Vishay Intertechnology Automotive Grade Optocouplers Deliver High Isolation Voltage Ratings and Distance for EVs and Solar Inverters

Vishay (NYSE: VSH) introduced two Automotive Grade optocouplers, VOWA617A and VOWA618A, for EVs and solar inverters.

Rhea-AI Summary

Vishay (NYSE: VSH) introduced two Automotive Grade optocouplers, VOWA617A and VOWA618A, for EVs and solar inverters. These widebody SMD‑8 devices offer ≥ 11 mm creepage/clearance, VIORM 1500 Vpeak, VIOWM 1060 VRMS, 5300 VRMS isolation, and 8000 Vpeak VIOTM.

They feature CTI 600 (Material Group 1), 80 V collector‑emitter rating, -40 °C to +125 °C operation, and CTR from 50 % to 600 % at low input currents. Samples and production quantities are available with eight-week lead times.

Argus May 20 session

+8.42% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – VSH

In the May 20 session, VSH gained 8.42%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock moved +8.4% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with rec...

Analysis

The stock moved +8.4% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with recent patterns where concrete product launches and technical milestones drew interest, as seen with the 14.48% move on prior TVS diode and earnings news. The new optocouplers’ high isolation ratings, ≥ 11 mm creepage and clearance, and CTI 600 positioning in EV and solar applications could justify enthusiasm. Investors would still need to watch how design wins and future filings translate these specifications into revenue.

Key Figures

Creepage/clearance distance: ≥ 11 mm VIORM: 1500 Vpeak VIOWM: 1060 VRMS +5 more

Creepage/clearance distance

≥ 11 mm

External creepage and clearance distances for VOWA617A/VOWA618A

VIORM

1500 Vpeak

Maximum repetitive peak isolation voltage

VIOWM

1060 VRMS

Maximum working isolation voltage

Isolation voltage

5300 VRMS

Isolation rating of new Automotive Grade optocouplers

VIOTM

8000 Vpeak

Transient overvoltage rating

Comparative tracking index

CTI 600

CTI giving Material Group 1 insulation rating

Operating temperature range

-40 °C to +125 °C

Automotive Grade operating temperature limits

Current transfer ratio range

50% to 600%

CTR at 5 mA (VOWA617A) and 1 mA (VOWA618A)

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 19

5 events

1. May 19

   Trade show showcase

   24h Move

   -2.6%

   Announcement of PCIM Europe 2026 power electronics showcase.

2. May 18

   Dividend declaration

   24h Move

   -2.6%

   Quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share declared for June payment.

3. May 13

   Product launch

   24h Move

   +14.5%

   Launch of 3000 W PAR and TRANSZORB TVS diodes in DFN6546A.

4. May 13

   Earnings results

   24h Move

   +14.5%

   Q1 2026 results with revenue growth and improved margins.

5. May 06

   Regulatory compliance

   24h Move

   +4.6%

   ESD protection diode passing IEEE 10BASE-T1S compliance tests.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

galvanic isolation, comparative tracking index, optocouplers, phototransistor, +1 more

5 terms

galvanic isolation technical

"Designed to deliver signal transmission with high galvanic isolation for electric vehicles"

Galvanic isolation is a design approach that keeps two electrical circuits physically separate so direct current cannot flow between them while still allowing information or power to pass via non-contact methods. Think of it like a glass window that lets light and sound through but prevents a shock if you touch one side. For investors it matters because it improves safety, reduces risk of device failures or regulatory problems, and can affect product costs and market acceptance.

comparative tracking index technical

"widebody package featuring a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600"

A comparative tracking index is a benchmark that aggregates the returns of a chosen market, sector, or group of peers so investors can directly compare how a specific fund or portfolio performs against that reference. Like comparing a car’s fuel efficiency on a highway versus in the city, it makes it easy to see whether an investment is keeping pace, consistently underperforming, or outperforming, which helps evaluate manager skill, risk and whether fees are justified.

optocouplers technical

"introduced two new Automotive Grade optocouplers with phototransistor output"

Optocouplers are small electronic components that transfer a signal between two circuits using light, keeping the circuits electrically isolated from each other. Think of them as a hands-off translator that lets information pass without a direct electrical connection, which prevents shocks, noise, or surges from spreading. Investors care because optocouplers are critical for safety, regulatory compliance and reliability in products like power systems and medical or automotive electronics, influencing demand, margins and supply-chain risk.

phototransistor technical

"optocouplers with phototransistor output in a widebody package"

A phototransistor is a light-sensitive electronic switch that changes its electrical output when exposed to light, combining a light detector and amplifier in one component. Investors care because it is a key part in devices like optical sensors, remote controls, and machine-vision systems; demand, manufacturing costs, and supply constraints for phototransistors can affect revenue and margins for companies in electronics, automotive, and industrial markets—think of it as the eye and reflex that trigger a gadget’s response to light.

