Posted on 21st April 2026 | Modified on 21st April 2026
Toshiba is launching the TLX9920, a photovoltaic-output photocoupler to provide an isolated gate drive voltage for power Mosfets.
It is for high-side and back-to-back configurations used in solid-state relays (SSRs). For example, possible applications include automotive battery management systems (BMS), onboard chargers (OBC), inverters, energy storage systems (ESS) and industrial power control equipment.
The company writes:
“As automotive and industrial systems continue shifting from mechanical relays to solid-state relays, designers require reliable, highly isolated gate drive solutions that eliminate the need for secondary-side power supplies. The new TLX9920 generates the gate drive voltage directly from its photovoltaic output, enabling simplified circuit design while maintaining reinforced isolation between control and power domains.”
It comes in a SO6L package measuring 3.84mm × 10.0mm × 2.1mm). And has a minimum creepage distance of 8mm and a high isolation voltage rating of 5000Vrms (min.).
This makes it suitable for applications requiring reinforced insulation, highlights Toshiba. For example, IEC 60664-1 specifies that a creepage distance of 8mm may be required for systems operating at 400V or higher in pollution degree 2 environments.
It has a minimum open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 13.5V. And minimum short-circuit current (ISC) of 8μA at a forward current (IF) of 10mA. This means the TLX9920 provides gate drive capability for Mosfet control without the need for an additional isolated bias supply.
Its integrated discharge circuit further simplifies design and ensures reliable turn-off performance, adds Toshiba.
You can read more about the photovoltaic-output photocoupler on the company website, including the TLX9920 datasheet (PDF).
See all our Toshiba content.
Alun Williams
Web Editor of Electronics Weekly, he is the author of the Gadget Master and Electro-ramblings blogs and also covers space technology news. He has been working in tech journalism for worryingly close to thirty years. In a previous existence, he was a software programmer.
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