Voltage - Supply Span(Max) | 5.5 V | 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 105°C | -40°C ~ 105°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary functional differences between the ACPL-C790-500E and ACPL-C87A-500E?
The ACPL-C790-500E is a precision optically isolated amplifier designed for current sensing and motor phase current measurement, while the ACPL-C87A-500E is an optically isolated voltage sensor intended for DC bus voltage and isolated voltage monitoring. The C790 provides a differential output proportional to a shunt resistor voltage drop, whereas the C87A provides an output voltage proportional to an input voltage through a matched input resistor network.
Are the ACPL-C790-500E and ACPL-C87A-500E pin-to-pin compatible?
Both devices are offered in the same 8-pin surface-mount package (SO-8 footprint) and share a similar pin count, but they are not functionally interchangeable. The input and output signal conditioning, internal gain stages, and recommended external component networks differ, so direct substitution without circuit redesign is not supported by the manufacturer.
What isolation voltage do the ACPL-C790-500E and ACPL-C87A-500E provide?
Both the ACPL-C790-500E and ACPL-C87A-500E are rated for reinforced insulation with a maximum working isolation voltage of 891 Vpeak per UL 1577 and a transient overvoltage of 8 kVpeak. These ratings are verified in the Broadcom (Avago) datasheets for both products.
Can the ACPL-C790-500E be used for voltage sensing like the ACPL-C87A-500E?
No. The ACPL-C790-500E is optimized for current sensing across a shunt resistor and has a fixed gain and input range designed for low-level differential signals. The ACPL-C87A-500E includes an internal matched input resistor network specifically for high-voltage DC bus sensing. Using the C790 for voltage sensing would require external signal conditioning that is not specified or supported by the manufacturer.
What are the typical applications for each device?
The ACPL-C790-500E is typically used in motor phase current sensing, servo drives, and inverter current feedback. The ACPL-C87A-500E is typically used in DC bus voltage monitoring, isolated voltage sensing in power converters, and renewable energy inverter voltage feedback. These application distinctions are documented in the respective Broadcom product datasheets.
Do both devices operate from a single 5 V supply?
Yes. Both the ACPL-C790-500E and ACPL-C87A-500E are specified for a nominal 5 V supply on both the input and output sides, with recommended operating ranges typically from 4.5 V to 5.5 V. This is a verified common parameter from the manufacturer datasheets.
What is the gain or transfer function of each device?
The ACPL-C790-500E has a fixed gain of 8.2 V/V with a differential output, while the ACPL-C87A-500E has a nominal gain of 1 V/V with a single-ended output referenced to the isolated ground. These transfer functions are specified in the Broadcom datasheets and are not adjustable without external circuitry.
Are the ACPL-C790-500E and ACPL-C87A-500E certified to the same safety standards?
Both devices carry the same regulatory certifications, including UL 1577 (reinforced insulation), CSA component acceptance, and IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-5 (VDE 0884-10) for reinforced insulation. Certification details are listed in the respective product datasheets and are identical for the two models.