RoHS-compliant regulatory

"RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green, the devices feature a wide"

RoHS-compliant means a product meets rules that limit or ban certain hazardous chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment, ensuring the item does not contain those restricted substances above set limits. For investors this matters because compliance affects a company's ability to sell in regulated markets, avoid fines and recalls, and manage production costs and supply-chain risks—similar to a food product following a recipe that omits banned ingredients to stay sellable and safe.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Devices Combine Creepage and Clearance Distances of ≥ 11 mm, VIORM of 1500 Vpeak, and VIOWM of 1060 VRMS in Widebody SMD-8 Package With 600 CTI

MALVERN, Pa., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today introduced two new Automotive Grade optocouplers with phototransistor output in a widebody package featuring a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600. Designed to deliver signal transmission with high galvanic isolation for electric vehicles (EV) and solar inverters, the Vishay Semiconductors VOWA617A and VOWA618A provide V_IORM of 1500 V_peak, V_IOWM of 1060 V_RMS, and external creepage and clearance distances of ≥ 11 mm.

Offering the highest creepage distance in their class, the AEC-Q102 qualified devices released today provide a ≥ 38 % higher safety margin than typical 8 mm solutions, making them ideal for grid-connected on-board chargers (OBC), DC/DC converters, and battery management system (BMS) isolation stages. Exceeding the requirements for reinforced insulation in these high voltage applications, they combine their high V_IORM and V_IOWM — which represent increases of 6 % and 19 %, respectively, over competing devices — with an isolation voltage of 5300 V_RMS and V_IOTM of 8000 V_peak.

The optocouplers each consist of an infrared emitting diode, which is optically coupled to a silicon planar phototransistor detector in a widebody SMD-8 package. While standard solutions typically offer a CTI of 175, the 600 CTI of the VOWA617A and VOWA618A gives them a Material Group 1 rating, the highest insulation group. In addition, their 80 V collector-emitter voltage rating allows more design flexibility.

Compared to consumer-grade solutions that typically feature operating temperatures to +85 °C, the optocouplers operate over a wider -40 °C to +125 °C temperature range, with a junction temperature capability up to +145 °C. RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green, the devices feature a wide current transfer ratio (CTR) range from 50 % to 600 % at low input currents of 5 mA for the VOWA617A and 1 mA for the VOWA618A.

Samples and production quantities of the new widebody optocouplers are available now, with lead times of eight weeks.

Vishay manufactures one of the world’s largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Serving customers worldwide, Vishay is The DNA of tech.^® Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH). More on Vishay at www.Vishay.com.

The DNA of tech^® is a registered trademark of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

Vishay on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VishayIntertechnology
Vishay Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/vishayindust

Links to product datasheets:
http://www.vishay.com/ppg?80400  (VOWA617A, VOWA618A)

Link to product photo:
https://flickr.com/photos/vishay/albums/72177720333517113/

For more information please contact:
Vishay Intertechnology
Peter Henrici, +1 408 567-8400
peter.henrici@vishay.com
 or
Redpines
Bob Decker, +1 415 409-0233
bob.decker@redpinesgroup.com

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Vishay (VSH) announce about its new Automotive Grade optocouplers for EVs and solar inverters?

Vishay announced two Automotive Grade optocouplers, VOWA617A and VOWA618A, designed for high-isolation signal transmission in EVs and solar inverters. According to Vishay, these devices combine wide creepage distance, strong insulation ratings, and robust temperature performance in a widebody SMD-8 package.

What are the key isolation ratings of Vishay VOWA617A and VOWA618A optocouplers (VSH)?

Vishay’s VOWA617A and VOWA618A provide VIORM of 1500 Vpeak and VIOWM of 1060 VRMS for reinforced insulation. According to Vishay, they also offer 5300 VRMS isolation voltage, 8000 Vpeak VIOTM, and external creepage and clearance distances of at least 11 mm.

How do Vishay’s new VSH optocouplers improve safety margins for EV on-board chargers and BMS?

The VOWA617A and VOWA618A deliver ≥ 11 mm creepage, giving a ≥ 38% higher safety margin than typical 8 mm parts. According to Vishay, these AEC-Q102 qualified devices exceed reinforced insulation requirements for grid-connected OBCs, DC/DC converters, and battery management isolation stages.

What operating temperature range do Vishay VOWA617A and VOWA618A optocouplers (VSH) support?

The VOWA617A and VOWA618A operate from -40 °C to +125 °C, with junction temperatures up to +145 °C. According to Vishay, this range is wider than typical consumer-grade solutions, which often only reach +85 °C, supporting demanding automotive and industrial environments.

What electrical and material ratings distinguish Vishay’s VOWA617A and VOWA618A optocouplers?

These optocouplers feature an 80 V collector-emitter rating and a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600. According to Vishay, CTI 600 gives a Material Group 1 insulation rating, while the wide CTR range of 50% to 600% supports low input currents down to 1 mA.

When will Vishay’s VOWA617A and VOWA618A Automotive Grade optocouplers (VSH) be available to customers?

Samples and production quantities of the VOWA617A and VOWA618A are available now through Vishay’s channels. According to Vishay, the standard lead time for these widebody Automotive Grade optocouplers is eight weeks, supporting near-term design-in for EV and solar inverter applications.