11/9/21, 9:39 AM Why You Need Channel-to-channel Isolation

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Why You Need Channel-to-channel Isolation

Data Acquisition > Voltage > DI-245

https://www.dataq.com/blog/data-acquisition/why-you-need-channel-to-channel-isolation/ 1/4
11/9/21, 9:39 AM Why You Need Channel-to-channel Isolation

Editor’s update:

All information in this application note applies equally to model DI-808 data logger with a built-in Web server,
and model DI-2008 Thermocouple, Voltage and Pulse Data Acquisition System.

It’s difficult to temper excitement about DATAQ Instruments’ model DI-245 data acquisition system. Beyond
thermocouple-based measurements and a superb voltage measurement range, there’s the instrument’s
incredible isolation specification. We’ve given you a multimedia presentation and a related post that describes
it (see here and here), but this post focuses on an often-overlooked nuance of isolated instruments.

Channel-to-channel Isolation

Many instruments offer input-to-output isolation and

tout that as a great feature. Some isolation is better than
none, but it’s important to understand exactly what you get
with an instrument that offers only input-to-output isolation:
All channels share a common ground that is isolated from
power. There are no consequences to this if you connect
only one channel to a multi-channel instrument. That single
channel’s ground reference is free to float to any value
within the isolation spec of the instrument without damage.
However, connect a second channel at the same time and
DI-245 high common mode voltage application
you could be headed for major problems.
(click to enlarge.)
A nearby graphic reproduces the test setup we used in our
multimedia presentation where we deployed the DI-245 in a high common mode voltage situation. Can you
imagine what would have occurred if the DI-245 supported only input-to-output and no channel-to-channel
isolation? Right…instant fireworks. If it isn’t clear why, look closely at the relationship between channels one
and two. Channel one has been driven off ground by a 340-V peak-to-peak signal (ordinary US line voltage),
while channel two is grounded. If the DI-245 lacked channel-to-channel isolation, meaning all input channels
share the same ground, connecting channel two in the manner shown shorts line voltage to ground. Ouch!
Fortunately, we anticipated this problem and designed the DI-245 with both input-to-output and channel-to-
channel isolation.

So, why would any manufacturer design a product with only input-to-output isolation (and there are many
who do?) It simply costs less to provide only input-to-output isolation, which translates into a lower selling
price while still allowing the company to advertise the product as having isolation. It’s a smokescreen laid in
front of a bear trap for customers whose budgets match their instrumentation experience. With the DI-245
you can have it both ways: World-class isolation at a budget-friendly price.

 Additional Reading:

DI-245 mV, V, and Thermocouple Data Acquisition System

Model DI-808 Data Logger with a Built-in Web Server

 
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