Optocoupler for Arduino microcontroller: What is it?

An optocoupler is an electronic component. Similar to relays, optocouplers are used to separate circuits from each other. With an optocoupler we speak of galvanic isolation. This means that both the control and the working circuit are completely separated from each other and no current can flow between these two circuits. This is achieved by a light pulse from an LED shining on a so-called phototransistor.

Types of optocouplers within microelectronics

If you search for optocouplers in our store, you will find that we carry different variants of the components. These variants differ in terms of the channels on them and the voltages of the inputs and outputs. In microelectronics we mostly use voltages between 3.3 and 5 volts. So if you want to switch the optocoupler with an Arduino or Raspberry Pi (i.e. control the control circuit), we recommend to consider this voltage specification.